Now more than ever the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption.
Interpretation
The character of Congress reflects the people's attitudes; if Congress is flawed, it is due to public tolerance of these flaws.
This quote by James A. Garfield emphasizes the vital role the citizenry plays in shaping the quality and integrity of their government. It suggests that if the legislative body exhibits ignorance, recklessness, or corruption, it is a direct result of the people's complacency and acceptance of such behaviors. Therefore, it urges individuals to be more active and critical participants in democracy, holding their representatives accountable for their actions and standards.
In practice
During a town hall meeting about local governance, someone could quote Garfield to emphasize the need for civic engagement.
Statistical science is indispensable to modern statesmanship. In legislation as in physical science it is beginning to be understood that we can control terrestrial forces only by obeying their laws. The legislator must formulate in his statutes not only the national will, but also those great laws of social life revealed by statistics.
I am trying to do two things: dare to be a radical and not a fool, which is a matter of no small difficulty.
Justice and goodwill will outlast passion.
If the power to do hard work is not a skill, it's the best possible substitute for it.
Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can be permanently maintained.
I never meet a ragged boy in the street without feeling that i may owe him a salute, for I know not what possibilities may be buttoned up under his coat.
If there were Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, it makes it certain there would be a reprisal attack against the United States at some point.
It is hard to feel individually responsible with respect to the invisible processes of a huge and distant government.
If I could have anything - you know, and this is across the board for any presidential candidate - I would have a greater acknowledgment of history in our policy and in our affairs.
It's true that it's within the realm of cultural politics that young people tend to work through political issues, which I think is good, although it's not going to solve the problems
The vote is a trust more delicate than any other, for it involves not just the interests of the voter, but his life, honor and future as well.
As someone who worked hard for a Labour victory in the 90s, do I regret it? Not really. It was bound to happen. And it'll happen with the next government, and the one after it. Because all governments serve us. They serve the filth.
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