As they see it.

• Position: Quotation

"These children are fodder in this. They are being assaulted."

--Texas Representative David Simpson (R), describing unauthorized Central American children crossing U.S. borders during a town hall in Longview, as reported by the Longview News-Journal.

"The dinosaurs died, and we don't know why, but the world adjusted. And to say that this is what's going to cause detriment to people, I just don't think it's out there."

--Kentucky Representative Kevin Sinnette (D) during lawmakers' discussion of the effect of new EPA carbon emission regulations on the state, on Kentucky Public Radio.

"This is one small victory against the surveillance state. I am glad I could voice my opinion and help stop this bill."

--Tweet by North Carolina Senator Thom Goolsby (R) after a bill was pulled that would have allowed police to use license plate scanners to spot stolen cars and criminals, reported by WECT TV, Wilmington.

"You bring in the light, and in the light we have to make these decisions."

--Thomas Finneran (D), Massachusetts House Speaker 1996-2004, reminding Boston Globe reporters in 2000 of their government-watchdog role. Commonwealth magazine reprised the quote in August, noting how statehouse reporters' ranks have shrunk.

"That's ridiculous. The whole school-to-prison...