I have opinions of my own - strong opinions - but I don't always agree with them.
George H. W. BushRead
I think the 24-hour news cycle has helped exaggerate the differences between the parties. You can always find someone on TV somewhere carping about something. That didn't happen 20 years ago.
Interpretation
The constant news coverage amplifies political differences and conflict.
George H. W. Bush reflects on how the fast-paced 24-hour news cycle has changed political discourse, pointing out that it tends to exaggerate the divisions between political parties. Unlike two decades ago, the prevalence of media coverage means that anyone with a grievance can voice their concerns publicly, often leading to heightened tensions and polarization within political discussions.
In practice
In a speech about media responsibility, one could quote Bush to highlight how modern news shapes political opinions.
I have opinions of my own - strong opinions - but I don't always agree with them.
One of the good things about the way the Gulf War ended in 1991 is, you'd see the Vietnam veterans marching with the Gulf War veterans.
Communism didn't fall. It was pushed.
The anchor in our world today is freedom, holding us steady in times of change, a symbol of hope to all the world.
It's too much show business and too much prompting, too much artificiality, and not really debates. They're rehearsed appearances.
Appeasement does not work. As was the case in the 1930s, we see in Saddam Hussein an aggressive dictator threatening his neighbors.
Your proposal raises the greatest mischief that can befall my country. You could not have found a person to whom your schemes are more disagreeable. Let me conjure you then, if you have any regard for your country, concern for your self or posterity, or respect for me, to banish these thoughts from your mind, never communicate, as from yourself, or anyone else, a sentiment of the like nature.
Where I think historians can help preserve and actually restore democracy is to remind us of how we got it.
The USA is a threat to world peace. Who are they to pretend that they are the policemen of the world, the ones that should decide for the people of Iraq what should be done with their government and their leadership. All that [the USA] wants is Iraqi oil. [Blair is] simply the foreign minister of the United States. He is no longer prime minister of Britain.
I learned that fighting on the chess board could also have an impact on the political climate in the country.
Democracy is not a spectator sport. It is a difficult, hard, full-contact, participatory endeavor.
Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book.
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