The Patriot Post® · Wednesday Short Cuts

Insight: “The power to determine the quantity of money … is too important, too pervasive, to be exercised by a few people, however public-spirited, if there is any feasible alternative.” —Milton Friedman (1912-2006)

Alpha Jackass: “How you react to the Muslim ban today is how you would have reacted to the imprisonment of my [Japanese] grandparents and parents [who were placed in internment camps] 75 years ago. If you are silent today, you would have been silent then. If you are complicit today, you would have been complicit then.” —Rep. Mark Takano

The BIG Lie: “Let’s put [Trump’s refugee moratorium] in perspective. There is a group that has proven itself to be far more deadly on American soil. A group that has killed someone once a week for the last two years: Toddlers.” —Gabby Giffords

Belly laugh of the week: “[Sally Yates] displayed the fierce intellect, unshakable integrity, and deep commitment to the rule of law that have characterized her 27 years of distinguished service to the Department of Justice under both Democratic and Republican administrations. Her courageous leadership embodies the highest traditions of the Department of Justice, whose first duty is always to the American people, and to the Constitution that protects our rights and safeguards our liberties.” —Loretta Lynch

For the record: “[A]ny such official who feels he can’t in good faith implement the likely new policies of the new administration shouldn’t stay on. It’s wrong for such a person to deliberately put himself in a position where he either has to implement a policy to which he conscientiously objects, or resign and embarrass the new president. The obvious way to avoid that is simply to decline to stay on in the first place.” —Jim Talent

Delusions of grandeur: “Obama is one of the greatest presidents that this country has ever produced. … [H]e has … stated that when he can no longer sit back and remain silent, he will speak out, as he has done, and that’s why he is such a phenomenal leader.” —Rep. André Carson

Braying Jenny: “[Betsy DeVos] has … never taught in public school, never attended public school and is an enemy of the public schools.” —Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Non Compos Mentis: “Before you head to church today, remember to thank God for his son, Jesus, a refugee who fled to Egypt.” —"Rev.“ Al Sharpton

And last… "For Supreme Court Justice, President Trump has nominated a white male who believes in God. Rioting in the streets should begin shortly.” —Twitter satirist @weknowwhatsbest