Millions of working, uninsured Americans go to bed every night worrying what will happen to them and their families if a major illness or injury strikes.

It is hard to look at the amount of damage in the two states and say it's equal, but the time to fight that battle is gone. Without Louisiana and Mississippi working together, Louisiana might have gotten a lot less than that. That's just the reality of politics.

Obviously, I have certain policy positions that I push and advocate for that would benefit people dealing in a system that breeds inequality and makes life more difficult for people.

And I believe that if we can care about whether or not our neighbor has a good job or access to affordable health care for their children, and we move to implement the policies that can improve these situations, we will unleash vast amounts of human potential and recapture the American spirit.

From the War for Independence to today in Iraq and Afghanistan, I am inspired by the courage, professionalism and patriotism of our men and women in uniform.

I am a firm believer in the mission of the health centers, which offer cost-effective comprehensive primary and preventive services to at-risk people.

I just find Bobby Kennedy's short campaign for president so inspiring because his rhetoric identified what America can be like if we care about each other.