Quotes About Government

A fine is a tax for doing something wrong. A tax is a fine for doing something right.

IRS: We've got what it takes to take what you've got.

Put a good tax on beer and that would take care of the unemployment fund.

An "acceptable" level of unemployment means that the government economist to whom it is acceptable still has a job.

VOTE, n. The instrument and symbol of a freeman's power to make a fool of himself and a wreck of his country.

Perhaps America will one day go fascist democratically, by popular vote.

Washington seems to be more concerned about political mud than radioactive dust.

America is much more than a geographical fact. It is a political and a moral fact — the first community in which men set out in principle to institutionalize freedom, responsible government, and human equality. And we love it for this audacity!

Do you ever get the feeling that the only reason we have elections is to find out if the polls were right?

BALLOT BOX. The altar of democracy.

Many forms of government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time...

George Washington is the only president who didn't blame the previous administration for his troubles.

I've always felt the nine most terrifying words in the English language are, "I'm from the government and I'm here to help."

This would nevertheless require a courageous change of attitude on the part of political leaders.

Unquestionably, there is progress. The average American now pays out twice as much in taxes as he formerly got in wages.

The worst government is often the most moral. One composed of cynics is often very tolerant and humane. But when fanatics are on top there is no limit to oppression.

Democracy is a form of religion, it is the worship of jackals by jack asses.

The government consists of a gang of men exactly like you and me. They have, taking one with another, no special talent for the business of government; they have only a talent for getting and holding office.

The worst government is the most moral. One composed of cynics is often very tolerant and humane. But when the fanatics are on top there is no limit to oppression.

Unquestionably, there is progress. The average American now pays twice as much in taxes as he formerly got in wages.

The rapid elevation was the result of his proven flying ability and the recognition by the army of the prospective advantages of having a member of Congress in its officer corps. However, being both congressman and army officer, and getting paid twice from government coffers, were impermissible in federal law. Consequently, La Guardia's compensation from both jobs was cut off, leaving him without money.

The only good bureaucrat is one with a pistol at his head. Put it in his hand and it's good-by to the Bill of Rights

As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.

The audience perked up the more. American conservatives were a combative tribe who didn't speak of liberals as their "friends," but here Reagan did. His tone was serious, but it wasn't angry, the way Goldwater's often was. Reagan criticized Democratic leaders, but he didn't criticize Democrats. He condemned the direction the American government was going, but he professed confidence in the American people.