The essence of a free government consists in an effectual control of rivalries.
John AdamsRead
I believe that Brazil was prepared to elect a woman. Why? Because Brazilian women achieved that. I didn't come here by myself, by my own merits. We are a majority here in this country.
Interpretation
Rousseff emphasizes the collective achievements of Brazilian women in achieving representation.
In this quote, Dilma Rousseff highlights the significance of women's collective efforts and accomplishments in Brazil, asserting that her election was not solely her individual success but a reflection of the broader societal support and readiness for female leadership. She acknowledges that women constitute a majority in the country and that this majority contributed to her ascendance, underscoring the importance of collaboration and representation in politics.
In practice
During a speech at a women's conference, I could reference Rousseff's quote to inspire future leaders.
The essence of a free government consists in an effectual control of rivalries.
We, the Black masses, don't want these leaders who seek our support coming to us representing a certain political party. They must come to us today as Black Leaders representing the welfare of Black people. We won't follow any leader today who comes on the basis of political party. Both parties (Democrat and Republican) are controlled by the same people who have abused our rights, and who have deceived us with false promises every time an election rolls around.
I think the Democrats are going to have to be willing to give up, maybe, some short-term political gain by whipping up fears on some of these things - if it's a reasonable Social Security proposal, a reasonable Medicare proposal. We've got to deal with these things. You cannot have health care devour the economy.
Only we, the public, can force our representatives to reverse their abdication of the war powers that the Constitution gives exclusively to the Congress.
My politics are short and sweet, like the old woman's dance.
You can't give the government the power to do good without also giving it the power to do bad - in fact, to do anything it wants.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.