Often as a child you see someone with a learning disability or Down's Syndrome and my mum and dad were always very quick to explain exactly what was going on and to be in their own way inclusive and welcoming.

I am lucky to have had an attentive curious and loving dad and heart-smart down-to-earth gifted mother. They changed the outlooks of their own lives and have never forgotten the people and organizations that helped them dream bigger than their circumstances should have allowed.

Barack Obama knows that to create an economy built to last we need to focus on middle-class families. Families who stay up on Sunday nights pacing the floor like my dad did while their children tucked in bed dream big dreams. Families who aren't sure what Monday morning will bring but who believe our nation's best days are still ahead.

I couldn't walk down any street in Britain without being laughed at. It was a nightmare. My children were devastated because their dad was a figure of ridicule.

They have had such a crazy life living with me as their dad. Not crazy but different from their friends.

Most children - I know I did when I was a kid - fantasize another set of parents. Or fantasize no parents. They don't tell their real parents about that - you don't want to tell Mom and Dad.

Most children - I know I did when I was a kid - fantasize another set of parents. Or fantasize no parents. They don't tell their real parents about that - you don't want to tell Mom and Dad. Kids lead a very private life. And I was a typical child I think. I was a liar.

My dad always used to tell me that if they challenge you to an after-school fight tell them you won't wait-you can kick their ass right now.

A father and two sons run Adelphia. It's a cable company. And they took from that company a billion dollars. A billion. Three people - three people took a billion dollars. What were they gonna do start their own space program? 'Let's send the monkey to Mars Dad!'

Now my dad is with me traveling with me and a big part of this whole thing is I like to mix it up a little bit you know. Who gets to take their father on a private jet across the country and stay in first class hotels? So we're enjoying it but I'd stop if it's not possible.

But there's no substitute for a full-time dad. Dads who are fully engaged with their kids overwhelmingly tend to produce children who believe in themselves and live full lives.

You know my dad served in the President's Cabinet after his time as a governor. He told me he enjoyed being governor a lot more. Now I understand why. If I do my job well I can make a difference in people's lives and I can help our children realize their dreams.

My mom and dad gave their kids the greatest gift of all - the gift of unconditional love. They cared deeply about who we would be and much less about what we would do.

Employee fathers need to step up to the plate and put their family needs on the table.

The fundamental defect of fathers in our competitive society is that they want their children to be a credit to them.

Sons have always a rebellious wish to be disillusioned by that which charmed their fathers.

I want to encourage our people to educate our people to have the courage to understand and fight for their rights.

If I am to be known for anything I would like it to be for encouraging Canadians for knowing a little bit about their daily extraordinary courage. And for wanting that courage to be recognized.

There is no glory in war yet from the blackness of its history there emerge vivid colours of human character and courage. Those who risked their lives to help their friends.

It is remarkable that this people though unarmed dares attack an armed foe the infantry defy the cavalry and by their activity and courage generally prove victors.

In this work I have received the opposition of a number of men who only advocate the unobtainable because the immediately possible is beyond their moral courage administrative ability and their political prescience.

Let who will boast their courage in the field I find but little safety from my shield Nature's not honour's law we must obey: This made me cast my useless shield away.

Americans are gathering the courage to just say no. We are saying no to addictive consumer lifestyles. We are saying no to wars and corporate takeover and the IMF loans that gobble up people and their resources.

For as long as this nation has known war we have embraced the heroes it has produced. Americans have rightfully noted the honor and nobility of courage under hostile fire and thanked those who perished in their defense.