Roger Ebert Quotes

I begin to feel like most Americans don't understand the First Amendment, don't understand the idea of freedom of speech, and don't understand that it's the responsibility of the citizen to speak out.

The health of our republic depends on shared principles like the First Amendment, but it is also built on the Teddy Roosevelt-like vigor of its citizens and local self-reliance.

What makes America great is peaceful protests and exercising your constitutional rights.

We in the press have a special role since there is no other institution in our society that can hold the President accountable. I do believe that our democracy can endure and prevail only if the American people are informed.

I try to do that in this book without preaching - to try to do as you just said that you really have to defend the First Amendment rights of everybody.

I think that, as Americans, we should never forget that when we tamper with freedom of speech, it is a very sensitive issue that affects all of our constitutional rights and privileges.

Every friend to the liberty of his country is bound to reflect, and step forward to prevent the dreadful consequences which shall result from a government of events.

And they understand that to be an effective member of a democracy, you have to accept responsibility.

I believe that it is my right and responsibility as an American to question our government when our government is wrong.

I was raised to speak out about politics and the world around me. I would do it whether I was in the public or not. It is the way I was taught. The American way.

All Americans value the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press, and I believe this is essential for our continued way of life. But with this freedom comes responsibility.

Join America taught English, an understanding of the U.S. Constitution, that the Bill of Rights is the ultimate insurance policy for a citizen, and that being a citizen is not an entitlement. And we also taught a bit of capitalism.

The US constitution's First Amendment rights only cover Americans, but I believe that in a democracy the competition of ideas and free speech should combat beliefs that it does not agree with - more speech and debate, not censorship.

All Americans value the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press, and I believe this is essential for our continued way of life. But with this freedom comes responsibility. That responsibility has been abdicated here by some in the media and some in the government.

For America to work, Americans have to participate. If they don’t pay attention, they’re going to get screwed.

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

Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among people.

The First Amendment is one of the great treasures of Western culture. It’s one of the reasons that people are attracted here. It’s one of the reasons I came here.

After 200 years, the 1st Amendment remains only as strong, or as weak, as the citizens it is designed to protect.

Free speech has remained a quintessential American ideal, even as our society has moved from the ink quill to the touch screen.

A democracy is predicated on an educated citizenry. You cannot have a democracy with people that are more interested in what Nicole Kidman is doing or whoever the latest fashion model is.

Voting is great, but it's not an accomplishment. It's a responsibility.

One of the great rights as an American citizen is freedom of speech, one of the things that makes this country what it is.

Portland has a long history of embracing the most important of American values. Those are the rights to assembly and the rights to free speech. And we're proud of protecting those core American values.

We congratulate American freedom of speech and all who still believe in it.