Michael Mandelbaum Quotes

How central shall democracy be in everything else we want to do in the world?

Democracy needs to be nurtured and treated with care.

A full and fair discussion is essential to democracy.

I'm tired of hearing it said that democracy doesn't work. Of course it doesn't work. We are supposed to work it.

I cannot run the political machine. I have enough on my hands without that. It is the people's business.

Democracy, of course, requires strong demands from the public.

I am a firm believer in the importance of democracy, not only as the ultimate goal, but also as an essential part of the process.

Democracy is perhaps the most promiscuous word in the world of public affairs.

But I think we need to remember that democracy everywhere is by its nature incomplete, a work in progress.

Democracy is a revelation, but it's complicated. There are elections to hold, politics to create, rights to assert, grievances to settle and institutions to build. To many, it's exhilarating. For others, it can be disappointing when it turns out that democracy doesn't immediately make life better.

Not less, but more democracy - that is the demand, that is the great goal that we have to prescribe for ourselves, and especially for our youth.

Democracy is not theater - it determines life and death!

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

Let the people decide whom to vote for, who has more authority. And only people, only our citizens, are able to place the final emphasis, voting for this or that person or political force, or rejecting it. That's democracy.

I've always tried to explain democracy is not perfect. But it gives you a chance to shape your own destiny.

I never miss a vote; I think that's the power of the people. A lot of people fought and died for us to have votes, for women to have votes in particular - your vote is your one weapon.

Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.

Is America truly a democracy? Has America ever been a democracy with the institution of slavery?

I believe in the greatness of our democracy.

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

Elections are an enduring spectacle of free India, and have provided foreign journalists with the opportunity to remind the world that India remains the world's largest democracy.

We always hear about the rights of democracy, but the major responsibility of it is participation.

Democracy is worth dying for, because it's the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man.

I believe that voting is the first act of building a community as well as building a country.

By voting, we add our voice to the chorus that forms opinions and the basis for actions.