"The debt-ceiling vote isn't about what will be done in the future it is about the integrity of America's commitment to support the bonds we issue. Elected officials have an obligation to maintain that integrity, regardless of whether they voted for the programs that required the borrowing in the first place."

"It worries me about our unwillingness to really address reforms and modernization in Medicare. This thing was designed 37 years ago. It has not evolved to keep pace with current medical technology."

"We will have to continue to improve our human intelligence system-something that was, unfortunately, lacking in the years which led up to September 11. This is going to be a continuing process of change."

"Not since the steam engine has any invention disrupted business models like the Internet. Whole industries including music distribution, yellow-pages directories, landline telephones, and fax machines have been radically reordered by the digital revolution."

"Never underestimate the power of the echo of our deeds ripples through eternity."

"I have two daughters and I have done everything in my power to prevent them from assimilating, even being aware of, my idiocy about my weight."

"Rise early, act with intent, and let your accomplishments speak with silent authority. In this truth lies the bedrock of all virtue — an essential principle for the reflective life."

"It's okay for Christians throughout centuries to exterminate races and for their priests to rape little kids throughout decades, but trying to give the people the power to think and be individual, that's evil?"