We didn't understand clearly enough the feeling of many Panamanians that the arrangement implied an element of colonialism and subjugation and not an equal representation of leaders from two sovereign countries, ... This created a need for later presidents to address the controversy.

I now understand more clearly than I ever had before why you won in November 1980 and I lost.

A fundamentalist can't bring himself or herself to negotiate with people who disagree with them because the negotiating process itself is an indication of implied equality.

There's always an element of self delusion among people who believe they ought to be President. There's an underestimation of your opponent and an overestimation of your own abilities. This is compatible with being rich and powerful, the idea that we were blessed by God because we deserve to be blessed.

I don't think the critics could understand what we were doing.

Whom the gods notice they destroy. Be small… and you will escape the jealousy of the great.