Ed Koch: The Quotes

Edward Irving "Ed" Koch was an American lawyer, politician and political commentator.  He served in the U.S. House of Representatives ('69-'77), followed by three terms as Mayor of New York City. 

Koch was widely credited with leading NYC from fiscal insolvency to an economic boom period, spanning '78-'89.  Despite being a lifelong Democrat, he crossed party lines often (e.g. endorsing Rudy Giuliani for mayor, '93; Michael Bloomberg, 2001; and George W. Bush, 2004) and self-described as a "liberal with sanity".  

He focused on renewing public housing in his later years as mayor, and cut NYC spending and taxes.  During his tenure, he cut 7,000 employees from the city payroll to help balance the fiscal deficit.

Here's a short look at some famous, well-documented quotes:

• "Whether I am straight or gay or bisexual is nobody's business but mine."
• "I'm not the type to get ulcers. I give them."
• "You punch me, I punch back. I do not believe it's good for one's self-respect to be a punching bag."
• "Have you ever lived in the suburbs? It's sterile. It's nothing. It's wasting your life." (a reference to Albany during a failed race for Governor, State of NY, '82)
• "If you agree with me on 9 out of 12 issues, vote for me. If you agree with me on 12 out of 12 issues, see a psychiatrist."
•  "I know that nothing happens here on this Earth that wasn't ordained by God. I know that. You know that. And therefore, while I know that it was the people who elected me, it was God who selected me." (During an Easter Sunday worship service in Harlem, '85).  The next day, he stressed that it did not necessarily mean he was endorsed by God.
• "I was defeated because of longevity, not because Yusuf Hawkins was murdered six weeks before the election, although that was a factor. People get tired of you. So they decided to throw me out." ('89, after losing the mayoral primary)
• "If they want a parade, let them parade in front of the oil drums in Moonachie." (about the NY Giants, requesting a permit for a parade after winning the Superbowl '87 - the Giants actually play football in NJ, the bordering state)
• "It's not soaring, beautiful, handsome, like the George Washington or the Verrazano. It's rugged, it's hard working – and that's me." (A bridge renamed in his honor, 2011)
• "Not that I was given approval by the Deity, but I am delighted I was given the opportunity by the Deity."
• "I don't want to leave Manhattan, even when I'm gone. This is my home. The thought of having to go to New Jersey was so distressing to me."

Long live the memory of the often abrasive, hated & adored, working class antagonist & hero... Ed Koch.