Politics is so personal, vicious and immediate, how are you going to get anything done? Even the local politics where I live have gotten so ugly.
Interpretation
Politics is deeply personal and often contentious, which can hinder effective progress.
In this quote, Robin Williams highlights the personal nature of politics, emphasizing how its viciousness and immediacy can obstruct meaningful achievements. He reflects on the deteriorating civility in political discussions, suggesting that the emotional and aggressive undertones prevalent in political discourse discourage constructive dialogue and action.
In practice
In a speech about local governance, one might quote Williams to emphasize the need for civility in politics.
It's that idea that you can have one drink - and no you can't. Within a week I was drinking heavily. It was so quick that even I was like, 'Wow.' Because you have that initial warm feeling going, 'Oh, I remember this'. And your body does, too. And your body goes, 'Yeah, so do I'. Then the demon voice comes, 'Yeah, so do I. You know what would be great? You know we bought a little bottle before? A full bottle would be wonderful'.
I always thought the idea of education was to learn to think for yourself.
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If ever there were a place where people not only tend not to face economic facts, but it's almost their purpose not to face economic facts, it's Washington.
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