I am frankly sick and tired of the political preachers telling me as a citizen that if I want to be a moral person, I must believe in A, B, C, and D. Just who do they think they are? And from where do they presume to claim the right to dictate their moral beliefs to me?
Interpretation
The quote expresses frustration with political leaders who impose their moral beliefs on others.
Barry Goldwater's quote argues against the idea that morality is dictated by political figures or ideologies. He emphasizes the importance of individual belief and autonomy, questioning the authority of those who presume to tell citizens what constitutes moral behavior, thereby advocating for personal freedom in moral and ethical decision-making.
In practice
During a debate on moral issues, one might use the quote to highlight the importance of individual moral judgment.
I say further that for this great legislative body to ignore the Constitution and the fundamental concepts of our governmental system is to act in a manner which could ultimately destroy the freedom of all American citizens, including the freedoms of the very persons whose feelings and whose liberties are the major subject of this legislation.
The conservative movement, to which I subscribe, has as one of its basic tenets the belief that government should stay out of people’s private lives. Government governs best when it governs least – and stays out of the impossible task of legislating morality. But legislating someone’s version of morality is exactly what we do by perpetuating discrimination against gays.
Religious factions will go on imposing their will on others unless the decent people connected to them recognize that religion has no place in public policy. They must learn to make their views known without trying to make their views the only alternatives.
None of us here in Washington knows all or even half of the answers ... If you love your country, don't depend on handouts from Washington for your information. If you cherish your freedom, don't leave it all up to big government.
A woman has a right to an abortion. That's a decision that's up to the pregnant woman, not up to the pope or some do-gooders or the Religious Right.
The great decisions of government cannot be dictated by the concerns of religious factions. We have succeeded for 205 years in keeping the affairs of state separate from the uncompromising idealism of religious groups and we mustn't stop now. To retreat from that separation would violate the principles of conservatism and the values upon which the framers built this democratic republic.
If a man needs a religion to conduct himself properly in this world, it is a sign that he has either a limited mind or a corrupt heart.
Words can make the illness a subject I can master, and not one that one simply emotes over.
No government ought to be without censors; and where the press is free no one ever will.
The foundation of my beliefs is the same as it was when I was 10. Non-violence.
Life is divided into the horrible and the miserable.
I many no longer depend on pleasant impulses to bring me before the Lord. I must rather response to principles I know to be right, whether I feel them to be enjoyable or not.
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