The March on Washington was a March for Jobs and Freedom. There are still too many people who are unemployed or underemployed in America - they're black, white, Latino, Native American and Asian American.
John LewisRead
Customs, traditions, laws should be flexible, within good reason, if that is what it takes to make our democracy work.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Customs and laws should adapt to serve democracy effectively.
John Lewis emphasizes the importance of flexibility in customs, traditions, and laws to uphold the principles of democracy. When these structures are rigid, they can hinder the democratic process; thus, adapting them within reasonable limits is crucial for a functioning society.
Themes
DemocracyLawsTraditionFlexibilityChange
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about legislative reform, one can use this quote to advocate for adjusting outdated laws.
More from John Lewis
All quotes βThe scars and stains of racism are still deeply embedded in the American society.
John LewisRead
I say to people today, 'You must be prepared if you believe in something. If you believe in something, you have to go for it. As individuals, we may not live to see the end.'
John LewisRead
We need someone who is going to stand up, speak up, and speak out for the people who need help, for the people who have been discriminated against.
John LewisRead
If it hadn't been for that march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday, there would be no Barack Obama as President of the United States of America.
John LewisRead
Sometimes I hear people saying, 'Nothing has changed.' Come and walk in my shoes.
John LewisRead
Similar quotes
This is my last election. After my election, I have more flexibility.
Barack ObamaRead
Scotland is not a region of the U.K.; Scotland is a nation, and if we cannot protect our interests within a U.K. that is going to be changing fundamentally, then that right of Scotland to consider the options of independence has to be there.
Nicola SturgeonRead
No sooner does an American president take his oath of office than the speculation begins: Will he be reelected in four years' time? If not, who will succeed him? A member of his own party? The other party?
Gore VidalRead
Terrorism doesn't just blow up buildings; it blasts every other issue off the political map. The spectre of terrorism - real and exaggerated - has become a shield of impunity, protecting governments around the world from scrutiny for their human rights abuses.
Naomi KleinRead
Democracy is not a spectator sport. It is a difficult, hard, full-contact, participatory endeavor.
Cory BookerRead
It is dressed into speeches about patriotism, love of country...but the profits...skyrocket.
Smedley ButlerRead