Was It Legal? quotes from Angels in America (2003)

Roy Cohn

Yeah, you heard of Ethel Rosenberg. Maybe even read about her in the history books. Well, if it wasn't for me, Joe, Ethel Rosenberg would be alive today, writing some personal-advice column for Ms. Magazine. She isn't. Because, during the trial, Joe, I was on the phone every day talking with the judge. Every day, doing what I do best — talking on the telephone. Making sure that that timid Yid nebbish on the bench did his duty to America, to history. That sweet, unprepossessing woman, two kids, boo-hoo-hoo, reminded us all of our little Jewish mamas. She came this close to getting life. I pleaded till I wept to put her in the chair. Me, I did that. I'd have **** pulled the switch if they let me. Why? Because I **** hate traitors. Because I **** hate communists. Was it legal? **** legal! Am I a nice man? **** nice! They say terrible things about me in The Nation? **** The Nation! You want to be nice or you want to be effective?! You want to make the law, or be subject to it? Choose!