In some situations I was difficult, in odd moments impossible, in rare moments loathsome, but at my best unapproachably great.
Oscar LevantRead
The only difference between the Democrats and the Republicans is that the Democrats allow the poor to be corrupt, too.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the perceived similarities in corruption between the two major political parties in the U.S.
Oscar Levant's quote suggests that while both the Democratic and Republican parties engage in corrupt practices, the Democrats are more inclusive in allowing not just the wealthy but also the poor to participate in corrupt behavior. This statement implies that corruption is a universal flaw that transcends socio-economic status, challenging the notion that only one party is responsible for unethical conduct in politics.
In practice
In a debate about political integrity, this quote could emphasize the shared flaws in both parties.
In some situations I was difficult, in odd moments impossible, in rare moments loathsome, but at my best unapproachably great.
When I appeared before the draft board examiner during World War II, he asked me if I thought I could kill. "I don't know about strangers," I replied, "but friends, certainly."
I have no trouble with y enemies. But my god damn friends... they are the ones that keep me walking the floors at night.
I'm a study of a man in chaos in search of frenzy.
I envy people who drink. At least they have something to blame everything on.
Roses are red, violets are blue, I'm schizophrenic, and so am I.
In America any boy may become President, and I suppose it's just one of the risks he takes.
Representative democracy is a remarkably blunt instrument. Hundreds of issues are bundled together at every election, yet the vote tends to swing on just one or two of them.
You realize that for all the shenanigans that go on in the big circus of politics, everybody wakes up and goes to work.
The massive, frustrated energies of a mainly young, disillusioned electorate that has long since abandoned the idea that we all have a duty to vote. This is like being told you have a duty to buy a new car, but you have to choose immediately between a Ford and a Chevy.
If economic progress is not translated into better quality of life and respect for citizens' rights, we will witness more Tahrir Squares in Africa.
Lifting the veil of secrecy that shrouds police misconduct allegations would seem like an obvious democratic value. After all, if police work for the people, should they not be answerable to the people, as well? This is a basic tenet of good government.
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