Famous Quotes

"The Federal Government should be the last resort, not the first. Ask if a potential program is truly a federal responsibility or whether it can better be handled privately, by voluntary organizations, or by local or state governments."

Donald Rumsfeld on Government

More quotes about Government

• "A wise and frugal Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government, and this is necessary to close the circlue of our felicities."

  Thomas Jefferson on Government

• "The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter."

  Winston Churchill on Government

• "I hope we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our monied corporations which dare already to challenge our government to a trial by strength, and bid defiance to the laws of our country."

  Thomas Jefferson on Government

• "Government is not reason it is not eloquent it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master."

  George Washington on Government

• "Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil in its worst state, an intolerable one."

  Thomas Paine on Government

More quotes by Donald Rumsfeld

• "Amidst all the clutter, beyond all the obstacles, aside from all the static, are the goals set. Put your head down, do the best job possible, let the flak pass, and work towards those goals."

• "Your performance depends on your people. Select the best, train them and back them. When errors occur, give sharper guidance. If errors persist or if the fit feels wrong, help them move on. The country cannot afford amateur hour in the White House."

• "Leave the President's family business to him. You will have plenty to do without trying to manage the First Family. They are likely to do fine without your help."

• "Death has a tendency to encourage a depressing view of war."

• "Let your family, staff, and friends know that you're still the same person, despite all the publicity and notoriety that accompanies your position."