We view ourselves on the eve of battle. We are nerved for the conquest and must conquer or perish. It is vain to look for present aid: None is at hand. We must now act or abandon all hope!
Sam HoustonRead
I have ever been opposed to banks, - opposed to internal improvements by the general government, - opposed to distribution of public lands among the states, - opposed to taking the power from the hands of the people, - opposed to special monopolies, - opposed to a protective tariff, - opposed to a latitudinal construction of the constitution, - opposed to slavery agitation and disunion. This is my democracy. Point to a single act of my public career not in keeping with these principles.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses Sam Houston's strong opposition to various centralizing and monopolistic practices, defining democracy in terms of individual empowerment and principled governance.
In this quote, Sam Houston outlines his consistent opposition to a series of political and economic practices that he believes infringe upon the rights and powers of the people. He emphasizes his commitment to democratic principles by rejecting banks, government overreach, monopolies, protective tariffs, and slavery, which he views as detrimental to the democratic ideals of individual freedom and equitable governance. Houston's assertion serves as a call to evaluate his public actions against these principles, reinforcing a vision of a democracy grounded in the empowerment of the individual rather than the concentration of power.
Themes
DemocracyFreedomIndividual RightsOppositionPrinciples
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used to inspire political discussions about individual rights and democracy in a community forum.
More from Sam Houston
All quotes →The soldier who gropes for glory must submit himself to discipline. Subordination gives strength and security to an army. He that will not submit to it when corrected and improved by the experience of ages does not deserve the proud appellation of a soldier.
Sam HoustonRead
I declare that civil war is inevitable and is near at hand. When it comes the descendants of the heroes of Lexington and Bunker Hill will be found equal in patriotism, courage and heroic endurance with the descendants of the heroes of Cowpens and Yorktown. For this reason I predict the civil war which is now at hand will be stubborn and of long duration.
Sam HoustonRead
A leader is someone who helps improve the lives of other people or improve the system they live under.
Sam HoustonRead
There would be no difficulty in securing the rights of the people and the liberties of Texas if men would march to their duty and not fly like recreants from danger. Texas must be defended and liberty maintained.
Sam HoustonRead
Texas will again lift it's head and stand among the nations. It ought to do so, for no country upon the globe can compare with it in natural advantages.
Sam HoustonRead
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