Dick Gephardt Quotes

Citizens are refined, cultivated, and very political. I believe in the legitimacy of their participation.

But, you know, I'm sorry, I think democracy requires participation. I mean, I don't want to proselytize but I do feel some sort of duty to participate in the process in some way other than just blindly getting behind a political party.

Only a knowledgeable, empowered and vocal citizenry can perform well in democracy.

I believe that everyone should participate in democracy and enjoy doing it.

I feel a real responsibility to my community and so right now there has been this bizarre myth in our community how our vote doesn't count. I'm trying to get out there and re-educate on how the government works and break that myth and talk about the importance of being involved.

As a citizen, you need to know how to be a part of it, how to express yourself - and not just by voting.

The very right to vote imposes on me the duty to instruct myself in public affairs however little influence my voice may have in them.

Half of the American people never read a newspaper. Half never vote for president. One hopes it is the same half

Democracy is stronger, is better, is more robust when people participate. We should want to encourage that.

You have a voice, you have a vote. Use it.

Democracy depends on well educated and engaged citizens.

Americans need to be engaged and invested in the legislative process that affects their daily lives, otherwise we are just democracy in name only.

Bernard Shaw remains the only model we have of what the citizen of a democracy should be: an informed participant in all things we deem important to the society and the individual.

The job of a citizen is to keep his mouth open.

And I think that every American - this is an all-hands-on-deck moment for America. And I think it is good and important that every American is informed, understands the issues and whether I agree with them or not, comes into the public forum and we hear from them.

Democracy is not just voting for your leaders; it's really premised upon ordinary citizens understanding the issues.

Citizenship is a tough occupation which obliges the citizen to make his own informed opinion and stand by it.

A better educated electorate might change the reason many persons vote.

You need to remind people that you vote, you matter, and that they can't succeed without your help.

Democracy functions best when we have an active citizenry.

Without an educated populace, democracy cannot sustain itself.

Young people need to vote. They need to get out there. Every vote counts. Educate yourself too. Don't just vote. Know what you're voting for, and stand by that.

We are in a democratic society. It's our job to question.

I can't talk about foreign policy like anyone who's spent their life reading and learning foreign policy. But as a citizen in a democracy, it's very important that I participate in that.

I always preach that you have to be active as a citizen no matter what, and some people just voting as an excuse not to do anything.