I think there are few things more patriotic than taking the time to make your country a better place.

The health insurance industry does not like to pay out claims, because they don't make money. The only way they can make a profit is if they don't pay for your operation. If they pay for your operation and your doctor's appointment and your pharmaceuticals, they don't make any money.

We should all spend some time of our life doing service to our country. To me, I would give up a couple of years.

I'm used to my films having little effect on making the world a better place.

One thing I learned as a journalist is that there is at least one disgruntled person in every workplace in America - and at least double that number with a conscience. Hard as they try, they simply can't turn their heads away from an injustice when they see one taking place.

Since 9/11, the Bush administration has used that tragic event as a justification to rip up our constitution and our civil liberties. And I honestly believe that one or two 9/11s, and martial law will be declared in our country and we're inching towards a police state.

For my very first movie, 'Roger and Me,' I made it as part of my deal with Warner Brothers that the four people that were evicted in that film, that Warner Brothers would house - would pay their mortgage or their rent for the next two years to give them a chance to get on their feet.