“Never underestimate the effectiveness of a straight cash bribe.” — Claude Cockburn “The intention makes the crime.” — Aristotle, ancient Greek philosopher

“My, my, my! Such a lot of guns around town and so few brains … put it down, Joe.” — Humphrey Bogart, 20th-century American actor (from “The Big Sleep”)

“He that’s cheated twice by the same man is an accomplice with the cheater.” — Thomas Fuller

“In an age that is utterly corrupt, the best policy is to do as others do.” — Marquis de Sade, 18th-century French moralist