Patrick Moynihan: “Everyone can have their own opinions about policy, but there is only one law of numbers and one rule of arithmetic”

When I arrived at the Senate near 25 years ago, it was very clear to me that I would look to Robert C. Byrd as my mentor; and he has been. I have sat at the foot of this Gamaliel for a quarter century. As I leave, sir, he is my mentor…

May I simply thank my revered friend. We have been together, even across the aisle, for a near quarter century. There is no one whose regard I greater value and whose remarks I could not be more moved by.

If the present report is to serve any large purpose, it is to introduce the public to the thought that secrecy is a mode of regulation. In truth, it is the ultimate mode for the citizen does not even know that he or she is being regulated.

I wonder if I might ask our distinguished leader, he mentioned the Executive Calendar. The Finance Committee has held hearings on six nominees, two tax court judges of some considerable salience, two public trustees of the Social Security…