“It feels like you’re trying to push a huge truck.”

– Spokane resident Cheryl Lewis, who, with her husband, church members and others in the community, is trying to help Sudanese refugee Akout Agang overcome the numerous bureaucratic hurdles that have prevented her 11-year-old son from joining her here.

“I want him to be remembered for how he lived, not how he died.”

– Kim Hatchie, wife of Joseph Kalani Hatchie, whom she described as a good family man before he attempted a robbery during which he was shot to death last Monday.

“Major challenges – now that is an understatement. You only need look at their response to Hurricane Katrina to see they have major challenges.”

– Democratic Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney of New York, reacting to an inspector general’s report that concluded the federal Department of Homeland Security has more work to do to become an effective organization.

“The U.S. is exporting its problem of violence to the streets of Toronto.”

– Toronto Mayor David Miller, blaming a surge in gun deaths in Canada’s largest city on firearms being smuggled in from the United States.

“Parents, hug your kids every chance you get. Tell them you love them every chance you get, because you don’t know when it’s going to be the last time.”

– Indianapolis Colts football coach Tony Dungy, following the funeral for his 18-year-old son, James, who died last week of an apparent suicide.

“Nonsmokers have pretty much got their own way now. Let it rest. There’s not that many people that’s stupid enough to smoke in bed.”

– Spokane resident Dolores Walker, a smoker who objects to a proposed law that would require cigarettes sold in Washington to be “fire-safe,” meaning they go out on their own if not frequently puffed.

“I think we have to go forward on this one because the people want it. There’s a lot of anxiety out there.”

– Washington state Rep. Al O’Brien, D-Mountlake Terrace, sponsor of a package of legislation that would impose stricter requirements and tougher penalties for sex offenders who abuse children.