QUOTES OF THE DAY 2-17-12

Force is the vital principle and immediate parent of despotism. Thomas Jefferson

Faced with the choice between changing one’s mind and proving that there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof. John Kenneth Galbraith

My theories explain, but cannot slow the decline of a great civilization. I set out to be a reformer, but only became the historian of decline. Ludwig von Mises

The founding fathers, in their wisdom, devised a method by which our republic can take one hundred of its most prominent numbskulls and keep them out of the private sector where they might do actual harm. P.J. O’Rourke

A long war almost always places nations in this sad alternative: that their defeat delivers them to destruction and their triumph to despotism Alexis de Tocqueville

Historically, much of the motivation for public schooling has been to stifle variety and institute social control. Jack Hugh

The issue today is the same as it has been throughout all history, whether man shall be allowed to govern himself or be ruled by a small elite. Thomas Jefferson

The worst government is often the most moral. One composed of cynics is often very tolerant and humane. But when fanatics are on top there is no limit to oppression. H. L. Mencken

National Health Insurance means combining the efficiency of the Postal Service with the compassion of the I.R.S. … and the cost accounting of the Pentagon. Louis Sullivan/Connie Horner quoted by Novak in _Forbes_

Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word, equality. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude. Alexis de Tocqueville

All I know is just what I read in the papers, and that’s an alibi for my ignorance. Will Rogers