“This is nothing more than a taxpayer-funded United Way.”

– Spokane City Councilman Brad Stark, during debate on the city’s appropriation of $767,000 to nonprofit agencies that provide human services to needy Spokane residents.

“You don’t smell it on their breath, you don’t see it in their walk, but it’s a great tormentor for them.”

– Washington state Sen. Pam Roach, R-Auburn, talking about the addictive nature of gambling.

“It’s part of the job of the president to shake hands with people and smile.”

– President George Bush, dismissing questions at a press conference about having had his picture taken with lobbyist and confessed felon Jack Abramoff.

“I’m not comfortable denying property rights and due process for two to five years while we wait for an update.”

– Spokane County Commissioner Mark Richard, explaining why he voted to approve three amendments to the county’s urban growth boundaries, overruling the County Planning Commission.

“I was not turned off by such an endorsement. I’m not repulsed, and I’m not going to pretend I am.”

– Historian William Blum, whose book, “Rogue State: A Guide to the World’s Only Superpower,” enjoyed a substantial spike in sales after getting a favorable mention from terrorist Osama bin Laden.

“This is why I came to Seattle. All the hard work, the ups and downs we’ve had together, every bit of it has been worth it. Every sprain, every sore muscle, it’s all worth it.”

– Seattle Seahawks center Robbie Tobeck, celebrating his team’s National Football Conference championship and upcoming participation in the National Football League’s Super Bowl.

“When liberty arrives, it’s going to be difficult.”

– Former Solidarity leader and Polish President Lech Walesa, warning Cuban dissidents that when their country ultimately overthrows communism, the onset of freedom will require difficult adjustments.

“It is difficult for me to talk to you because I really feel duped.”

– Television talk show host Oprah Winfrey, speaking to guest James Frey, whose book, “A Million Little Pieces,” she had promoted publicly and whom she had previously defended, even after it turned out he had fabricated portions of the book.

“Our enemy understands force, not psychological mind games.”

– Army Chief Warrant Officer Lewis Welshofer Jr., who was convicted of negligent homicide in the death of an Iraqi officer he was questioning, complaining in a previous e-mail to a commander about restrictions on interrogation techniques.

“They gave us a ladder to reach our housing needs, but the top rungs are missing.”

– Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco, saying federal hurricane-relief funds are not enough to help New Orleans recover from last year’s catastrophic storms.