Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Comment on this quoteShare via Email Print this Page Daily Quotes Archives2026-05-22 May 22, 2026As long as our government is administered for the good of the people, and is regulated by their will; as long as it secures to us the rights of persons and of property, liberty of conscience and of the press, it will be worth defending.~ Andrew JacksonThe fundamental principle is this: No matter how worthwhile an end may be, if there is no constitutional authority to pursue it, then the federal government must step aside and leave the matter to the states or to private parties. The president and Congress can proceed only from constitutional authority, not from good intentions alone. If Congress thinks it necessary to expand its powers, the Framers crafted an amendment process for that purpose. But too often, rather than follow that process, Congress has disregarded the limits set by the Constitution and gutted our frontline defense against overweening federal government.~ Robert A. LevyI know of no method to secure the repeal of bad or obnoxious laws so effective as their stringent execution.~ Ulysses S. Grant May 21, 2026Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one’s own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.~ John F. KennedyFree speech, free press, free religion, the right of free assembly, yes, the right of petition... well, they are still radical ideas.~ Lyndon B. JohnsonDissent... is a right essential to any concept of the dignity and freedom of the individual; it is essential to the search for truth in a world wherein no authority is infallible.~ Norman Thomas May 20, 2026Outside of the Constitution we have no legal authority more than private citizens, and within it we have only so much as that instrument gives us. This broad principle limits all our functions and applies to all subjects.~ Andrew JohnsonThe dangers of a concentration of all power in the general government of a confederacy so vast as ours are too obvious to be disregarded.~ Franklin PierceMan is not free unless government is limited.... As government expands, liberty contracts.~ Ronald Reagan May 19, 2026In politics, as in religion, it is equally absurd to aim at making proselytes by fire and sword. Heresies in either can rarely be cured by persecution.~ Alexander HamiltonOptimism: The doctrine that everything is beautiful, including what is ugly, everything good, especially the bad, and everything right that is wrong. ... It is hereditary, but fortunately not contagious.~ Ambrose BierceAs I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say. I just watch what they do.~ Andrew Carnegie May 18, 2026The Constitution is a written instrument. As such it's meaning does not alter. That which it meant when adopted, it means now.~ United States Supreme CourtThe broad statement that the federal government can exercise no powers except those specifically enumerated in the Constitution, and such implied powers as are necessary and proper to carry into effect the enumerated powers, is categorically true only in respect of our internal affairs. In the field of international relations, the President alone has the power to speak or listen as a representative of the nation. He makes treaties with the advice and consent of the Senate; but he alone negotiates. Into the field of negotiation the Senate cannot intrude; and Congress itself is powerless to invade it. ~ Justice George SutherlandThe President is the sole organ of the nation in its external relations, and its sole representative with foreign nations. Of consequence, the demand of a foreign nation can only be made on him.~ Justice John Marshall Previous week's quotes Next week's quotes Share on Facebook Tweet Email Print