The Patriot Post® · Friday Short Cuts

Insight: “It is seldom that liberty of any kind is lost all at once.” —David Hume (1711-1776)

Upright: “This situation is not sustainable, nor is it acceptable. Republicans believe the office of the president comes with some inherent dignity. President Trump is hurting that dignity and himself. Polling suggests white voters, white men, and Republicans are souring on the constant distractions and on the president himself. If someone gave President Trump a Samsung Galaxy Note 7, it would probably self-destruct. The president would then be on a Twitter hiatus, which just might be the best thing for his presidency.” —Erick Erickson

Non Compos Mentis: “Mandatory voting would drastically increase civic participation and transform the political arena by making politicians more reflective of the constituents that elected them.” —New York assemblywoman Deborah Glick, whose proposed legislation would violate the Constitution by implementing a $10 fine for failing to vote

Non Compos Mentis: “The preliminary indications we have was that this was a consensual encounter, not a rape in any sense. … It’s not just what has been in the initial sensational headline.” —attorney David Moyse, legal representative for illegal immigrant Henry Sanchez-Milian, who allegedly raped a teenage girl at Rockville High School

Braying Jenny: “The fact is, if this [health care] bill were to fail today — rookie day — I stand ready to negotiate with [Republicans] on how we can go forward, incorporating some of their ideas — saving face for them in some areas, but doing what is right for the American people.” —Nancy Pelosi

And last… “No one should be fooled. [Democrats’ threat to filibuster Neil Gorsuch] isn’t about principles; it’s about power. The Democrats are still seething at the GOP’s raw exercise of power in blocking Merrick Garland’s nomination, and now the Democrats are responding with their own power play.” —David French