I have never seen a good organization where the standards weren't high.

One of the fondest expressions around is that we can't be the world's policeman. But guess who gets called when suddenly someone needs a cop.

I served 40 years in government, and I'm not looking forward to a position or an assignment. Of course, I have always said if a president asks you to do something, you have to consider it. But I am in no way interested in returning to government. But I, of course, would sit and talk to any president who wishes to talk to me.

Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. I am talking about a gung-ho attitude that says 'we can change things here, we can achieve awesome goals, we can be the best. 'Spare me the grim litany of the 'realist;' give me the unrealistic aspirations of the optimist any day.

The most effective means of ensuring the government's accountability to the people is an aggressive, free, challenging, untrusting press.

Remain calm, be kind.

How often have we seen politicians take a principle position only to give it up three days later? That is what makes democracy so fascinating.