And more than that, it was the first big step the nation's servant class ever took without asking.

Is the Chancellor aware that I envy him the opportunity and the privilege of announcing a step that will strengthen the economy of this country and help to restore our national pride and confidence in our currency?

Thank you, Senator [Hagel] for that wonderful introduction. It is a great honour to be introduced by such a distinguished legislator.

And what he greatly thought, he nobly dared.

The story sums him up best to me. He thought of the grand gesture and then did it.

I am honored to occupy this place in the history of our nation and in our great state. Words cannot adequately express the elation and deep emotion that comes with this moment.

During his distinguished public life he set an example of selfless service and stood for value-based politics. He set high standards of moral rectitude and political sagacity as Vice-President and guided the nation successfully.

The great leadership that is being given this State now by your Governor, one of the ablest chief executives and one of the soundest leaders that we have known, was made possible because when he came from Floresville without a dollar in his pocket, he got an NYA job at 17 cents an hour--and he is now the chief executive of what was once the largest State in the Union. So the opportunity is here if you have the will and the leadership and the determination. I could think of no better epithet, I could think of no greater sense of satisfaction or achievement that could come to anyone than to have it said of him that he led this way in this noble undertaking. I believe and I know that you and all of my fellow Americans will be equal to this task. So let's be on our way.

(Regarding the resignation of Benedict XVI) We must agree that the gesture made by the Holy Father is to be appreciated without but and without if. I say this by reminding everyone of the courage, the serenity shown towards such an important choice. A choice certainly matured in all conscience in silence and meditation. Only in this way, in a continuous and intense dialogue with God in prayer, did the Pope choose. And it must be appreciated for the high sense of responsibility shown, even in a circumstance such as this, which is undoubtedly extraordinary.

The greater achievement of this brilliant man was to retain unto the last a progressive social vision and empathy with millions of India's poor and deprived citizens. He did not flinch from doing what he considered right — whether it was joining a queue of citizens to cast his vote (before him, heads of state did not vote) or creatively interpreting and exercising presidential discretion or speaking his mind on issues that mattered.

He's terrific. I think [Casino Royale] is a huge step forward - a leap forward.

I am deeply humbled by the faith shown in me by the parliamentary leader and my party. I obviously step into massive shoes and look forward to the challenge

"The decision (of the Great Council of Chiefs to endorse the bill) was made in the best interest of the country and a significant milestone in the process of consultation"..

There is not in history a more splendid and inspiring example of self-control, of self-sacrifice, of courage and of manliness.