Rick Santelli Quotes

We're all looking for an authentic way to be engaged in the community, engaged in politics, engaged in national discussion - and so, we're clunky. We're all clunky. But it's better than not doing it.

The era of big government is over, but the era of big challenge is not. We need an era of big citizenship. There are many important people at this summit, but the most important title is 'citizen.' This is our republic. Let us keep it!

The most important political office is that of the private citizen.

You can study government and politics in school, but the best way to really understand the process is to volunteer your time.

Was I going to remain an academic, sitting in an ivory tower criticizing things? Or was I going to do something as an engaged citizen.

Being a citizen in a democracy involves more than just voting. It means being involved for the common whole.

A government is invigorated when each of us is willing to participate in shaping the future of this nation

We do not say that a man who takes no interest in politics is a man who minds his own business; we say that he has no business here at all.

We shouldn't leave the work of politics to people who run for public office.

As for being a voice in politics, I feel whether you are famous or not, busy or not, it's incumbent upon every citizen to participate in this government in any way we can.

Any participation, even in the smallest public function, is useful.

As citizens, we all have an obligation to intervene and become involved - it's the citizen who changes things.

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

Politics ought to be the part-time profession of every citizen who would protect the rights and privileges of free people and who would preserve what is good and fruitful in our national heritage.

I hope there have been times when I made you all proud, or made you all smile or at least piqued your interest in this wonderful institution we call government.

Like a lot of people, I'm interested in public service and want to do as much as I can to change the direction of this country and will give some consideration to that after midterm elections.

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.

There can be no daily democracy without daily citizenship.

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

As a citizen of a community, if you never vote or engage, don't be surprised when the outcome doesn't serve your interests; you've never done anything to push things in the right direction.

There are many ways of encouraging people to make life better other than joining a political party. Politics with a small 'p' isn't just about darkened committee rooms, endless meetings - it is about giving people the right to make decisions about our lives.

I think politics is important. It's how we run our society. I think it should be natural to have an interest in the subject, and I almost don't understand why some people don't.

I encourage everyone out there to get involved.

Democracy is not something you believe in or a place to hang your hat, but it's something you do. You participate. If you stop doing it, democracy crumbles.

Politics is not a spectator sport. You can't just sit on the sidelines.