"I respect the state workers and I respect their unions, but we simply can't afford to pay benefits and pensions that are out of line with economic reality."

"Marriage equality changed life for people."

"I am the government."

"I am against the death penalty."

"War contains so much folly, as well as wickedness, that much is to be hoped from the progress of reason."

"By nominating Chuck Hagel to be his Defense secretary, President Obama is putting forward an aloof contrarian who doesn't suffer fools - a striving politician who considers himself above politics."

"He who seeks peace must remember that authenticity is the rarest and most beautiful asset."

"He who conquers his inner doubts has already won half the war. Reflect upon this whenever doubt clouds your horizon."