“Here the people rule, and their will is the supreme law. It is sometimes sneeringly said by those who do not like free government, that here we count heads. True, heads are […]
When Brains Count For Government
Thomas Paine Speaks About the Pain of Unjust Government
“Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one; for when we suffer, or are […]
Jefferson’s Purpose of Government
“The purpose of government is to enable the people of a nation to live in safety and happiness. Government exists for the interests of the governed, not for the governors.” — Thomas […]
The Wit and Wisdom of Fred Allen
Fred Allen (1894-1956) was one of the most brilliant comedians of all time. The fact that he is not better known today is one of the great travesties of the ages. After […]
Reagan’s Distinction Between Government and Drunken Sailors
Ronald Reagan was an outspoken critic of excessive taxation. He once summed up his concern about the practice by saying, “The difference in spending habits between government and a drunken sailor is, […]
Edison’s Lesson of the Unwanted Invention
For any inventor, receiving his or her first patent is a momentous occasion. It is proof from the highest levels of government that someone recognizes the value of the distinct innovation born […]
Reagan On Irresponsible Government
President Ronald Reagan spent his entire political life warning against the dangers of ever-growing federal government. He once summed up his philosophy about government, saying, “Government is like a baby. An alimentary […]
An Election Where Everyone Wins
“We will win an election when all the seats in the House and Senate and the chair behind the desk in the Oval Office and the whole bench of the Supreme Court […]
The Practical Purpose of Politics
“The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them […]
A Cynic’s Guide to Congress
Readers of this site know that congress is the word used to describe a large group of salamanders. Most people, however, think of something completely different when that word is mentioned. Take […]
Accepting Responsibility
At a White House press conference ABC reporter Sam Donaldson directed a question to President Ronald Reagan: “Mr. President, in talking about the continuing recession tonight, you have blamed Congress and mistakes […]
Quotes, the Universe, and Everything
Douglas Adams, best known as the author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, had a talent for expressing the human condition in a profound and entertaining way. Here are a few […]
Not a Good Combination
“Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.” — PJ O’Rourke
Government’s Scary Reassurance
“The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, ‘I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.” — Ronald Reagan
Political Science Made Simple
“There are just two rules of governance in a free society: mind your own business. Keep your hands to yourself.” — PJ O’Rourke
Commonplace Fun Facts 