* “We believe that we can show those countries who decide to abandon nuclear power–or not to start using it–how it is possible to achieve growth, creating jobs and economic prosperity while shifting the energy supply toward renewable energies.”–Chancellor Angela Merkel in announcing that Germany plans to abandon nuclear energy over the next 11 years.
* “Is there anything less relevant than the prime minister of Israel going to the U.S. Congress for applause and the leader of the Palestinians going to the U.N.–instead of to each other?”–Thomas Friedman, New York Times.
* “I don’t agree with much that the tea party stands for, but I can applaud their vigor, their engagement with the process and their love of country. But as a political tactician, I can also say that if they get to the helm of the GOP ship in 2012, that ship sinks.”–Democratic strategist Bob Beckel.
* “Well, we couldn’t be more excited. Sarah Palin is starting a nationwide bus tour, which I think is a really good way for her to learn all the names of the states.”–Jay Leno.
* “The achievement gap between children from different income levels exists before children enter school. Families are children’s most important educators. Our society must invest in parental education, prenatal care and preschool.”–Diane Ravitch, author and research professor of education at New York University.
* “About 80 million baby boomers are now entering a system designed for a time when people died earlier, unattended by expensive technologies. Demographic shifts and rising per-capita costs require health entitlements to change or collapse.”–Michael Gerson, Washington Post.
* “There’s no question that I’ve done wrong. … But I did not break the law, and I never, ever thought I was breaking the law.”–Former presidential candidate John Edwards.
* “They can protest away, but it doesn’t have to be in everybody else’s face.”–Oregon state Rep. Kim Thatcher on why that state (among 25 so far this year) is considering legislation to shield military funerals from outside groups.
* “When you draft legislation targeting the particular speech of a particular party because you find that speech abhorrent, you run into real risks under the federal and state constitutions.”–Andrea Meyer, legislative director of the ACLU of Oregon.
* “Miami is like Dallas through mescaline goggles: The smells are sharper, the colors brighter, the flora more exotic, the condo towers taller.”–Jacquielynn Floyd, Dallas Morning News.
* “A poll just came out that showed not only does Gov. Scott have an approval rating of less than 30 percent, but the Republican Legislature has a rating of even less than that. Somebody better take notice of this stuff because it should be a wake-up call.” Republican state Sen. Mike Fasano.
* “This can be the biggest economic opportunity the state has ever had if we do it right.”–Al Austin, chairman of the 2012 Tampa Bay Host Committee for the Republican National Convention.
* “Creating a better bus system with some bus rapid transit is low-hanging fruit and a necessary short-term fix, especially since bus ridership and gas prices are up. A multimodal system (including light rail) is the only (long-term) solution.”–Brian Seel, TRANSITion Tampa Bay chairman.
* “It would be absolutely devastating to us.”–Russ Bond, Renaissance Vinoy and Golf Club general manager, on the impact on his hotel of a Tampa Bay Rays’ relocation to Tampa.
* “This is a very good sports town and a very good hockey town. … We have a long-term plan, and I feel great about where we’re going.”–Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik.
* “Sientate!” (“sit down” in Spanish)–What Cuban-born, Alonso High star pitcher Jose Fernandez used to yell to opposing batters from the mound before he learned to be less demonstrative.