The question of the family now divides our society so deeply that the opposing sides cannot even agree on a definition of the institution they are arguing about.

My family got all over me because they said Bush is only for the rich people. Then I reminded them, 'Hey, I'm rich'.

There can be hope only for a society which acts as one big family, not as many separate ones.

My kids say if there's any family dinner that doesn't result in somebody crying, it's not a good dinner. They cry because it helps relieve them of a guilt or some onerous emotional burden. It's like a family tradition.

Growing up in a particular neighborhood, growing up in a working-class family, not having much money, all of those things fire you and can give you an edge, can give you an anger.