The unique perspective and provocative opinions of Joe O’Neill
Quoteworthy
“If crazy were a pre-existing condition, the GOP wouldn’t be able to get insurance.” — Democratic political strategist and commentator James Carville.
“You figure out who you’re talking to, and…try to reflect back to them what they’re doing.” — Former Clear Channel Radio exec Gabe Hobbs on a successful talk-radio strategy, one obviously implemented by Glenn Beck.
“We want news that resonates our own pre-held opinions. … That is the worst possible recipe for a country that prides itself in democracy.” – TV journalist Ted Koppel.
“No one ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American people.” – H.L. Mencken.
“I tell you, last year when they (Plant High School) went to the state championship and won it, it was far more exciting to me than the SuperBowl…It’s definitely harder being a dad than a coach.” — Eric’s father, Tony Dungy.
“Bringing the swine flu in is sort of a diversion. The real issue is, should we let students exempt final exams or should we not? My answer is they should take all the exams.” — Pinellas School Board member Mary Brown.
“Ordinarily, I am not much for mandatory minimum sentencing and other ‘tough-on-crime’ measures politicians pass when they want to look as if they are doing something…I make an exception for sexual predators who prey on children…Lock them up. Lose the key.” Miami Herald columnist Leonard PittsJr.
“We’re building an economic engine along the waterfront. If we don’t connect them (waterfront and Franklin Street business district), it won’t work.” Tampa economic and development administrator Mark Huey on the beyond-pure-aesthetics rationale for wanting to use CIT money to fund the conversion of Zack Street into a two-way, artsy, pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare.
“It’s a little sensitive.” – Bardmoor Elementary (Largo) Principal Wayne Whitney, in explaining why he couldn’t tell the media whether his school showed President Barack Obama’s educational speech or not.
“We don’t think that doctors and hospitals need special courts. It’s a slippery slope. First you have a court for doctors, and then what? A court for plumbers?” – American Association for Justice lobbyist Linda Lipsen, in explaining why trial lawyers object to a proposed tort-reform measure designed to discourage frivolous lawsuits.
“Those on Wall Street cannot resume taking risks without regard for consequences and expect that, next time, American taxpayers will be there to break their fall.” – President Barack Obama.
“What do we mean by patriotism in the context of our times? I venture to suggest that what we mean is a sense of national responsibility…a patriotism that is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” — Adlai Stevenson.