On Erik Prince: Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) is introducing legislation that would phase out the use of “private security contractors” on battlefields where American troops are present. I am Rep. Schakowsky’s newest fan.

On Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.): I’m pretty sure the law doesn’t allow them to, you know, pardon themselves. So if they’re out of line, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

On GOP pols who can’t decide if waterboarding is torture. I can think of at least one way we can help them make a more informed decision.

On Robert D. Blackwill: Hey, I’m a good conversationalist. I have good ideas. I’ll come in and talk to you and I’ll charge a lot less.

On Rep. Ralph Regula (R-Ohio), who is retiring from Congress: Happy trails, and enjoy your retirement in Never-Never Land.

On Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-Ohio), who is retiring from Congress, who said her last campaign convinced that negative attack ads work: Of course they work. We have an educational system and an anti-intellectual culture that breeds the ability to think out of the electorate. The more base and emotional the appeal, the better.

Thanks for the opportunity to say these things. Maybe someday I can say them in person to these fine folks.