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Friday, September 30, 2005

Bite Sized Wisdom: Barry Goldwater

Barry Goldwater


I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.

-- Barry Goldwater, Republican National Convention, 1964

Comments

Avatar for John S Bolton

Good work, finding this quotation. There are many occasions where it can be used.

John S Bolton on October 1, 2005 at 02:10 am
Avatar for 2Hotel9

Never really read much from Goldwater. Being raised in the Deep South I was 15 before I knew that"goddamn" was not part of Lyndon Baines Johnson’s name. Never heard a good thing about any of his peers, from either side of the aisle. Hence my low opinnion of politicians/Lawyers. They should all be working at something productive. Like picking up human excrement with their teeth while on a chaingang. Something useful to someone other than themselves, since they claim to be public servants.

2Hotel9 on October 1, 2005 at 12:11 pm
Avatar for gilbyguy

Goldwater was a gem.  His book, “The conscience of a conservative” is a must read!!

gilbyguy on October 1, 2005 at 01:10 pm
Avatar for gilbyguy

Barry Goldwater in “The Conscience of a Conservative” writes about when the turn in this country will occur:

The turn will come when we entrust the conduct of our affairs to men who understand that their first duty as public officials is to divest themselves of the power they have been given, It will come when Americans, in hundreds of communities throughout the nation, decide to put the man in office who is pledged to enforce the Constitution and restore the Republic.  Who will proclaim in a campaign speech: “I have little interest in streamlining government or in making it more efficient, for I mean to reduce its size.  I do not undertake to promote welfare, for I propose to extend freedom.  My aim is not to pass laws, but to repeal them.  It is not to inaugurate new programs, but to cancel old ones that do violence to the Constitution, or that have failed in their purpose, or that impose on the people an an unwarranted financial burden.  I will not attempt to discover whether legislation is ‘needed’ before I have first determined whether it is constitutionally permissible.  And if I should later be attacked for neglecting my constituents’ ‘interests,’ I shall reply that I was informed their main interest is liberty and that in that cause I am doing the very best I can.

gilbyguy on October 1, 2005 at 02:11 pm
Avatar for 2Hotel9

I will have to delve deeper into Mr. Goldwater. If he could diliever on smooth, charming patter like that, I would vote for him in a heartbeat.

2Hotel9 on October 1, 2005 at 03:10 pm
Avatar for 2Hotel9

To bad he is gone. Meant that to be at the end of prev. comment. Oppsie.

2Hotel9 on October 1, 2005 at 03:11 pm
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