Loose cannons

Defend us from the centre-left

"Every centre-left government in the world — except New Zealand — is spending more on defence." — New Zealand military commentator Graeme Hunt, attacking military cutbacks by the NZ government.

Or maybe his retinas

"I looked [Russian President Vladimir Putin] in the eye. I was able to get a sense of his soul." — US President George II.

Some are made, some are born

"There is plenty of good reason not to trust Putin. This is a man who was trained to lie." — Michael McFaul, a US academic who briefed George II for his meeting with the Russian president.

Hard working

"There wasn't a day in the last four years that I haven't worked hard on this case." — US lawyer Burt Neuborne, defending his fee of US$4.4 million for representing Nazi slave-labour victims in a class action suit. Eleven lawyers all received more than US$1 million, while the slave labourers will each receive US$5000-7500.

Leadership

"Our nation is willing to lead on this issue [global warming]... Its [The Kyoto treaty to limit greenhouse gas emissions] goals were not realistic." — US President George II.

It starts with 'c'

"Africa is a nation that suffers from incredible disease." — US President George II, demonstrating his knowledge of geography.

From GLW issue 453