I'm a person who has always believed that you tell people the truth, and they'll make reasonable decisions. Truth is powerful.
John F. KerryRead
Democracy relies on free speech. Yes, say anything you want, but it relies even more on the speech being truthful. It is the truth, after all, that sets us free.
Interpretation
Democracy depends on both the freedom to speak and the necessity for that speech to be honest.
This quote emphasizes the fundamental role of truthfulness in a democratic society. While free speech is essential for citizens to express themselves and share ideas, the integrity and accuracy of what is said is crucial, as it ultimately fosters a well-informed populace that can engage in meaningful discourse and make enlightened decisions, thereby reinforcing the very principles of democracy.
In practice
This quote can be used during a debate on the importance of media accuracy.
I'm a person who has always believed that you tell people the truth, and they'll make reasonable decisions. Truth is powerful.
Confronting climate change is, in the long run, one of the greatest challenges that we face, and you can see this duty or responsibility laid down in scriptures, clearly.
Unlike Washington, which is stuck in ideological gridlock, Americans feel the impact of climate change in their own hometowns and they know something must be done.
Here I am in the state of New Mexico. George Bush is still in the state of denial. New Mexico has five electoral votes. The state of denial has none. I like my chances.
War should be not a war of choice; it should be a war of necessity. And it should be a last resort.
I can't take my Catholic belief, my article of faith, and legislate it on a Protestant or a Jew or an Atheist. We have separation of church and state in the United States of America.
Whoop it up for liberty! After Ireland is free, says the patriot who won't touch socialism, we will protect all classes, and if you won't pay your rent you will be evicted same as now. But the evicting party, under command of the sheriff, will wear green uniforms and the Harp without the Crown, and the warrant turning you out on the roadside will be stamped with the arms of the Irish Republic. Now, isn't that worth fighting for?
There's good reason to be excited. You have the first woman running who is qualified, and a very attractive African-American who has demonstrated crossover appeal. I got involved in politics 40 years ago during the civil rights movement, so yes, it's an exciting thing.
It is dressed into speeches about patriotism, love of country...but the profits...skyrocket.
Seventy years after China emerged from the Second World War, the greatest threat facing the nation's leadership is not imperialism but skepticism.
Democracy is not just a question of having a vote. It consists of strengthening each citizen's possibility and capacity to participate in the deliberations involved in life in society.
If ever there were a place where people not only tend not to face economic facts, but it's almost their purpose not to face economic facts, it's Washington.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.