"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both. " - Benjamin Franklin

"Mr. Speaker, I understand we're under martial law as declared by the Speaker last night. I think it's ironic that House Republicans have not been needed for a single thing in this House to ensure passage for the last 22 months and that, today, we're going to be asked to vote for a bill for political cover because Democrats are too weak to stand up to their Speaker." - Congressman Michael C. Burgess (R-Texas) on September 28, 2008

I weep for the liberty of my country when I see at this early day of its successful experiment that corruption has been imputed to many members of the House of Representatives, and the rights of the people have been bartered for promises of office. - Andrew Jackson