I think a lot of us share a fear that we and people we love will lose control of our own destinies at the end of life.

We are seekers of the truth, but we do not embody the truth. And in humility, we should recognize that the same can be said about our most ardent foes.

When we vest our personal opinions with the trappings of religion, we make religion the servant of our politics.

The Federal Reserve bank buys government bonds without one penny.

The starting point is the recognition that throughout history, religion has been a cause of bloodshed, and it remains so today. Because religion has contributed to the world's problems, it must develop specific and practical ways to help solve those problems.

The Senate is indeed a deliberative body, and that quality serves the nation well. A slow-moving government helps us maintain a stable government. But slow moving is not the same as immobile.

Japan is a great nation. It should begin to act like one.