You don't tell people who disagree with you they'd be better off somewhere else. And you don't reduce them to stereotypes; you address them as fully formed people worthy of respect. You try to persuade them.
Peggy NoonanRead
The president - every president - works for us. We don't work for him. We sometimes lose track of this, or rather get the balance wrong. Respect is due and must be palpable, but now and then you have to press, to either force them to be forthcoming or force them to reveal that they won't be.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Politicians are public servants who should be accountable to the people they represent.
This quote emphasizes the fundamental principle of democracy that elected officials, including the president, are meant to serve the interests of the public rather than the other way around. It reminds us that while respect for leaders is important, citizens have a right and responsibility to demand transparency and accountability from their government.
Themes
PresidentDemocracyAccountabilityRespectPublic Service
In practice
Example use cases
During a town hall meeting to discuss government transparency.
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