The only way to eliminate any government choice on what art is worthwhile, what art isn't worthwhile, is to get the government totally out of the business of funding.
Antonin ScaliaRead
To allow the policy question of same-sex marriage to be considered and resolved by a select, patrician, highly unrepresentative panel of nine is to violate a principle even more fundamental than no taxation without representation: no social transformation without representation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques the lack of representation in decisions regarding same-sex marriage, emphasizing the importance of inclusive participation in social change.
Antonin Scalia's statement highlights the necessity of representation in the decision-making processes that govern social transformations, like the legalization of same-sex marriage. He argues that allowing a small, elitist group to resolve such significant societal issues undermines democratic principles and the voices of those directly affected by the laws.
Themes
Same-Sex MarriageRepresentationSocial ChangeDemocracyPolicy
In practice
Example use cases
During a public debate on marriage equality, this quote can emphasize the importance of inclusive discussions.
More from Antonin Scalia
All quotes →If I have brought any message today, it is this: Have the courage to have your wisdom regarded as stupidity. Be fools for Christ. And have the courage to suffer the contempt of the sophisticated world.
Antonin ScaliaRead
Until the courts put a stop to it, public debate over same-sex marriage displayed American democracy at its best. Individuals on both sides of the issue passionately, but respectfully, attempted to persuade their fellow citizens to accept their views.
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Being a good person begins with being a wise person. Then, when you follow your conscience, will you be headed in the right direction.
Antonin ScaliaRead
If you're going to be a good and faithful judge, you have to resign yourself to the fact that you're not always going to like the conclusions you reach. If you like them all the time, you're probably doing something wrong.
Antonin ScaliaRead
Burning the flag is a form of expression. Speech doesn't just mean written words or oral words. It could be semaphore. And burning a flag is a symbol that expresses an idea - I hate the government, the government is unjust, whatever.
Antonin ScaliaRead
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