You've got to be (an) optimist to be a Democrat, and you've got to be a humorist to stay one

You've got to be (an) optimist to be a Democrat, and you've got to be a humorist to stay one

Politics has become so expensive that it takes a lot of money even to be defeated.

Politics has become so expensive that it takes a lot of money even to be defeated.

Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people.

Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people.

Sometimes I wonder if we shall ever grow up in our politics and say definite things which mean something, or read more

Sometimes I wonder if we shall ever grow up in our politics and say definite things which mean something, or whether we shall always go on using generalities to which everyone can subscribe, and which mean very little.

The Duty of an Opposition is to oppose.

The Duty of an Opposition is to oppose.

A minister who moves about in society is in a position to read
the signs of the times even read more

A minister who moves about in society is in a position to read
the signs of the times even in a festive gathering, but one who
remains shut up in his office learns nothing.

Protection and patriotism are reciprocal.

Protection and patriotism are reciprocal.

Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That read more

Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That is understood. But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.

Politics is the art of achieving the maximum amount of freedom for individuals that is consistent with the maintenance of read more

Politics is the art of achieving the maximum amount of freedom for individuals that is consistent with the maintenance of social order.