As a black man, you run from the cops. It's different now, but back when I was coming up, you run.

I don't see how you can grow as a world without being able to get along with people. So many people is hating out there and it's not making a difference.

For a long time, sure, I was letting the pressure of being Rodney King get to me. It ain't easy. Even now, I walk into a place wondering, 'What people are thinking? Do they know who I am? What do they think about what happened? Do they blame me for the all those people who died?'

I sometimes feel like I'm caught in a vise. Some people feel like I'm some kind of hero. Others hate me.

Going through war and living is a very important process. You realize how vulnerable you are and how lucky you are to be in the right place at the right time. As a matter of fact, I have a history of luck.

We will not fail your expectations of us as a new nation dedicated to peace, democracy, and freedom.

Lasting peace and security in Iraq and Afghanistan will be achieved when we establish the conditions for democratic, economically viable nations.

My work has been in the field of engaged Buddhism. That is my own practice, which began in 1965 that formed the base for the work I was doing in the civil rights and anti-war movement.