For now, the administration's actions to boost farm subsidies (albeit to levels still lower than in Europe) speak louder than lofty words about cutting them.

ECONOMIST: Trade

For all the lofty words about accountability, did the drafters of our public-disclosure laws really intend them to be used by activist groups to get people fired for holding unfashionable views?

WSJ: McGurn: The Chick-fil-A War Is Back On

But even if the ideas are clear and the words crisp, an inaugural address can be deemed "great" only if it is followed by actions that make good on its lofty words.

CNN: Why inaugural speeches mostly fail

This requires more than lofty words.

ECONOMIST: Schumpeter

Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, a Democratic mayoral candidate, said strengthening the middle class requires "more than lofty words" and he criticized Ms. Quinn for hurting working New Yorkers, citing her opposition to requiring employers to pay workers for sick days.

WSJ: Quinn Address Aims at Middle Class

In other words, in setting such lofty standards in order to be more competitive, these companies have managed to actually lower their standards and make themselves even less competitive.

FORBES: We Never Fail