If you want to understand your government, don't begin by reading the Constitution. (It conveys precious little of the flavor read more

If you want to understand your government, don't begin by reading the Constitution. (It conveys precious little of the flavor of today's statecraft.) Instead, read selected portions of the Washington telephone directory containing listings for all the organizations with titles beginning with the word National.

My experience in government is that when things are non-controversial and beautifully coordinated, there is not much going on.

My experience in government is that when things are non-controversial and beautifully coordinated, there is not much going on.

Government is not reason, it is not eloquence -- it is force.

Government is not reason, it is not eloquence -- it is force.

Government is an association of men who do violence to the rest of us.

Government is an association of men who do violence to the rest of us.

Talk is cheap - except when Congress does it.

Talk is cheap - except when Congress does it.

Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for.

Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for.

Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants.

Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants.

That government is best which governs the least, because its people discipline themselves.

That government is best which governs the least, because its people discipline themselves.

Oh, we are weary pilgrims; to this wilderness we bring
A Church without a bishop, a State without a read more

Oh, we are weary pilgrims; to this wilderness we bring
A Church without a bishop, a State without a King.