“Allowing ourselves to become a nation of silent, secretive, timid citizens is likely to result in a system of democracy and justice that is neither very democratic nor very just.”

“In democratic society each citizen is habitually busy with the contemplation of a very petty object, which is himself.”

“A democratic society must seek to give every young person, whether native-born or newcomer, the knowledge and skills to succeed as an adult. In a political system that relies on the participation of informed citizens, everyone should, at a minimum, learn to speak, read and write a common language. Those who would sustain our democratic life must understand its history. Tailoring children's education to the color of their skin, their national origins, or their presumed ethnicity is in some fundamental sense contrary to our nation's founding ideals of democracy, equality and opportunity.”

“A citizen of America will cross the ocean to fight for democracy, but won't cross the street to vote in a national election.”

“HOMELESSNESS...is neither a disease nor crime...but a very serious problem!”

“Live out your life in truth and justice, tolerant of those who are neither true nor just.”