William Safire Quotes & Sayings (Page 2)

“When articulation is impossible, gesticulation comes to the rescue.”

“Last, but not least, avoid cliches like the plague.”

“Today, war of necessity is used by critics of military action to describe unavoidable response to an attack like that on Pearl Harbor that led to our prompt, official declaration of war, while they characterize as unwise wars of choice the wars in Korea, Vietnam and the current war in Iraq.”

“I'm willing to zap conservatives when they do things that are not libertarian.”

“The wonderful thing about being a New York Times columnist is that it's like a Supreme Court appointment - they're stuck with you for a long time.”

“The noun phrase straw man, now used as a compound adjective as in 'straw-man device, technique or issue,' was popularized in American culture by 'The Wizard of Oz.'”

“I welcome new words, or old words used in new ways, provided the result is more precision, added color or greater expressiveness.”

“A reader ought to be able to hold it and become familiar with its organized contents and make it a mind's manageable companion.”

“Knowing how things work is the basis for appreciation, and is thus a source of civilized delight.”

“Do not be taken in by 'insiderisms.' Fledgling columnists, eager to impress readers with their grasp of journalistic jargon, are drawn to such arcane spellings as 'lede.' Where they lede, do not follow.”