Category: Verbatim
Quote du Jour
Freedom of expression is the well-spring of our civilization …. The history of civilization is in considerable measure the displacement of error which once held sway as official truth by beliefs which in turn have yielded to other truths. Therefore the liberty of man to search for truth ought not to be fettered, no matter what orthodoxies he may challenge. Liberty of thought soon shrivels without freedom of expression. Nor can truth be pursued in an atmosphere hostile to the endeavor or under dangers which are hazarded only by heroes.
— Felix Frankfurter, (1882-1965), U.S. Supreme Court Justice
Quote du Jour: Bush Praises Freedom of Speech Then Has Woman Arrested for Verbal Protest
“China has become successful because the Chinese people are experience [sic] the freedom to buy, and to sell, and to produce — and China can grow even more successful by allowing the Chinese people the freedom to assemble, to speak freely, and to worship.”
— President George W. Bush, on Thursday, just moments before a woman was arrested for verbally protesting the visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao at the White House
Quote du Jour
The two greatest obstacles to democracy in the United States are, first, the widespread delusion among the poor that we have a democracy, and second, the chronic terror among the rich, lest we get it.
— Edward Dowling, S.J., American priest, editor
Quote du Jour
Anti-Semitism is a social disease …. Anti-Semitism is an excellent diagnostic device to use in studying the health and well-being of society. It is a harbinger of war, the fear of inadequacy that, in moments of crisis, breeds havoc and social panic.
— Carey McWilliams, (1905-1980), editor of “The Nation”
Quote du Jour
The political doctrine which has represented the loftiest endeavor toward common life is liberal democracy…. Liberalism — it is well to recall this today — is the supreme form of generosity; it is the right which the majority concedes to minorities, and hence is the noblest cry that has ever resounded in this planet.
— José Ortega y Gasset, (1883-1955), Spanish philosopher
Quote du Jour
In times of disorder and stress, the fanatics play a prominent role; in times of peace, the critics. Both are shot after the revolution.
— Edmund Wilson
Quote du Jour
In an absolutely corrupt age, such as the one we are living in, the safest course is to do as the others do.
— Donatien Alphonse Francois, Marquis de Sade, (1740-1814)
GOP Reps Call for Impeachment — in 1999
What will we tell the children?
In 1999, Republicans in Congress were outraged over presidential mendacity:
- Former Representative, now Senator, Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina):
“The president of the United States sets [sic] atop of the legal pyramid. If there’s reasonable doubt about his ability to faithfully execute the laws of the land, our future would be better off if that individual is removed. And let me tell you where it all comes down to me. If you can go back and explain to your children and your constituents how you can be truthful and misleading at the same time, good luck.”
- Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-Pennsylvania), current chairman of the House Judiciary Committee:
“[The] rule of law should apply to everyone, no matter what excuses are made by the president’s defenders… We have done so because of our devotion to the rule of law and our fear that if the president does not suffer the legal and constitutional consequences of his actions, the impact of allowing the president to stand above the law will be felt for generations to come –laws not enforced are open invitations for more serious and more criminal behavior.”
- Rep. Henry Hyde (R-Illinois), who was then chairman of the House Judiciary Committee:
“There is a visibility factor in the president’s public acts, and those which betray a trust or reveal contempt for the law are hard to sweep under the rug…They reverberate, they ricochet all over the land and provide the worst possible example for our young people.”
