Civility is not about dousing strongly held views. It's about making sure that people are willing to respect other perspectives.

Politics has high and low moments. Sometimes it brings out the better angels of our nature; sometimes baser instincts.

A government of, by and for the people is obligated to conduct the nation's business in a manner that respects dissent.

America is very decentralized in how it supports the humanities, unlike European countries where virtually everything stems from the central government.

There's probably a little greater case for pessimism than optimism. But I do not rule out optimism.

I am appalled by the notion of cultural wars.

Civility is not about dousing strongly held views. It's about making sure that people are willing to respect other perspectives.