“Out of the Half-Light” quotes from Law & Order

Robinette

You think I sold out?

Does it matter what I think? If it does I'll tell you, but it's something you got to decide for yourself.

Robinette

You got a ‘shave yourself in the morning' speech?

Maybe. Do you think of yourself as a black lawyer, or a lawyer who's black?

Robinette

Depends on the context.

You make a decision based on something from within. You live with it, you examine it, it's all you got.

Robinette

You think by morning I'll come to love it?

No, but I don't think you'll have any problem with the guy in the mirror. See you tomorrow.

You look me in the eye and you tell me this system is just. This system is equal.

Robinette

At times the system stinks, Eaton. I know that as well as you do. But don't for one damn minute tell me that your self-aggrandizing polarization is going to solve the problem. Don't tell me that tearing down a 200-year old justice system, no matter how flawed, is going to alter the consciousness of a society. Now, we're past the separate drinking-fountain stage. We're past legal discrimination. We're at the hearts and minds stage. And believe me, there's no quick fix.

Another zombified soul casts his vote for order rather than justice. Negative peace over positive peace.

Robinette

Paraphrasing Martin Luther King's thoughts won't lend credence to yours. King walked with the angels...you'd slide in slime on your belly to get what you want.