I'm a person who has always believed that you tell people the truth, and they'll make reasonable decisions. Truth is powerful.
John F. KerryRead
Not to wax nostalgic about the 1970s, but back then people got upset when they saw injustice. They got tired of seeing our air, land and water polluted. They were shocked when the Cuyahoga River in Ohio was polluted so badly it caught fire. And on one great day 20 million Americans marched all across this land. Politicians had no choice but to take notice.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the urgency and collective action of people in the 1970s against environmental injustice.
John F. Kerry's quote captures a pivotal moment in American history when public outrage over environmental pollution spurred mass activism. It emphasizes how citizens rallied together in large numbers to demand action from politicians, underscoring the power of collective voice in driving change and addressing injustices, particularly regarding environmental issues. The reference to the Cuyahoga River catching fire serves as a metaphor for the dire state of the environment, stirring a sense of urgency that mobilized millions to take to the streets.
Themes
EnvironmentActivismChangePollutionCollective Action
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on Earth Day, one might quote this to inspire environmental activism.
More from John F. Kerry
All quotes →Confronting climate change is, in the long run, one of the greatest challenges that we face, and you can see this duty or responsibility laid down in scriptures, clearly.
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Unlike Washington, which is stuck in ideological gridlock, Americans feel the impact of climate change in their own hometowns and they know something must be done.
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Here I am in the state of New Mexico. George Bush is still in the state of denial. New Mexico has five electoral votes. The state of denial has none. I like my chances.
John F. KerryRead
Democracy relies on free speech. Yes, say anything you want, but it relies even more on the speech being truthful. It is the truth, after all, that sets us free.
John F. KerryRead
War should be not a war of choice; it should be a war of necessity. And it should be a last resort.
John F. KerryRead
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