It's a Wrap. The Ten Most Noteworthy Statements of 2019. Really 15.
Most Noteworthy Statements 2019.
Last year we began our “It’s a Wrap” New Year’s post and it was very well-received. We loved it too, and set out to do the same for 2019. HOWEVER, we ran into a conundrum. When returning to our source, the statements cumulatively were so darn depressing. Seriously, now we know why everyone has been so depressed lately and couldn’t wait for the year to end!! Still, being glass half full kind of people, we developed a Hummingbird list all our own. Presenting the Hummingbird Top 5. We feel that of all things, 2019 in many ways, was the year of women who showed their strength and abilities. Statements by these women dominate our top 5, with our NUMBER ONE noteworthy statement from a very special man who we cannot honor enough, a person that shaped our collective consciousness this year.
The list from Fred Shapiro, editor of the Yale Book of Quotations, our prior source, follows Hummingbird’s.
“When we’re dancing with the angels, the question will be asked: In 2019, what did we do to make sure we kept our democracy intact?” Elijah Cummings (1951 - 2019)
“This is my charge to everyone. We have to be better. We have to love more. Hate less. We got to listen more and talk less. We got to know that this is everybody’s responsibility. Every single person here. Every single person’s who’s not here. Every single person who doesn’t want to be here. Every single person who agrees and doesn’t agree. It’s our responsibility to make this world a better place.” Megan Rapinoe, USWNT Captain, World Cup Soccer Champion
“Sometimes people say ‘tough,’ and I’m thinking, No, tough’s wrong. I think I’m strong; I have strength. The strength sprang from my purpose, my knowledge, my strategic thinking—and that gives me a sense of security. So that’s what I think some people recognize: that I’m not going to fold from weakness. I may concede on the strength of your argument, but I’m not folding from weakness.” Nancy Pelosi, US Politician and two-time Speaker of the House of Representatives
"When I’m sometimes asked when will there be enough [women on the supreme court]? And I say ‘When there are nine.’ People are shocked. But there’d been nine men, and nobody’s ever raised a question about that." Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Supreme Court Justice
“We represent diversity, kindness, compassion. A home for those who share our values. Refuge for those who need it.” (To the world); “You may have chosen us, but we utterly reject and condemn you.” (To the gunman.) Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand
Credits and thanks to Fred Shapiro, editor of the Yale Book of Quotations, for his 2019 list reflected here. Shapiro said he picks quotes that are not necessarily admirable or eloquent, but rather because they are famous or particularly revealing of the spirit of the times. When we look back, the statement and speaker helped define the year. Shapiro lists the top ten quotes in order of significance, with number one, being number one!
“I would like you to do us a favor, though.” — President Donald Trump
“We are in the beginning of a mass extinction. And all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you!” — environmental activist Greta Thunberg
“When we’re dancing with the angels, the question will be asked: ‘In 2019, what did we do to make sure we kept our democracy intact? Did we stand on the sidelines and say nothing?’” — U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings
“I would rather be dead in a ditch” than ask the European Union for a delay in Brexit — U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson
“The Prime Minister’s advice to Her Majesty was unlawful, void and of no effect.” — Supreme Court of the United Kingdom President Brenda Hale, Baroness Hale of Richmond, judgment in case of R (Miller) v. The Prime Minister
“If we had had confidence that the president clearly did not commit a crime, we would have said so.” — Special Counsel Robert Mueller
“I have a plan for that.” — Presidential candidate Senator. Elizabeth Warren
“Poor kids are just as bright, just as talented, as white kids.” — Presidential candidate Vice President Joe Biden
“I’m very happy (being single). I call it being self-partnered.” — actress Emma Watson
“I love you 3000.” — actress Alexandra Rabe, line in “Avengers: Endgame”
