Old Fogey's Quotes for Monday

"I'm a proud Republican."
Michael S. Steele, candidate for the Senate from Maryland, answering the question by Tim Russert, "Are you a proud Bush Republican?"
Debate Puts Steele on Defense
[Unless the Repubs pick up lots of seats, Bush will remain a weakened figure. Many GOP incumbants have found themselves in tight races--largely due to Bush's unpopularity. Unlike Bush, they will be running again and are far more concerned about their political futures than Bush's legacy.]

"It is not in doubt that if the science is right, the consequences for our planet are literally disastrous. This disaster is not set to happen in some science fiction future many years ahead, but in our lifetime.
Unless we act now ... these consequences, disastrous as they are, will be irreversible."
Tony Blair, referring to a recent report on global warming's impact on the future economy
Gore to Advise British on Global Warming
[In the words of the old Beatle's song, "Imagine there's no ignorance" in Bush's response to this threat, clearly recognized by most world leaders. But then, this administration does not seem to care about what happens to our grandchildren on any issues]

"Ethics reform will be a priority."
Jim Manley, spokesman for Senate Democratic Leader Harry M. Reid
House Lobbying to Get Harder
[If Democrats do take both houses of congress and do not do whatever possible to restore the trust of the American people in our government, then they will totally exterminate any residue of hope. I believe if they try a novel idea--governing for the sake of the nation rather than the party--they have a chance of regaining their past dominance of the legislative branch. Otherwise, God help us.]

"Has nothing to do with sage grouse. This belongs in a treatise on 'Why roads are bad'?"
Julie MacDonald, who has been deputy assistant secretary of the interior for fish and wildlife and parks since 2004, said in response scientists' finding that a proposed road might degrade the greater sage grouse's habitat
Bush Appointee Said to Reject Advice on Endangered Species
[What's new? Has anyone tabulated the number of political appointments who have overruled agency experts and scientists--usually to aide businesses? I've heard of people rewriting history--but science?!]

"a tricky little question"
King George the Ambushed, in response to conservative Washington Times Stephen Dinan's question, "With a Republican Congress, you failed to achieve three major goals of your second term: Social Security reform, a tax code overhaul and a comprehensive immigration bill. Why shouldn't Americans give Democrats a chance to work with you on those issues, especially when divided government seemed to work in the late 1990s on the budget?"
Can Bush Cross The Aisle?
[Isn't it tacky that people are actually asking the president hard questions? We are beginning to see more 'deer in the headlights' looks from our would-be monarch. Don't people realize that royality's power is absolute?]

“We’re good at rushing in with white hats. This is not a problem where you can do that.”
Bobi Garrett, associate director of planning and technology management at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Budgets Falling in Race to Fight Global Warming
[Research for renewable energy has to be funded by government or be made profitable by increasing prices for older nonrenewable sources, if we wish to get the best and brightest at work on it. This has to happen before the point of no return happens--and we are reaching that point faster than most people realize.]

“For hundreds of years, science has had its own jurisprudence over the truth. It’s called peer review, and it works pretty well. I’m outraged that a mere politician would interpret science for me.”
Michael Mattison, a partner in a software venture development firm, in Bellvue, WA, which has been predominantly Republican until very recently
Liberal Republican Suburb Turns Furious With G.O.P.
[Amen!]