John Bracken Quotes

The Conservative Party mustn't sound like the old man on the park bench who says things were better in 1985, or 1955, or 1855.

Sometimes what works 40 years ago doesn't work today.

When people say this isn't the America they grew up in, they're right. Nobody gets to grow old in the America they grew up in.

When an 18th century constitution forms the charter of liberty of a 20th century government, must its general provisions be construed and interpreted by an eighteenth century mind in the light of eighteenth century conditions and ideals? Clearly not. This were to command the race to halt in its progress, to stretch the state upon a veritable bed of Procrustes.

That policy was correct … That was 1957. It is now 1967.

The young business and professional men of this country must get together round the table, adopt methods that have proved sound in the past, adapt them to the changing needs of the times and, whenever possible, improve them.

History shows us that the youth are usually a step ahead of their elders when change is required.

Nations, which in later periods of their history became eminent for civil wisdom and justice, had, perhaps, in a former age, paroxysms of lawless disorder.

We all know deep inside that no country is the same as it was 5 years ago.

Time and changes in the condition and constitution of society may require occasional and corresponding modifications

To this nation and to every nation there come formative periods in its life and history. New conditions can be met only by new methods. Meeting these conditions hopefully, and facing them bravely and wisely, is to be the mightiest test of American virtue and capacity. Without abandoning past limitations, traditions, and principles, by meeting present opportunities and obligations, we shall show ourselves worthy of the great trusts which civilization has imposed upon us.

With every new idea, it takes a generation or two until it becomes obvious that there's no real problem.

We must not continue to dwell in the past and we must resolve to do the right and march along with the rest of the world.

True statesmanship is the art of changing a nation from what it is into what it ought to be.

In a progressive country change is constant;… change … is inevitable

Since the war [WWII], the world has been rushing forward at an unprecedented and exhilarating speed … Yet Britain lags behind, lacking the will or the plan which can bring this future within the reach of us all.

While the United States of today is not the United States of yesterday there are unmistakable indications that she is also not the United States of tomorrow.

Every president is not only a new president. He comes in a new age.

You can't always count on the devices, attitudes, and conceits that stood you in good stead in 1972 or 1973, or 1978-79, to still have the same impact all these years later.

Throughout history, we have only moved forward when society has distinguished between traditional values and valueless traditions.

If you don't change with the times, the times are going to change you.

Why was I going around in rhinestones before, and am now wearing a plaid shirt and glasses? It's not a question of fashion. It's a question of time and yourself. The country changed, I grew up, life changed. It's normal.

I have a vision of my country, and I cannot sit and watch things pass by.

If we don't move with time, we'll be stuck in old ways.

Times changed a lot, off court and on court.