"Two plus two always equals four, never five."

Cuban President Raul Castro on his plans to cut spending and eliminate some government programs. "The accounts don't square up," he said. "You have to act with realism and adjust the dreams to the true possibilities."

"If you don't want someone to pray in Jesus' name, don't invite an evangelical minister."

Evangelist Franklin Graham, on controversy over whether Pastor Rick Warren will mention the name of Jesus during his scheduled invocation at Barack Obama's inauguration.

"Missionaries, not aid money, are the solution to Africa's biggest problem-the crushing passivity of the people's mindset."

British atheist Matthew Parris, recognizing in The Times of London "the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa. . . . In Africa Christianity changes people's hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good."

"Politically, it was the final nail in the coffin."

Dan Bartlett, former top Bush administration official, on how President Bush never recovered politically after he and his administration made mistakes during Hurricane Katrina.

"Our sons will take care of the security issue."

Khalil Abrahim, 50, a resident in Fallujah, site of some of the Iraq war's worst fighting. Fallujah used to have one major terrorist attack per week but has had only two in the last six months, so U.S. Marines are scheduled to leave Camp Fallujah by Jan. 1. Abrahim doesn't know how he will rebuild, but he says the next generation "can do a better job."

"I was really surprised and dismayed by my voting record."

Caroline Kennedy, who is seeking an appointment to fill Hillary Clinton's Senate seat, on reports that she did not vote in several elections.

"Regrettably, common sense isn't always that common."

California State Sen. Joe Simitian, on the need for a new law that prohibits drivers from texting while driving.