"After the Civil War, when blacks fought along whites to secure freedom for all, southern states enacted Black Codes, laws that restricted the civil rights and liberties of blacks. Central to the enforcement of these laws were the stiff penalties for blacks possessing firearms."

"There is a genocide that is taking place among black men, in particular young black men, but it is not a genocide being perpetuated by white cops, by the Nazis, or by the Klan. Unfortunately and tragically, it is being perpetuated by other young black men."

"People are familiar with 'the stick' of the Tea Party... challenging incumbents, flooding the phone lines. What they're not so much familiar with, and what I want to expand, is 'the carrot.' So when a Mitch McConnell, or when a Republican caucus stands firm... we have to reward them."

"Understanding the long, sordid history of gun control in America is key to understanding the dangers of disarming."

"The pride of the hipster food movement is sort of annoying, but it fascinates me."

"The best of us must sometimes eat our words."

"An idea is a delicate seed; water it with curiosity and protect it from cynicism — an essential principle for the reflective life."

"I like food. I like eating. And I don't want to deprive myself of good food."