`It is not sinful to be a gay and lesbian. It is sinful to have these prejudices and act out on them.’ — Rabbi Paul Menitoff, executive vice president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, which approved a resolution giving rabbis the option of presiding at gay commitment ceremonies.
MIAMI-DADE MAYOR ALEX PENELAS, EXCORIATING FEDERAL ACTIONS IN THE ELIAN GONZALEZ CASE ON WEDNESDAY: `If blood is shed on the streets . . . I will hold (federal officials) responsible.’
`It was there when I was there, probably going to be there in the future. It’s part of the culture.’
Gov. George Ryan, on employee misconduct in the secretary of state’s office.
`Peoria Is Great.’
The city’s slogan for a fundraising campaign to buy a new bookmobile. The acronym PIG tells the tale; at $500 a pop the Fiberglas pigs have raised $8,000.
`The passports are ready. And of course the airplane is ready.’
Cuban President Fidel Castro, announcing on Wednesday that the father of Elian Gonzalez is willing to travel to the U.S. to claim his son.
`It’s time for Elian to go home.’
Tribune columnist John Kass.
`I don’t want to imply that I thought it was perfect. But I think it was running well when I left, and that’s really all I can speak to.’
Former Gov. Jim Edgar, reflecting on his time as secretary of state.
`He has a little chip on his shoulder and a lot to prove to people. And when E.Y. has a lot to prove, he plays better.’
Cubs manager Don Baylor, on Eric Young, considered the team’s best acquisition in the off-season.
`The strongest evidence to date.’
Conclusion of Joel Michalek, the lead investigator in a study that confirmed a link between Agent Orange and diabetes in veterans.
`I changed my practice. I changed myself.’
Russian figure skater Irina Slutskaya, explaining the new attitude that has put her back on top.
`It’s the best place to play in the world. It would mean a lot.’
Notre Dame forward Troy Murphy, speaking about winning in Madison Square Garden, where Murphy’s team faces Wake Forest for the National Invitation Tournament championship on Thursday.
`There are no words in this world that can describe my feeling. It was the worst that could happen to me.
‘A young Muslim woman, testifying before a United Nations court, describing how she was raped and tortured repeatedly at a Bosnian Serb camp.
