I can assure you, public service is a stimulating, proud and lively enterprise. It is not just a way of life, it is a way to live fully.

So much of our attention is trained on the Middle East these days, but we cannot ignore East Asia.

Democracy makes us articulate our views, defend them, and refine them.

We cannot do everything in Africa, but doing nothing is not an option.

But in the end our government usually - not unfailingly - is responsive to the people; and usually - not always - will try to do what is right.

Protecting Americans from nuclear terrorism rises above politics.

This nation is never finished. It has to be re-created in each generation.