In their words . . .

“In every one of these investigations, when investigators are approached online, that’s a real kid who is not going to be victimized.”

— Spokane Police Sgt. Brad Arleth, supervisor of the Sexual Assault Unit, regarding police officers who pose as minors in online chats with suspected sex offenders.

“I deny that those are my words.”

— Spokane physician John Gollhofer, former president of the Washington state Medical Association, explaining that a 2000 newsletter article criticizing Premera Blue Cross, whose application to become a for-profit insurance company he supports, was ghost-written for him by association staffers.

“I’m saying it now for him.”

— White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan, explaining why President Bush didn’t issue an apology when he went on Arab television to discuss the abuse of Iraqi prisoners in U.S. custody.

“I’m not looking to slam Chris. But I’m at my wits’ end.”

— Monique Mulloy, the mother of former Seattle Seahawks running back Chris Warren’s two children, for whose support he is $103,147 in arrears.

“Our greatest asset as a nation is the moral values we stand for. Those values have been compromised.”

— U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, Michigan Democrat, addressing Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld who was appearing before the Senate Armed Forces Committee to discuss the Iraqi prisoner-abuse issue.

“We should focus on the students who are working hard. Otherwise it sends a message that you need to screw up before we’ll spend money on you.”

— Parent Shannon Hitchcock, encouraging Spokane School District 81 officials to preserve afterschool programs as they look for ways to trim their budget.