Here are some of the week’s most notable quotes culled from news reports from across Texas, and beyond.
Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence, during the debate with Sen. Tim Kaine.
Senator, you whipped out that Mexican thing again.
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TFN founder and current president of Planned Parenthood Cecile Richards.
I never have felt that the politicians – and I would certainly include Gov. (Greg) Abbott in this – are reflecting the hopes and desires of folks in Texas. These attacks … were on far more than access to safe and legal abortion. They were on access to basic cancer screenings. They’ve shut Planned Parenthood out of the breast cancer screening program. I believe that every time they have put their political agenda ahead of the well-being of women in the state of Texas, they’ve made a huge mistake.
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Doyin Oyeniyi, writing in Texas Monthly about the proposed Mexican-American studies textbook under State Board of Education consideration.
The demand for more comprehensive history courses and textbooks is not an ‘agenda’ or a request for ‘special treatment.’ It’s a chance to do right by all students learning U.S. history, not just students of color.
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Russell Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, on religious-right leaders continuing to stand in support of Donald Trump.
Some of the very people who warned us about moral relativism and situational ethics now ask us to become moral relativists for the sake of an election. And when some dissent, they are labeled as liberals or accused of moral preening or sitting comfortably on the sidelines. The cynicism and nihilism is horrifying to behold. It is not new, but it is clearer to see than ever.
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Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert, defending Donald Trump following the release of a video of Trump bragging about kissing and groping women without their permission.
I think we should forgive Trump because he made these comments when he was a Democrat.
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Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr., explaining that he will continue to support Donald Trump.
We’re never going to have a perfect candidate unless Jesus Christ is on the ballot.
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An excerpt from a letter written by students at Liberty University.
Any faculty or staff member at Liberty would be terminated for such comments, and yet when Donald Trump makes them, President Falwell rushes eagerly to his defense taking the name ‘Liberty University’ with him.
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TFN communications director Dan Quinn, commenting on an upcoming conference co-sponsored by several organizations considered anti-LGBT hate groups by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
[A] rogues’ gallery of political activists who delight in generating hate and contempt for LGBT people across the country.