Because protecting our air, water and land sustains life—our own and that of our children and of our children’s children.

Because a healthy nation, in which everyone has access to high quality healthcare, is a prosperous nation.

Because education of the highest quality is the springboard of individual and global economic advancement and stability.

Because the public has a right to expect the media to provide fair and equal coverage and access to all political candidates seeking the office of President of the United States of America.

Because elected officials must be held accountable by their individual constituents and not corporate donors.

Because no public office should be for sale to the highest bidder.

Because a sustainable environment and a sustainable economy go hand-in-hand.

Because providing good jobs that pay a living wage reduce crime and poverty.

Because we must “be the change we wish to see in the world.” (Gandhi)

Because we share the planet, not run it.

Because global warming is real.

Because dissent is patriotic.

Because fear is our greatest enemy.

Because I believe that peace—true peace, not just the absence of war—is possible.

Because I believe we can achieve peace “with liberty and justice for all".

Because I am uniquely qualified to help us realize our potential as a people.

While we can hope for peace and wish for change, neither will really happen without Justice. If peace is the desired destination, justice is the road that takes us there. Hoping for peace cannot accomplish our objective; hope is a passive action.  Change begins with a series of clearly stated beliefs, followed by a series of actions that lead to the desired result.

As the land of the brave, we cannot waste our time living in permanent fear of continuously shifting enemies.  If we are going to fight a war on terror, then we must fight a war against our own fear of people that are different from us.  If we are the land of the free, then we must permit questions, debate and even protest.