The Middle East is ailing. The malady stems from pervasive violence shortages of food water and educational opportunities discrimination against women and - the most virulent cause of all - the absence of freedom.

I think and I mean this sincerely I was raised humbly. We were a lower middle income family and a household that was scrimping by at times. We were watching the dollar stretching the dollar and coupons. It was all those things.

The civil rights movement was based on faith. Many of us who were participants in this movement saw our involvement as an extension of our faith. We saw ourselves doing the work of the Almighty. Segregation and racial discrimination were not in keeping with our faith so we had to do something.

Our religion does not discriminate according to color sex or anything else. What counts is piety and faith.

The failure of women to have reached positions of leadership has been due in large part to social and professional discrimination.

At a time when efforts are being made to eradicate discrimination between the sexes in the search for social equality and justice the differences between the sexes are being rediscovered.

In Canada women's rights are a vital part of our effort to build a society of real equality - not just for some but for all Canadians. A society in which women no longer encounter discrimination nor are shut out from opportunities open to others.

Private religious speech can't be discriminated against. It has to be treated equally with secular speech.

Racism cannot be cured solely by attacking some of the results it produces like discrimination in housing or in education.

Education is important because first of all people need to know that discrimination still exists. It is still real in the workplace and we should not take that for granted.