We are deeply saddened by the recent killing of the U.S. ambassador to Libya J. Christopher Stevens and three others at the U.S. embassy in Benghazi. We are particularly saddened to see such violence committed in the name of faith. We should honor people everywhere who are working for peace in the face of violence. There are thousands of diplomats representing the U.S. overseas, many of whom are working for peace in conflict situations. This tragedy serves as a reminder of the bravery intrinsic to the work of diplomacy. Our diplomats need support, security, and strong recognition. Bigotry and hatred cannot be allowed to endanger those who have been sent out to engage with our neighbors.

This is my origin story:

Eleven-year-olds are very impressionable. That’s the age I was when the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 gripped the world and my home town just outside of New York City.

When I received an offer letter for this internship back in May, I was excited to say the least -- just ask anyone who witnessed the high-fiving spree I went on the moment after I read the e-mail. Now, as I start my third week at FCNL, my passion and commitment to this job have only grown since that first, thrilling moment.

There’s a lot of talk here in Washington and across the country about the effect on jobs if the Pentagon budget is cut. Pentagon contractors are threatening to hand out pink slips to thousands of workers just weeks before the November election, using the fear of layoffs to try and force Congress’ hand to avert planned cuts to Pentagon spending. But the choice between jobs and a balanced, responsible budget is a false one. Here’s the problem with the logic: more Pentagon spending doesn’t necessarily equal more jobs, and less Pentagon spending doesn’t necessarily equal fewer jobs.

In 2010, the races for my governor and senator were both decided by fewer than 400,000 votes. In 2008, the race for president was decided by fewer than 650,000 votes. The best estimate of the number of voters who don’t have the sort of ID required by Pennsylvania law? Over one million. In a year where margins of victory could be razor-thin, it’s possible that the voter ID laws will have an effect on who gets elected to the House, Senate, or even Presidency – and that will affect everyone.

Although drones are normally something we think of as being used to find and target terrorists in a far away land, they have been screening U.S. land borders with Canada and Mexico since 2005.

Lobbying kind of freaks me out. At least, it used to, until last week. Maybe it's because the first time I ever lobbied my Congress members, I went by myself.