I am not a party candidate, and if elected cannot be President of a party, but the President of the whole people.
As to the Constitution and the Union, I have taken an oath to support the one, and I cannot do so without preserving the other, unless I commit perjury, which I certainly don't intend to do. We must cherish the Constitution to the last.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the inseparable relationship between the Constitution and the Union, highlighting the importance of both to uphold democracy.
Zachary Taylor's quote reflects his commitment to the Constitution as fundamental to the existence and functionality of the Union. He is asserting that to support one entails the preservation of the other, reinforcing a sense of duty and integrity in leadership. By stating that to act otherwise would be akin to committing perjury, he underlines the seriousness of his oath and the vital role the Constitution plays in ensuring the stability of the nation.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a political rally, one could use this quote to inspire the audience about the importance of upholding democratic principles.
More from Zachary Taylor
All quotes →The appointing power vested in the president imposes delicate and onerous duties. So far as it is possible to be informed, I shall make honesty, capacity, and fidelity indispensable prerequisites to the disposal of office, and the absence of either of these qualities shall be deemed sufficient cause for removal.
My life has been devoted to arms, yet I look upon war at all times, and under all circumstances, as a national calamity to be avoided if compatible with national honor.
Similar quotes
There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign.
Imagine the Creator as a low comedian, and at once the world becomes explicable.
For a man's house is his castle, et domus sua cuique tutissimum refugium [and one's home is the safest refuge to everyone].
It was the contemplation of God that created men who were equal, for it was in God that they were equal.
Anything that can be done to a rat can be done to a human being. And we can do most anything to rats. This is a hard thing to think about, but it's the truth. It won't go away because we cover our eyes. THAT is cyberpunk.
Our humble service attitude in our life is what determines what effect chanting will have on our consciousness. Otherwise we can be chanting for millions and millions of births before we actually achieve the goal.