On October 31, 2004, on the eve of the presidential election, Reverend George Regas stood in the pulpit at All Saint’s Church in Pasadena, California where he had been the rector for 28 years and delivered a sermon. His homily was an imaginary conversation between President George W. Bush, Senator John Kerry and Jesus. His sermon triggered an investigation of...

Peter Westbrook is an Olympic medal-winning fencer who sees an inextricable connection between being your best and being compassionate. Although his principle and story are straightforward, his journey through anger and pain to compassion is a remarkable example for all of us to strive to demonstrate. Peter shared this incredible story in my book, “What Do You Stand For?” “When...

Earlier this month, Chicago Sheriff Tom Dart “…announced his office will quit carrying out evictions from mortgage foreclosures,” the Chicago Sun-Times reported, “until lenders start providing proof they have taken the necessary steps to identify who is living at an address and that those facing eviction have received proper legal notice.” In his own words, Dart defended his actions. “As...

Judith Meisel is a Holocaust survivor of the Kovno Ghetto in Lithuania and the Stutthof Concentration Camp in Poland. Her experiences during and after World War II inspired a life-long crusade against bigotry and racism.  After witnessing the race riots of 1963, Judy has pursued and persevered in a campaign to speak out against racism and the need for greater...

Few of us get the opportunity to meet a true leader.  Fewer still get to spend time with one who is also a genuine hero. An authentic leader is someone committed to absolute integrity.  Their voice and their vision not only inspire loyalty but motivate those around them to live up to a higher standard. I’ve been privileged to spend...

Julian Dean was born in East Aurora, New York, moved around a lot and attended 10 schools by age 18. He attended two institutes, one college and two universities, finishing with an MA in Organizational Management. Oh, and he was the best friend I ever had at a time when I needed it most. Shortly after my mother had been...

Sunday mornings, in a quiet corner of Washington, D.C., John McCarthy gets out on the baseball diamond and teaches kids the skills necessary to deal with life – effort, persistence, humor and honor. In 2005, McCarthy was chosen by Newsweek magazine as “one of America’s best.” “For McCarthy,” Newsweek said, “baseball is about joy and if you treat it with...

David Krieger is a founder of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, and has served as President of the organization since 1982. One afternoon over lunch, I came to realize how much David’s goals and mine have in common. We’re both working to raise awareness as to the importance of right conduct. And we’re both striving for positive change through that...

Beverly Torok is the best example of an athletic coach!  As swim coach at New Jersey’s Westfield High School, she teaches her student athletes more than the rules of the game.  She teaches them how to be ethical citizens. Case in point: New Jersey State Swimming Championship, March 2000. “With our team ahead on the scoreboard, in this very tight...

Colman McCarthy is an anarchist… for Peace! An adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center who teaches at three DC area high-schools, Colman believes peace studies should be part of the core curriculum at every school and University in the country. “The most revolutionary thing anybody can do is to raise good, honest, generous children who will question the answers...