October 15, 2008

Quotes for the political season

A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes. - Mark Twain, (attributed)

It is better to be defeated on principle than to win on lies. - Arthur Calwell

There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics. - Autobiography of Mark Twain

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. – Aristotle

The only sin which we never forgive in each other is difference of opinion. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

The rule is perfect: in all matters of opinion our adversaries are insane. - Mark Twain

For every complex problem, there is a solution that is simple, neat, and wrong. - H. L. Mencken

Let’s talk sense to the American people. Let’s tell them the truth, that there are not gains without pains. - Adlai Stevenson

To give up the task of reforming society is to give up one’s responsibility as a free man. - Alan Paton

What we need are critical lovers of America - patriots who express their faith in their country by working to improve it. - Hubert H. Humphrey

[P]atriotism... is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime. - Adlai Stevenson

Too bad the only people who know how to run the country are busy driving cabs and cutting hair. - George Burns

2 comments:

matt said...

Great one - I would add:

Adlai Stevenson's response to a woman who called out to him: "Senator, you have the vote of every thinking person!" during his 1956 campaign - "That's not enough, madam, we need a majority!"

Holly said...

My fav is the George Burns one.