I understand the power of this kind of an institution to improve the quality of life for people. I've worked in nonprofit, humanities-oriented projects all of my life. For me personally, the opportunity to support people's ideas is critical.
I really believe that the humanities has that power. Here in Washington, D.C., where there are so many humanities resources and so many people with great ideas . . . this humanities council should be in the business of supporting and encouraging those ideas.