Quote of the day: New York Times Style

On Thursday, The New York Times posted the quintissential quote, AP Style: "Now, I'm not recommending for every future president that they take a shellacking like I did last night. You know, I'm sure there are easier ways to learn these lessons." [President Obama discussing Tuesday's election results.] Like a snapshot, these two sentences resonate with sentiment and tell a story. No paraphrasing here, just the facts. You know immediately which way the election went.

But to the Times credit, the daily quotation box is not reserved solely for power brokers or notable names. Take today's quote: "The government says we are bad for the animals, but I was born here and the animals were born here, and we have lived together very well." Gana Taoxaga, a Bushman in Botswana. [A1, 'For Some Bushmen, A Homeland Worth the Fight']. Who knew there was contention with the indigenous peoples of central Botswana? But thanks to the Times, this silent sadness now has front page coverage on a worldwide stage. If it weren't for the pullout quote, I would have missed the story.

Thank you New York Times for bringing us back into the wider world. Yes, there is life beyond the rabid realm of U.S. politics.