David Dinkins

In 1975 I was among a group of blacks who formed the Black Americans in Support of Israel Committee.

And, as a matter of fact, I am the chairman of the Amadou Diallo Foundation.

But the courts have dismissed the lawsuits against me and Lee Brown.

What people don't understand about Sarah Palin is that she is a rancher's wife. From Alberta down to Texas I've known women like that: good common sense, bright and vilified by city people.

I've always been very determined, ever since I was a little girl, to make my way.

Well, I actually wrote her a letter a couple of days ago congratulating her. The tone I tried to convey in the letter is, look, you are a part of a great American historical process.