If there is a mystical chord in democracy, it probably revolves around the notion that unexpected music can resonate from politics when people are pursuing questions larger than self... I have seen that ennobling effect in people many, many times- expressed by those who found themselves engaged in genuine acts of democratic expression, who claimed their right to define the larger destiny of their community, their nations.

If you think about it, Washington's overwhelming power in the world is founded on death, the awesome arsenal for killing people.

Leaks and whispers are a daily routine of news-gathering in Washington.

In its present terms, the global system values property over human life.

Democracy is held captive, not just by money, but by ideas - the ideas that money buys.

The burnt odor in Washington is from the disintegrating authority of the governing classes.

A profound political question is suddenly on the table: Must the country continue to give precedence to private financial gain and market determinism over human lives and broad public values?