Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Andy Jackson on Slightly Better Men

Today is the birthday of Andrew Jackson, the general and president (1767-1845)  who said:
Any man worth his salt will stick up for what he believes right, but it takes a slightly better man to acknowledge instantly and without reservation that he is in error.

As long as our government is administered for the good of the people, and is regulated by their will; as long as it secures to us the rights of persons and of property, liberty of conscience and of the press, it will be worth defending.

Every good citizen makes his country's honor his own, and cherishes it not only as precious but as sacred. He is willing to risk his life in its defense and its conscious that he gains protection while he gives it.

It is a damn poor mind indeed which can't think of at least two ways to spell any word.

It is to be regretted that the rich and powerful too often bend the acts of government to their own selfish purposes.

It was settled by the Constitution, the laws, and the whole practice of the government that the entire executive power is vested in the President of the United States.

No one need think that the world can be ruled without blood. The civil sword shall and must be red and bloody.

Why is it that I think of the recent Iraq cisis, and of George W Bush (you know, the president whom the whole world opposes), when I read the following?
One man with courage makes a majority.

Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in.

Never take counsel of your fears.

Peace, above all things, is to be desired, but blood must sometimes be spilled to obtain it on equable and lasting terms.

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