May the sun never set on American baseball.
Harry S. TrumanRead
Secrecy and a free, democratic government don't mix.
Interpretation
Secrecy undermines the principles of transparency and accountability in a democratic government.
Harry S. Truman's quote highlights the fundamental conflict between secrecy and the ideals of a free and democratic government. In a democracy, transparency is vital for fostering trust between the government and its citizens, ensuring that officials are held accountable for their actions. Secrecy, on the other hand, can lead to abuses of power and erosion of the public's right to know, which is essential for a healthy democratic society.
In practice
During a town hall meeting discussing government transparency initiatives.
May the sun never set on American baseball.
Having found the bomb we have used it. We have used it against those who attacked us without warning at Pearl Harbor, against those who have starved and beaten and executed American prisoners of war, against those who have abandoned all pretense of obeying international laws of warfare. We have used it in order to shorten the agony of war, in order to save the lives of thousands and thousands of young Americans.
Herbert Hoover once ran on the slogan, 'Two cars in every garage'. Apparently, the Republican candidate this year is running on the slogan, 'Two families in every garage'.
The only things worth learning are the things you learn after you know it all.
I never would have agreed to the formulation of the Central Intelligence Agency back in forty-seven, if I had known it would become the American Gestapo.
I would rather have peace in the world than be President.
The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.
We have to ensure politically that what's doable can indeed by translated into law, but what's not doable mustn't become European law. Otherwise, the auto industry will work somewhere with higher carbon emissions - and we can't want that.
He mocks the people who proposes that the government shall protect the rich and that they in turn will care for the laboring poor.
The powers know that the people at large are like children whose despair, sorrow, and tears can be turned into joy with a little toy. ... An army and navy represents the people's toys.
Behold a republic standing erect while empires all around are bowed beneath the weight of their own armaments - a republic whose flag is loved while other flags are only feared.
The corporations are powerful only because we have allowed them to be. In theory, it is we, not they, who mandate the state. But we have neglected our duty of citizenship, and they have taken advantage of our neglect to seize the reins of government.
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