To avoid the necessity of a permanent debt and its inevitable consequences, I have advocated and endeavored to carry into effect the policy of confining the appropriations for the public service to such objects only as are clearly with the constitutional authority of the Federal Government.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of fiscal responsibility and constitutional authority in government spending.
Martin Van Buren's quote addresses the necessity of avoiding long-term debt by ensuring that government appropriations are limited to expenditures that fall clearly within the constitutional framework. He advocates for a disciplined approach to financial management within public service, highlighting the risks associated with excess borrowing and the importance of adhering to legal guidelines in governance.
In practice
During a speech on fiscal policy to a group of financial analysts.
In time of peace there can, at all events, be no justification for the creation of a permanent debt by the Federal Government. Its limited range of constitutional duties may certainly under such circumstances be performed without such a resort.
It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn't.
The less government interferes with private pursuits, the better for general prosperity.
Those who have wrought great changes in the world never succeeded by gaining over chiefs; but always by exciting the multitude. The first is the resource of intrigue and produces only secondary results, the second is the resort of genius and transforms the universe.
I tread in the footsteps of illustrious men, whose superiors it is our happiness to believe are not found on the executive calendar of any country.
The government should not be guided by Temporary Excitement, but by Sober Second Thought.
Now, so there will be no misunderstanding, it's not my intention to do away with government. It is rather to make it work - work with us, not over us; to stand by our side, not ride on our back. Government can and must provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity, not stifle it.
The miasma of fear that is created through voter suppression is as much about terrifying people about trying to vote as it is about actually blocking their ability to do so.
Old forms of government finally grow so oppressive that they must be thrown off even at the risk of reigns of terror.
The Bill of Rights is not an a la carte menu.
Politics hates a vacuum. If it isn't filled with hope, someone will fill it with fear.
Geeks like to think that they can ignore politics, you can leave politics alone, but politics won't leave you alone.
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