The unique perspective and provocative opinions of Joe O’Neill
Quoteworthy
“One of the reasons European citizens are stepping away from the European project (EU) is that we are interfering in too many domains of their private lives.”–European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.
“An exercise in economic masochism that Britons will long regret.”–Assessment of “Brexit” by former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
“A mafia state.”–That’s how George Soros, the Hungarian-born American billionaire, philanthropist and Democratic activist, characterizes Hungary.
“This series of measures is a mix of incoherent and contradictory ideas.”–Henkel Garcia, director of the Caracas consultancy Econometrics, on the announcement that the Venezuelan government will enact a drastic currency devaluation, a tax increase and a hike in gasoline prices.
“It should gravely worry all Americans, including intelligence professionals, about the cost of speaking out. My principles are worth far more than clearances. I will not relent.”–Former CIA Director John Brennan, in responding to President Trump’s decision to revoke his security clearance.
“…A loudmouth, partisan, political hack who cannot be trusted with the secrets to our country.”–Donald Trump, on his rationale for revoking Brennan’s security clearance.
“The local politicians who run Washington, D.C. (poorly) know a windfall when they see it.”–Donald Trump in accusing local officials of inflating the costs of his proposed (now postponed) military parade.
“One of the worst things about this moment in our national lives is the fear that if Trump gets into trouble by doing something dumb and obnoxious, he’ll respond by doing something huge and maybe dangerous.”–Gail Collins, New York Times.
“He was disingenuous about his commitment to diversity. … I believe that he wants to start a race war in this country. … He has completely taken the presidency to the gutter.”–Former White House aide Omarosa Manigault-Newman.
“Democrats are running against the tax cut more than Republicans are running on it.”–Paul Krugman, New York Times.
“Falsehood flies, and the truth comes lingering after it, so that when men come to be undeceived, it is too late; the jest is over, and the tale hath had its effect.”–Jonathan Swift.
“It’s not our job to cover politics, purely, but we’ll cover the intersection of sports and politics.”–Jimmy Pitaro, president of ESPN, which announced that it would not be showing the national anthem before the Monday Night Football games.
“This is one of the big puzzles for economists. How low can it go?”–Scott Brown, chief economist at Raymond James, on the Florida unemployment rate inching down to 3.7 percent in July–an 11-year low.
“We are very concerned about the growing teacher shortage.”–Cathy Boehme, legislative specialist for the Florida Education Association.
“He really has no plan, no vision, no agenda. … No working knowledge of our state. And it would be tragic to have the CEO of the third largest state doing on-the-job training during the first two years.”–Adam Putnam, on Ron DeSantis’ gubernatorial candidacy.
“Once you check the ‘I wore a uniform in a war zone box,’ you’re home free in a Republican primary.”–Florida GOP strategist Mac Stipanovich.
“It’s insane how much of the news cycle (Trump) eats up.”–Florida Democratic consultant Kevin Cate.
“Every day that passes, we are letting down the citizens of Florida who are put at risk by the unintended consequences of this statute.”–State Sen. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, who tried to mobilize support for a special session of the legislature to revisit the “Stand Your Ground” law.
“I’m not auditioning. I’ve got a job I love. I still have things to do before I leave.”–Mayor Bob Buckhorn, on speculation that he could be part of a Gwen Graham gubernatorial ticket.
“You have the opportunity to not only transform this state politically by electing a strong progressive, but you have an opportunity to send a message that will be heard all over the country.”–Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, at a Tampa gubernatorial rally for Andrew Gillum.
“They’re real estate developers.”–Bob McDonough, Tampa’s administrator for economic opportunity, referring to Brightline, which is bidding to build a high-speed rail line between Orlando and Tampa.
“Just like BP paid to clean up the oil spill, we want these (drug) companies to pay to clean up the (opioid) pill spill.”–Mike Moore, one of the attorneys representing Hillsborough County in its opioid suit.
“It’s really going to protect our citizens. A lot of activity of human trafficking comes from these bathhouses.”–Hillsborough County Commission Chairwoman Sandy Murman, on the county following the city of Tampa in cracking down on illicit services by moving to regulate massage parlors and bathhouses.
“Our commitment has always been to provide the most enjoyable fan experience, and we feel that making Raymond James Stadium a smoke- and tobacco-free venue is a necessary part of that commitment.”–Tampa Sports Authority president/CEO Eric Hart.
“The Empire State Building was built in 11 months. We should be able to have this figured out by year end.”–Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg, on knowing enough financial details by the Dec. 31 deadline to let St. Petersburg officials know if the Rays will leave Tropicana Field early under pre-negotiated terms.