I met the president when he was president-elect at a meeting in Austin. He spoke of his faith. He spoke of his desire for a compassionate conservatism, for a faith-based initiative that would do something for poor people.

In an economy with record-breaking prosperity, it's past time to put poor people on the political agenda.

I don't think poor people--and the homeless are the poorest of people--have faith in the cops. Some of the cops really do look out for (homeless) people. Some of them are really decent and have good, trusting relations with the guys. But it cuts both ways.

You can't be evangelical and associate yourself with Jesus and what he says about the poor and just have no other domestic concerns than tax cuts for wealthy people.

We are prophetic interrogators. Why are so many people hungry? Why are so many people and families in our shelters? Why do we have one of six of our children poor, and one of three of these are children of color? 'Why?' is the prophetic question.

It's more important to try to do something for the crores of poor people of my country.