I probably spent the first 20 years of my life wanting to be as American as possible. Through my 20s and into my 30s I began to become aware of how so much of my art and architecture has a decidedly Eastern character.

I have designed the most buildings of any living American architect.

The bungalow had more to do with how Americans live today than any other building that has gone remotely by the name of architecture in our history.

1 month ago the American people stopped to remember the third anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq war. We thought first and foremost of the selflessness patriotism and heroism by our troops our National Guard and Reserves.

This anniversary serves to help remind the American people that in the wake of one of the greatest political scandals and misuse of power in our history as a nation scandal produced important reforms that served this nation well for two decades.

Presently the Commission for Commemorating 350 Years of American Jewish History has been brought about to encourage and sponsor a variety of historical activities that advance our understanding of the American Jewish experience as it marks this milestone anniversary.

On this important anniversary we must remember that while we have come a long way in eliminating barriers critical work remains to ensure all Americans can live up to their full potential.

We can't forget what happened on May 4th 1970 when four students gave up their lives because they had the American constitutional right of peaceful protest. They gave up their lives. And to sing that song in that spot on that anniversary was very emotional for us.

I share the anger but ultimately to govern this country it takes more than anger. It takes experience. It takes positions that reflect the best values of the American people.

The American people are smart. They've gotten sick of the predictable hyperpartisan talking points and canned anger.