The unique perspective and provocative opinions of Joe O’Neill
Quoteworthy
“Very concerned about announcements from the British government on its intentions to breach the Withdrawal Agreement. This would break international law and undermines trust.”—European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in response to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s threat to override elements of the painfully negotiated Brexit deal.
“Trump has become a savior figure, a sort of great redeemer for the German far right.”—Miro Dittrich, a far-right extremist expert at the Berlin-based Amadeu-Antonio-Foundation.
“The last four years have revealed the fragility of our democratic institutions and our overreliance on norms rather than enforceable law. If American democracy is to endure, we need to strip a future demagogue of the power to abuse the presidency.”—Susan E.Rice, former national security adviser under President Barack Obama.
“These are near perfect conditions for a proto-fascist like Trump who seeks a disoriented populace.”—Roger Cohen, New York Times.
“I think the fact that (Trump) didn’t go out and scream, ‘We’re all going to die,’ is more than okay.”—South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham.
“President Donald Trump is running the most openly racist campaign since George Wallace in 1968—a repellent ploy that will damage the nation even if he loses.”—Eugene Robinson, Washington Post.
“From Day 1, C.I.A. officers are drilled on the nonpartisan nature of their mission. There is no greater sin than politicization of intelligence.”—John Sipher, former chief of station for the C.I.A.
“Trump covets the power of murderous dictators such as Mohammed bin Salman, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, who use their countries’ resources as their own and answer to no one. All Trump needs is a close election he can contest.”—Ann McFeathers, Tribune News Service.
“Never underestimate Congress’ ability to ratchet up an investigation 60 days out from a presidential election.”—White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, in response to House Democrats saying they would investigate whether Postmaster General Louis DeJoy encouraged employees at his former business to contribute to Republican candidates and then reimbursed them in the guise of bonuses—a violation of campaign finance laws.
“We only knew one speed and one direction: Sell the fear.”—Joshua L. Powell, former chief of staff to NRA leader Wayne LaPierre.
“(The recent Dow drop of 800 points) showed investors that tech stocks and growth stocks can fall just as easily as they rise.”—Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA Research and the author of “The Seven Rules of Wall Street.”
“Joe Biden stands with unions, and he knows that American workers and working families must be treated as essential at all times, not just times of crisis. Florida’s working people can count on Joe.”—Mike Williams, Florida AFL-CIO president.
“No one is fooled by an executive order that can be rescinded at any time.”—Congresswoman Kathy Castor, on President Trump’s announcement of an extension of the moratorium on new offshore oil drilling in much of the Eastern Gulf of Mexico.
“Every young person deserves a chance to change their past and move in the right direction without having to face long-term consequences.”—Sheriff Chad Chronister, on further expansion of the county’s Juvenile Arrest Avoidance Program.