We want to be in control of our lives. Whether we are jungle fighters, craftsmen, company men, gamesmen, we want to be in control. And when the government erodes that control, we are not comfortable.
Barbara JordanRead
Let's all understand that these guiding principles cannot be discarded for short-term political gains. They represent what this country is all about. They are indigenous to the American idea. And these are principles which are not negotiable.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The principles that define a nation should not be sacrificed for temporary political advantages.
In this quote, Barbara Jordan emphasizes the importance of adhering to foundational principles that embody the essence of the American identity. She argues that these ideals are fundamental and should not be compromised for fleeting political benefits, as doing so undermines the integrity and values of the nation.
Themes
PrinciplesValuesPoliticsIntegrityNation
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate, one might cite this quote to emphasize the importance of principles over political maneuvering.
More from Barbara Jordan
All quotes →What we have to do is strike a balance between the idea that government should do everything and the idea, the belief, that government ought to do nothing. Strike a balance.
Barbara JordanRead
My faith in the Constitution is whole, it is complete, it is total, and I am not going to sit here and be an idle spectator to the diminuation, the subversion, the destruction of the Constitution. It is reason and not passion which must guide our deliberations, guide our debate, and guide our decision.
Barbara JordanRead
Americanization means the process of becoming an American. It means civic incorporation, becoming a part of the polity - becoming one of us. But that does not mean conformity. We are more than a melting pot, we are a kaleidoscope, where every turn of history refracts new light on the old promise.
Barbara JordanRead
We cannot improve on the system of government handed down to us by the founders of the Republic. There is no way to improve upon that. But what we can do is to find new ways to implement that system and realize our destiny.
Barbara JordanRead
The arts, instead of quaking along the periphery of our policy concerns, must push boldly into the core of policy. The arts are a response to our individuality and our nature and help to shape our identity. The arts are not a frill and should not be treated as such. They have the potential to become the driving force for healing division and divisiveness.
Barbara JordanRead
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