The average juror wraps himself in civic virtue. He's a judge now. He tries to act the part and do the right thing.

Our culture peculiarly honors the act of blaming, which it takes as the sign of virtue and intellect.

"I pay my taxes," says somebody, as if that were an act of virtue instead of one of compulsion.

It gives them something to do rather than getting into trouble. We try and act as mentors. We hope that we are good role models. We get some feedback from the parents and by the kids improving socially.

The ferret has been listed under the Endangered Species Act for a long time, and this is a great example of that legislation preventing the extinction of another animal.

Raising the debt limit on some levels is a ministerial act. It doesn't involve any new spending.