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.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of maintaining a separation between religion and government in a democratic society.
Barry Goldwater's quote argues that the fundamental decisions of governance should not be influenced by the ideals of religious factions. He believes that over the past 205 years, America has successfully maintained a distinction between state affairs and the uncompromising viewpoints of religious groups, a principle that upholds the foundational values of conservatism and democracy. Goldwater warns that deviating from this separation threatens the core tenets upon which the nation was established.
In practice
This quote can be used in a debate about the role of religion in government policies.
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.
While I am a great believer in the free enterprise system and all that it entails, I am an even stronger believer in the right of our people to live in a clean and pollution-free environment.
In the past, it was possible to destroy a village, a town, a region, even a country. Now it is the whole planet that has come under threat. This fact should compel everyone to face a basic moral consideration; from now on, it is only through a conscious choice and then deliberate policy that humanity will survive.
When you know your name, you should hang on to it, for unless it is noted down and remembered, it will die when you do.
Bigotry dwarfs the soul by shutting out the truth.
Force does not constitute right... obedience is due only to legitimate powers.
I won't undertake war until I have tried all the arts and means of peace.
Vexed sailors cursed the rain, for which poor shepherds prayed in vain.
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