The ugliness of bigotry stands in direct contradiction to the very meaning of America.
Interpretation
Bigotry opposes the core values of America, which are rooted in acceptance and diversity.
This quote emphasizes that bigotry, characterized by intolerance and discrimination, is fundamentally opposed to the ideals of America, which celebrates diversity, equality, and freedom. It asserts that true understanding of the American spirit is incompatible with prejudice, highlighting the importance of embracing and respecting the differences that enrich society.
In practice
This quote could be used in a speech advocating for civil rights and social justice.
It was once said that the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.
Much of our American progress has been the product of the individual who had an idea; pursued it; fashioned it; tenaciously clung to it against all odds; and then produced it, sold it, and profited from it.
We need an America with the wisdom of experience. But we must not let America grow old in spirit.
You cannot go around and keep score. If you keep score on the good things and the bad things, you'll find out that you're a very miserable person. God gave man the ability to forget, which is one of the greatest attributes you have. Because if you remember everything that's happened to you, you generally remember that which is the most unfortunate.
Here we are the way politics ought to be in America; the politics of happiness, the politics of purpose and the politics of joy.
The pursuit of peace resembles the building of a great cathedral. It is the work of a generation. In concept it requires a mater-architect; in execution, the labors of many.
No one is free, even the birds are chained to the sky.
Aggression only moves in one direction - it creates more aggression.
Without looking through the window, you can see Heaven's Way.
When you speak of heaven, let your face light up...When you speak of hell well then, your everyday face will do.
The chief misery of the decline of the faculties, and a main cause of the irritability that often goes with it, is evidently the isolation, the lack of customary appreciation and influence, which only the rarest tact and thoughtfulness on the part of others can alleviate.
Sitting in a room, alone, listening to a CD is to be lonely. Sitting in a room alone with an LP crackling away, or sitting next to the turntable listening to a song at a time via 7-inch single is enjoying the sublime state of solitude.
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