Insight: “The only shape in which equality is really connected with justice is this — justice presupposes general rules. If these general rules are to be maintained at all, it is obvious that they must be applied equally to every case which satisfies their terms.” —James Fitzjames Stephens (1829-1894)

Upright: “If we tear down every statue of every person whose viewpoints and whose behavior wasn’t always ideal, wasn’t always perfect, we’re … not going to know about many of the historical figures who, for better or for worse, shaped who we are and how we got here.” —Senator Mike Lee

For the record: “When the police pull back or when the police are condemned, you have the kind of violence we’ve seen, unfortunately, in the last two months across the country.” —Senator Tom Cotton

Nailed it: “Here’s what teacher’s unions want: the pay, benefits and recognition of being an essential part of the workforce, but none of the responsibilities. Pick one. You’re either essential or you’re not. If you believe you’re not, if you think education is optional, choose a new career.” —Bethany S. Mandel

Theater of the absurd: “The first thing we should be doing now is understanding what the president is already doing to the U.S. Postal Service. He has sent his henchmen over to run it, and I’m already getting complaints from people who are saying that they believe that the president of the United States is managing the delivery systems, slowing it down, interfering with people being able to get their mail. … We are not going to allow the president of the United States to dismantle the United States Post Office and undermine the possibility that absentee votes could be used in the next election.” —Rep. Maxine Waters

Verbal gymnastics: “We have a whole group of lawyers who are going out to every polling, every voter registration physician in the states, the secretaries of state, making sure that they in fact have a game plan as to how they’re going to allow the voting to take place.” —Joe Biden

Non compos mentis: “Cancel rent. Cancel mortgage. Cancel student debt.” —Rep. Ayanna Pressley (“Yes! And then we should also cancel sadness, diabetes, asteroids, the law of cause and effect, hunger, tummy aches, and gravity (so we can fly!).” —Matt Walsh)

Alpha jackass: “Well, I think with the president’s comments [Tuesday], he recognized the mistakes he has made by now embracing mask-wearing and the recognition this is not a hoax. It is a pandemic that has gotten worse before it will get better because of his inaction. In fact, clearly, it is the Trump virus.” —House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

Braying jenny: “Under no circumstances will I allow Donald Trump’s troops to come to Chicago and terrorize our residents.” —Mayor Lori “Fiddling While Chicago Burns” Lightfoot

Grand delusions: “Portland, Oregon, is not out of control.” —Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer

Meanwhile…

Rioters carrying shields rush back to the Portland federal courthouse after law enforcement return inside. Rioters cheer and celebrate, claiming it to be a battle victory. #PortlandRiots #antifa pic.twitter.com/UORcZiuOBW

— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) July 22, 2020

And last… “I don’t know how in the WORLD anyone can look at what’s going on in Democratic cities and ever vote blue again.” —Allie Beth Stuckey