* “After something like (the storming of the U.S. Capitol), I believe it would be very difficult for the world to see the United States as a symbol of democracy in the world.”–Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.
* “We have to restore Congress’ traditional role as a partner in our foreign policy-making.”–Anthony Blinken, the recently confirmed secretary of state.
* “We knew that there was a strong potential for violence and that Congress was the target.”–Acting Capitol Police Chief Yogananda D. Pittman, in apologizing to Congress for her department’s failure to adequately act on intelligence before a violent mob of insurrectionists attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6.
* “Never mind Inauguration Day rhetoric about unity or gauzy stories about the warm relationship with Biden. In Mitch McConnell’s view, the duty of the opposition is to oppose—and do everything it can to win the majority back.”–Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times.
* “The Republicans’ unwillingness to confront the dark forces within their party is not only unseemly but dangerous.”--Karen Tumulty, Washington Post.
* “It’s a crazy world right now. … I think people are really yearning for some renewed bipartisanship and cooperation.”–Ohio Republican Sen. Rob Portman, who’s retiring next year.
* “I don’t Uncle Tom to anybody. I don’t care who it is. When I smile, I smile. I do not grin.”–The late Cicely Tyson on racial dynamics and Hollywood.
* “There’s nothing more important to the economy now than people getting vaccinated.”–Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.
* “It will lead to a spike, then it will fade away.”–Dr. Edwin Michael, a USF epidemiologist, in assessing the virus-transmission impact of the Super Bowl.
* “For local officials, business community leaders—get the messaging out loud, clearly and frequently—we are ecstatic about the Super Bowl, but Tampa will not become a super spreader site. Like Disney, we want you to have a great time—but there will be consequences to breaches.”–Jay Wolfson, professor of public health, medicine and pharmacy at USF and associate vice president of USF Health.
* “Our players and staff are steadfast in their commitment to creating programs and enhancing initiatives that reverse the course of systemic injustice.”–Bucs co-owner Darcie Glazer Kassewitz. The Bucs, along with Tampa Bay’s other professional sports teams, have contributed to the funding of USF’s new Center for Justice Research and Policy.
* I want the Rays to remain in St. Petersburg and I’m willing to work with them to make it happen.”–St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman.
* “This doesn’t get done unless the county, the city—which means the mayor, the council, business people—get together and pull together.”–Rays owner Stu Sternberg.
* “(Bruce Arians) is just such a unique guy, and we have such a unique, strong bond. We get along well. We even argue well.”–Bucs General Manager JasonLicht.