I still do not understand how a corporation can have person-hood if it has no soul and never dies.
Jon StewartRead
What are you so mad about? That we still have a government? We still have “traffic lights.” We’re sorry. The government’s not perfect, but some people wish it was better, not gone.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the notion that while governance is imperfect, it is essential for societal order and progress.
In this quote, Jon Stewart highlights the complex relationship between citizens and their government. He acknowledges the frustration many feel towards government shortcomings, but he also suggests that even with its imperfections, governance is a necessary aspect of life. Rather than wishing for a complete absence of government, people should aim for improvement in its function. The mention of 'traffic lights' serves as a metaphor for the basic structures that maintain order, implying that some foundational governance is vital for daily living.
Themes
GovernmentFrustrationImprovementSocietyOrder
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a debate about the effectiveness of government programs.
More from Jon Stewart
All quotes →President Bush announced his new economic plan. The centerpiece was a proposed repeal of the dividend tax on stocks, a boon that could be worth millions of dollars to average Americans. Well, average stock-owning Americans. Technically, Americans who own a significant amount of shares in dividend-dealing companies. Well, rich people, that's what I'm trying to say. They're going to do really well with this.
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Wait a minute! Wait a minute! I figured this out. I know what's wrong with what we've done in Iraq. We've been following time as it goes forward. What a classic mistake. Linear time is so pre-9-11.
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You just have to keep trying to do good work, and hope that it leads to more good work. I want to look back on my career and be proud of the work, and be proud that I tried everything. Yes, I want to look back and know that I was terrible at a variety of things.
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If you don't stick to your values when they're being tested, they're not values: they're hobbies.
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Thomas Jefferson once said: 'Of course the people don't want war. But the people can be brought to the bidding of their leader. All you have to do is tell them they're being attacked and denounce the pacifists for somehow a lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.' I think that was Jefferson. Oh wait. That was Hermann Goering. Shoot." [Hosting the Peabody Awards for broadcasting excellence at the New York Waldorf-Astoria, June 6, 2006]
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