We need more of the Office Desk and less of the Show Window in politics. Let men in office substitute the midnight oil for the limelight.
Calvin CoolidgeRead
When scrutiny is lacking, tyranny, corruption and man's baser qualities have a better chance of entering into the public business of any government.
Interpretation
Without oversight, negative traits can dominate government actions.
This quote emphasizes the importance of scrutiny in governance. When there is a lack of oversight, it allows for tyranny, corruption, and the unfavorable aspects of human nature to seep into government functions, potentially leading to injustice and mismanagement of power. This highlights the necessity of accountability and vigilance in political systems to protect the public interest.
In practice
In a discussion about the importance of checks and balances in government during a civic engagement event.
We need more of the Office Desk and less of the Show Window in politics. Let men in office substitute the midnight oil for the limelight.
The State has invariably shown a striking talent for the expansion of its powers beyond any limits that might be imposed upon it.
Palestine is the cement that holds the Arab world together, or it is the explosive that blows it apart.
Whoop it up for liberty! After Ireland is free, says the patriot who won't touch socialism, we will protect all classes, and if you won't pay your rent you will be evicted same as now. But the evicting party, under command of the sheriff, will wear green uniforms and the Harp without the Crown, and the warrant turning you out on the roadside will be stamped with the arms of the Irish Republic. Now, isn't that worth fighting for?
Did the mass of men know the actual selfishness and injustice of their rulers, not a government would stand a year. - The world would foment with revolution.
It's a good thing we don't get all the government we pay for.
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