When people keep telling you that you can't do a thing, you kind of like to try it.
Leadership is not manifested by coercion, even against the resented. Greatness is not manifested by unlimited pragmatism, which places such a high premium on the end justifying any means and any measures.
My creed is that public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and
honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation with
full recognition that every human being is entitled to courtesy and
consideration, that constructive criticism is not only to be expected but
sought, that smears are not only to be expected but fought, that honor is to be
earned, not bought.
One of the basic causes for all the trouble in the world today is that people
talk too much and think too little. They act impulsively without thinking. I
always try to think before I talk.
Moral cowardice that keeps us from speaking our minds is as dangerous to this
country as irresponsible talk. The right way is not always the popular and easy
way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character.
As a United States senator I'm not proud of the way in which the Senate has been
made a publicity platform for irresponsible sensationalism. (May 31, 1950
denunciation of Senator Joseph McCarthy)
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