There is one tradition in America I am proud to inherit. It is our first freedom and the truest expression of our Americanism: the ability to dissent without fear. It is our right to utter the words, 'I disagree.' We must feel at liberty to speak those words to our neighbors, our clergy, our educators, our news media, our lawmakers and, above all, to the one among us we elect - President.

Be true to yourself, and, um, don't worry about some large companies' quarterly profit index.

When I originally wrote "Jealousy," it was more like an exercise to try to write a girl-group kind of pop song. It was really contrary to most of the material I'd ever written. I didn't pay much attention to the song after I'd recorded it. I didn't really perform it at all the last 20 years. When it came time to make the new record, I decided to make peace with the song and have fun with it.

Have I been wrong? Have I been wise to shut my eyes?

I don't want to live in a culture of despair. I'd like to live in a culture of hope.

The research phase was really fascinating - I'm not a closeted nerd, I'm an out-of-the-closet nerd.

I've had a large gay following for many years and have been quite aware of that.