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If the world would apologize, I might consider a reconciliation.

We cannot erase what has been done. We can apologize for it. We can express our outrage. We can say to the American people and to the people of the world, this is not our way and we do not condone it, but we cannot change it and we cannot erase it.

Until we all start to take responsibility, until we do all we can to improve the character of our communities, we'll never break the cycle of violence and indifference.

I don't think I'm ever forgiven for anything, which is baffling because I'm not on TV that much.

It takes a great deal of character strength to apologize quickly out of one's heart rather than out of pity. A person must possess himself and have a deep sense of security in fundamental principles and values in order to genuinely apologize.

For me, forgiveness and compassion are always linked: how do we hold people accountable for wrongdoing and yet at the same time remain in touch with their humanity enough to believe in their capacity to be transformed?

It is not only for what we do that we are held responsible, but also for what we do not do.

I think it is important that we rebuild an atmosphere of forgiveness and civility in every aspect of our lives.