Selected Margaret Chase Smith Quotations
• When people keep telling you that you can't do a thing, you kind of like to try it.
• Every human being is entitled to courtesy and consideration. Constructive criticism is not only to be expected but sought.
• 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.
• My basic rule is to speak slowly and simply so that my audience has an opportunity to follow and think about what I am saying.
• We should not permit tolerance to degenerate into indifference.
• Those of us who shout the loudest about Americanism in making character assassinations are all too frequently those who, by our own words and acts, ignore some of the basic principles of Americanism: The right to criticize. The right to hold unpopular beliefs. The right to protest. The right of independent thought.
• I believe that in our constant search for security we can never gain any peace of mind until we are secure in our own soul.
• 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)
• I don't want to see the Republican Party ride to political victory on the Four Horsemen of Calumny - Fear, Ignorance, Bigotry, and Smear.
• Smears are not only to be expected but fought. Honor is to be earned, not bought.
• 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.
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About These Quotes
Quote collection assembled by Jone Johnson Lewis. Each quotation page in this collection and the entire collection © Jone Johnson Lewis 1997-2006. This is an informal collection assembled over many years. I regret that I am not be able to provide the original source if it is not listed with the quote.
Citation information:
Jone Johnson Lewis. "Margaret Chase Smith Quotes." About Women's History. URL: http://womenshistory.about.com/od/quotes/a/chase_smith.htm . Date accessed: (today). (More on how to cite online sources including this page)
