winks and nods and quiet promises over conference calls.

We're working hard to carry out our responsibilities, not have this thing taken by winks and nods and quiet promises over conference calls. We'd actually like to know what the heck is going on.

No Supreme Court nomination should be conducted with winks and nods,

Ten years ago, that wouldn't have been the case; you wouldn't have the CEOs on conference calls. But they all understand business, and this was a huge business decision. There's so much at stake in terms of prestige, status and certainly the BCS.

Your mind will believe comforting lies while also knowing the painful truths that make those lies necessary. And your mind will punish you for believing both.

The American people have every reason to expect Congress to achieve the right balance in defending their rights while advancing their security, but the Republican-backed conference report fails to do that.