No one I know wants to talk about it, and when it does work its way into conversation, it's usually dismissed with an uncomfortable shrug, a scuffle of the feet, and a pensive glance at the floor. The topic, of course, is whether or not an earnest attempt will be made on President-elect Barack Obama's life.

Frankly, I think we should be talking about it, however difficult it may be to dim the optimism so many Americans have felt since Obama's election. Because if we talk about it, we're on the offensive. If we keep it out in the open as a possibility, and remain aware every day of the not-insignificant number of people out there who would like to see Obama gone, then we might be able to prevent the worst from happening.

Sure, the Secret Service is on constant alert, but they're only part of the equation. As Obama's campaign taught us, change and progress start close to home, in our own communities, workplaces and schools.

Let's not let someone like the people in this video from the American News Project escape our detection. One of us just might be able to stop one of them, or better yet, help them view the world through a less hateful lens.