To avoid the necessity of a permanent debt and its inevitable consequences, I have advocated and endeavored to carry into effect the policy of confining the appropriations for the public service to such objects only as are clearly with the constitutional authority of the Federal Government.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of fiscal responsibility and constitutional authority in government spending.
Martin Van Buren's quote addresses the necessity of avoiding long-term debt by ensuring that government appropriations are limited to expenditures that fall clearly within the constitutional framework. He advocates for a disciplined approach to financial management within public service, highlighting the risks associated with excess borrowing and the importance of adhering to legal guidelines in governance.
In practice
During a speech on fiscal policy to a group of financial analysts.
In time of peace there can, at all events, be no justification for the creation of a permanent debt by the Federal Government. Its limited range of constitutional duties may certainly under such circumstances be performed without such a resort.
It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn't.
The less government interferes with private pursuits, the better for general prosperity.
Those who have wrought great changes in the world never succeeded by gaining over chiefs; but always by exciting the multitude. The first is the resource of intrigue and produces only secondary results, the second is the resort of genius and transforms the universe.
I tread in the footsteps of illustrious men, whose superiors it is our happiness to believe are not found on the executive calendar of any country.
The government should not be guided by Temporary Excitement, but by Sober Second Thought.
Democracy is the best chance for the best people.
Our purpose now is to reclaim democracy itself. We are here to affirm that when Americans stand up and speak their minds and say America can do better, that is not a challenge to patriotism; it is the heart and soul of patriotism.
When scrutiny is lacking, tyranny, corruption and man's baser qualities have a better chance of entering into the public business of any government.
[The Federal Convention] is really an assembly of demigods.
Terrorism constitutes a direct attack on the values the UN stands for: the rule of law; the protection of civilians; peaceful resolution of conflicts; and mutual respect between people of different faiths and cultures.
Iran has to live up to its international obligations. . . . The president has said that our patience is not unlimited.
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