Wednesday, September 27, 2006

We all know what to do, we just don't know how to win the election afterwards.

--- Jean-Claude Juncker, prime minister of Luxembourg, cited by The Economist in the Charlemagne column, 23 Sep 2006, p. 64

The Economist continues: "For fear of losing, politicians steer clear of telling voters harsh truths. For fear of being found out, they steer clear of outright lies. Many governments end up winning by avoiding hard choices and muddling through until a crisis becomes so imminent that tough measures are unavoidable."

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

There are two kinds of fool. One says, "This is old and therefore good."And one says, "This is new and therefore better."

--- Ascribed to science fiction novelist John Brunner (1934-1995). Thanks to Pam Heath.