JIM LEACH

There are words bandied about that are being misused - words like 'socialism,' words like 'communism,' words like 'fascism.'

The majority of U.S. high school students don't know within 50 years when the Civil War occurred.

A government of, by and for the people is obligated to conduct the nation's business in a manner that respects dissent.

Civility is not simply about manners.

Politics has high and low moments. Sometimes it brings out the better angels of our nature; sometimes baser instincts.

Civility is not about dousing strongly held views. It's about making sure that people are willing to respect other perspectives.

I am appalled by the notion of cultural wars.

America somehow thinks that leadership relates to governance, and it certainly does. But society is much bigger than governance, and some of the truly great leadership of our society is outside the governance arena.

The arts and humanities are vastly more important in troubled times.

When I look at Social Security, I consider it the most important social program in the United States, arguably the most successful program in the world.

It is hard to cement any relations with any country based on promises that may not be deliverable.

The arts and humanities are vastly more important in troubled times.

Civility is not about dousing strongly held views. It's about making sure that people are willing to respect other perspectives.

History provides a sense of where we've been and lessons that can be taken forward.

I am appalled by the notion of cultural wars.

America somehow thinks that leadership relates to governance, and it certainly does. But society is much bigger than governance, and some of the truly great leadership of our society is outside the governance arena.

If you read literature, you put yourself in somebody else's shoes. You learn from great figures in literature.

I have a long-term interest in the humanities.

Public decision-making does not lend itself to certitude.

Politics has high and low moments. Sometimes it brings out the better angels of our nature; sometimes baser instincts.

The majority of U.S. high school students don't know within 50 years when the Civil War occurred.

When I look at Social Security, I consider it the most important social program in the United States, arguably the most successful program in the world.

Civility is not simply about manners.

Our culture is more shaped by the arts and humanities than it often is by politics.

America is very decentralized in how it supports the humanities, unlike European countries where virtually everything stems from the central government.

Drawing on President Bush's reform plan, which would allow citizens to transfer part of their Social Security contributions into personal accounts, an alteration of the current system is needed to make necessary change.

I think America is going to have to think through whether it wants to uplift the political dialogue or advance an approach that divides and, frankly, can lead to violence.

There's probably a little greater case for pessimism than optimism. But I do not rule out optimism.

Iraqis have held elections and have recently put together their government, all encouraging developments.

The hallmark of our times is change and acceleration, but we have to provide the history.

There are words bandied about that are being misused - words like 'socialism,' words like 'communism,' words like 'fascism.'

A government of, by and for the people is obligated to conduct the nation's business in a manner that respects dissent.

No activity I know is more of a confidence builder and at the same time more 'humility training' than wrestling.