I hate diversity workshops. “Real change comes from having enough comfort to be really honest and say something very uncomfortable.

You do not keep American democracy in suspense. Because, look, too many people have marched and protested and fought and died for this democracy.

Barack Obama was a black man that lived on the South Side of Chicago, who had his share of troubles catching cabs.

Child hunger and child obesity are really just two sides of the same coin. Both rob our children of the energy, the strength and the stamina they need to succeed in school and in life. And that, in turn, robs our country of so much of their promise.

I didn't just start with ...local city officials because I knew that they would understand the problem. I started with them because I knew that our cities, towns and counties would be a key part of the solution to this issue. ...there is no one-size-fits all policy or program that can solve this problem. And Washington certainly does not have all the answers. Instead, many of the best, most innovative, most effective solutions start in our city halls and our towns and our county councils.

It is my hope that our garden's story-and the stories of gardens across America-will inspire families, schools, and communities to try their own hand at gardening and enjoy all the gifts of health, discovery, and connection a garden can bring.

To me, with age, everything has gotten better. You have way more control; you know yourself better.