The appointing power vested in the president imposes delicate and onerous duties. So far as it is possible to be informed, I shall make honesty, capacity, and fidelity indispensable prerequisites to the disposal of office, and the absence of either of these qualities shall be deemed sufficient cause for removal.
Interpretation
The president bears significant responsibility in appointing officials and should ensure they possess integrity and competence.
This quote by Zachary Taylor emphasizes the gravity of the president's role in appointing individuals to office. It highlights the importance of selecting honest, capable, and loyal candidates for governmental positions, asserting that failure in any of these areas is a valid reason for dismissal, thereby promoting accountability and integrity within leadership.
In practice
In a speech addressing the importance of ethical leadership, one might quote Taylor to stress the necessity of integrity in public office.
As to the Constitution and the Union, I have taken an oath to support the one, and I cannot do so without preserving the other, unless I commit perjury, which I certainly don't intend to do. We must cherish the Constitution to the last.
I am not a party candidate, and if elected cannot be President of a party, but the President of the whole people.
My life has been devoted to arms, yet I look upon war at all times, and under all circumstances, as a national calamity to be avoided if compatible with national honor.
Successful leaders don't start out asking, 'What do I want to do?' They ask, 'What needs to be done?' Then they ask, 'Of those things that would make a difference, which are right for me?'
Once you have a staff of prepared, intelligent, and energetic people, the next step is to motivate them to be creative.
President Obama has made it his mission that we welcome our troops home with care, and concern, and the respect they deserve. That is how an exceptional nation says "thank you" to its most exceptional men and women.
Sometimes leaders slide from the role of freedom fighter into the presidency, which they may be unsuited for, but everyone accepts it until they hit the bump in the road.
Exercising leadership is an expression of your aliveness... But when you cover yourself up, you risk losing something as well. In the struggle to save yourself, you can give up too many of those qualities that are the essence of being alive, like innocence, curiosity, and compassion.
I didn't plan to be a politician. The founder of our country, David Ben-Gurion, called me from the kibbutz to serve in the underground. We were short of manpower, short of arms. I was 24 years old. I was supposed to serve my country for one or two years. I am 89 years old this year, and I keep going.
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