“I can’t wear what my mother was wearing at that time. It’s really sad. Women had better conditions then. Now, they are challenged every day.”

Jinan Mubarak of Baghdad, commenting on the onset of religious repression.

“Some people say we should stop flying because we had an accident. But we believe in this mission and I ask you to support us.”

Space Shuttle commander Eileen Collins, upon returning to Earth on Wednesday.

“I’m never going to be able to fully enjoy another vacation because he’s put a permanent hole in my life.”

War protester Cindy Sheehan, whose son was killed in Iraq, outside President Bush’s ranch in Crawford, Texas.

“I also have heard the voices of those saying, ‘Pull out now.’ And I’ve thought about their cry and their sincere desire to reduce the loss of life by pulling our troops out. I just strongly disagree. Pulling the troops out would send a terrible signal to the enemy.”

President Bush on Thursday.

“Today’s a big day. If we don’t stop it here, it gets into country that’s really tough.”

Firefighter John Holcomb, commenting Thursday about the School fire raging south of Pomeroy, Wash.

“That was way too close for comfort. We sure appreciate the firefighters. They are just awesome.”

John Sawyer, whose house was nearly lost to the Harker Canyon fire near Lake Roosevelt.

“This bill is not going to solve our energy challenges overnight. Most of the serious problems, such as high gasoline costs or the rising dependence on foreign oil, have developed over decades. It’s going to take years of focused effort to alleviate those problems.”

President Bush, upon signing the energy bill on Monday.