Of course everybody's thinking evolves over time. Only dead people cease learning, and I am not certified dead yet. So I am still learning.

I know more now than I did in the past about the process of democratization. I know more about the pitfalls.

Democracy cannot be a plaything for the capital cities. It has to infiltrate every nook and cranny in the country, including the village.

The rule of law is the basis for any democracy. And without the rule of law in democracy, you have chaos.

We have to reform the entire political process. It's got to start with leadership by example.

You know, rural Americans are a special people. Their labor puts food on our table and fuel in our gas tanks. Their service in our military sets a powerful example of leadership, honor and sacrifice. Their spirit of community inspires us all.

It is an oftentimes dangerous world, and not all of the people in it are nice, sweet and benevolent. It is the nature of man to behave otherwise, and we must find leaders who can show us a better way and still maintains a balanced view.

What I've really learned over time is that optimism is a very, very important part of leadership.