“How can the Jesuits settle cases involving Leary but claim they have never read his file? It defies common sense.”

Barbara Blaine, of Chicago, president of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.

“In my short 46 years in the armed forces, Americans confronted the horrors of the prison camps of the Japanese during World War II, the North Koreans in 1950-53 and the North Vietnamese in the long years of the Vietnam War, as well as knowledge of the Nazis’ Holocaust depredations in World War II. Through those years, we held to our own values. We should continue to do so.”

Ret. Gen. John Vessey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Reagan administration, in a letter urging the Senate Armed Services Committee to maintain the nation’s traditional interpretation of Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions on the treatment of prisoners of war.

“The world is beginning to doubt the moral basis of our fight against terrorism.”

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell.

“It’s unacceptable to think there is any comparison between the behavior of the USA and the behavior of terrorists who would kill innocent men, women and children.”

President Bush, responding to Powell’s objections.

“I don’t believe we’ve done a very good job of communicating what’s going on in the Police Department.”

Spokane Mayor Dennis Hession, at the swearing in of Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick.

“The challenge is handling the criticism for making a decision. But not making one is unacceptable.”

Spokane Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick.

“They don’t want anyone else to have a place to live or enjoy the amenities of life here. It’s discrimination against people who aren’t here yet.”

Dennis Swartout, of Spokane-based Riverside Development, on opponents to large projects in rural Kootenai County.

“Poor George. He can’t help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth.”

Quip about George H.W. Bush at the 1988 Democratic Convention by Ann Richards, the former Texas governor who died Wednesday.

“Ann became a national role model, and her charm, wit and candor brought a refreshing vitality to public life.”

President Bush, on the passing of Ann Richards.

“I thought they were filming a scene for something, because it was the middle of the day, in the middle of the most secure area in Damascus. Then one of them fell down near me and I saw the blood. I realized it was serious, so I ran and hid.”

Political analyst Ayman Abdel Nour, who had just arrived at the U.S. Embassy in Damascus to see about a visa last week when gunmen pulled up and opened fire.