Nothing has happened until we say so

“Just because something is in the public domain doesn’t mean it’s been officially released or declassified by the US government.” – Jennifer Youngblood, a spokesperson for the CIA, trying to explain why the CIA censored, from a book about 9/11, commonly available information, including the author’s testimony to a US Senate committee.

Surprise!

“When ... [employers] say that there is no flexibility, often what they are actually seeking is the ability to unilaterally reduce basic entitlements without compensation” – Workplace relations minister Chris Evans.

Plutocracy

“Simply put, a small plutocracy of wealthy elites drives a larger and larger share of total consumer spending and has outsized purchasing influence.” – US marketing industry magazine Advertising Age, on US consumer markets.

Wanted to buy: moral compass

“When this was going on, the party [ALP] in many ways lost its moral compass. No one of any ethical authority said to these guys: ‘You are not doing the right thing’.” – A former Health Services Union official, on officials frequently spending members’ money on boozy lunches in Sydney.

Neoliberalism has a long history

“... while the people should patriotically and cheerfully support their government, its functions do not include support of the people.” – US President Grover Cleveland in 1889 (thanks to Steve Fraser and Joshua Freeman on the Tomgram website).

How does he think they got wealthy?

“I am absolutely disgusted that most of the wealthy are so utterly selfish and I can’t work out how everyone lets them get away with it.” – Millionaire Dick Smith.

Is it more or less?

“If you’re saying that I can be bought for $5000, I’m offended.” – Texas governor and candidate for the Republican presidential nomination Rick Perry.