Power always has to be kept in check; power exercised in secret, especially under the cloak of national security, is doubly dangerous.

The limousine is the ultimate ego trip, the supreme sign of success. It shouts: Hey, this guy is really and truly Mr Big.

The biggest danger for a politician is to shake hands with a man who is physically stronger, has been drinking and is voting for the other guy.

The biggest danger for a politician is to shake hands with a man who is physically stronger, has been drinking and is voting for the other guy.

The poor taxpayer may wipe his shoes on a $3 doormat when he goes home, but not the Navy. It is, damn the cost, full feet ahead on a doormat you would be ashamed to get muddy.

Move over, $7,000 coffeepots! Stand aside, $400 hammers! We now have the $792 doormat!