Maximilien Robespierre Quotes

An intuitive part of the American ethos is a kind of protectiveness of the public's fear. We have to remember how unique that is. As scandal-ridden as we may be, we start with a basic expectation that it's not your job in public service to use it to help your friend.

Dishonesty in government is the business of every citizen. It is not enough to do your own job. There's no particular virtue in that. Democracy isn't a gift. It's a responsibility.

Public service used to be the highest of callings, until people like Madame Voldemort vilified it.

Public officers are the trustees of the people.

The trust that goes with public service is a heavy burden on those who would lead us.

When a man assumes a public trust, he should consider himself as public property.

I have not found a single good man in government; I have found good only in the people.

To safeguard the people's money what we call red tape is tied around all government activity until the really efficient honest public servant has a somewhat difficult time, but we are still laboring under the theory that the majority of the world is dishonest.

When there is a lack of honor in government, the morals of the whole people are poisoned.

I came to office promising major ethics reform to end the culture of self-dealing. And today, that ethics reform is a law. While I was at it, I got rid of a few things in the governor's office that I didn't believe our citizens should have to pay for. That luxury jet was over-the-top. I put it on eBay.

I propose a Constitutional Amendment providing that, if any public official, elected or appointed, at any level of government, is caught lying to any member of the public for any reason, the punishment shall be death by public hanging.

Most of all, be honest with yourself and make sure those in political office, our so called public servants, are being honest, holding them accountable for their actions!

Ethics in government has always been important to me.

You ask men in office to be honest; I ask them to serve the public.

Today we must make a pact with each other to end this reckless conduct with the people's government.

I ask the vice president to stop dodging the issue with legalese, and acknowledge his continued ties with Halliburton to the American people.

I'm going to go after crime and corruption wherever it is. But I did focus particularly on the need to restore public confidence in essential institutions of both the public and private sector.

I believe that as public servants, we have a shared goal - to deliver to Americans the service they deserve and expect.

The vast majority of politicians think they are functioning on high principle.

The duty of youth is to challenge corruption.

Public business … must always be done by somebody…. If wise men decline it, others will not; if honest men refuse it, others will not.

Next in importance to the maintenance of the Constitution and the Union is the duty of preserving the Government free from the taint or even the suspicion of corruption.

Government is a trust, and the officers of the government are trustees; and both the trust and trustees are created for the benefit of the public.

Honorariums are really dishonorariums. So long as they continue, public trust in Congress will sink even below its minimal level today.... Public officials should have only one paymaster: the Government. When the Government pays too little, the temptation to find other paymasters becomes far harder to resist.

We as citizens should hold our government accountable for word and deed.