Wild About Writing

People say such stupid things that it’s never too difficult to pick out the most egregious (and sometimes insightful) in any roundup of sound bites. Here’s a few that I thought worth passing on:

President George Bush

Dec. 16 – “I’ve abandoned free market principles to save the free market system.”

Muntadhar al-Zaidi, Iraqi TV correspondent who threw his shoes at George Bush

Dec. 16 – “This is a goodbye kiss from the Iraqi people, dog!”

‘Go out USA’ sign
  

Bernard Madoff, Wall Street Trader in $50 billion fraud

Dec. 13 – Release of 2007 Video – “In today’s regulatory environment it’s virtually impossible to violate rules and this is something that the public doesn’t really understand. It is impossible for you to violate the rules and go undetected.”

Sean Avery, Dallas Stars $15 million ‘bad boy’

Dec. 14 (quoted after suspension) – “I am really happy to be back in Calgary. … I just want to comment on how it has become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds.”

Robert Fulford, National Post columnist

Sept. 5 – The Canadian election may well be among the least significant events in living memory. What, after all, is at stake? Nothing, so far as I can tell. The Prime Minister, with his present minority caucus, can get just about anything from Parliament that he asks.

Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance –

Economic Update, Nov. 27 – “Today, our Government is announcing a series of measures designed to strengthen Canada’s fiscal position in an uncertain time. These measures will enable us to plan on a balanced budget …”

Stephen Harper, Prime Minister –

Oct. 2 – “You’re panicking, Stéphane,” – response to Stéphane Dion’s 30-day plan to deal with economic crisis.

Dec. 15 – “I’ve never seen such uncertainty in terms of looking forward to the future. I’m very worried about the Canadian economy.”

Sarah Palin, Republican VP candidate

Sept. 11 - You can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, from an island in Alaska.”

I know I’ve missed a raft of good ones. If you’ve got one, send it to me!