Marlin Fitzwater Quotes

Governments propose, and oppositions dispose.

I believe in the greatness of our democracy.

The problem we have is not Labour, in however it is configured.

I came into American politics and into this political system proud of politics and the way we make decisions.

The problem is that in our country, they make it almost impossible for politicians to win anything. In England it's easier to win a libel suit.

Voters will decide how they want to be governed.

We live under a government of men and morning newspapers.

Newspapers write ringing editorials declaring that this is and always was a democracy.

I am a democrat.

American democracy is a unique form of government which at the same time requires [political] competition and cooperation.

Anyone who wants to have a perfect democracy is dreaming.

Democracy becomes a government of bullies tempered by editors

The government and people are inseparable under our system. We could not separate the government from the people if we would, and we would not if we could. This unity is the strength of our political structure.

We have no parties or politicians, and as for demagoguery and corruption, they are words having only an historical significance…

The process of our democracy must not be imperiled by the denial of essential powers of free government.

Democracy is a matter of balance—private power balanced by public power

If you give up on politics, you give up on democracy … and then we are absolute plutocracy.

Our democracy has been going for over 235 years and it has not always been as dysfunctional as it is today.

We pride ourselves on our democracy, but when you see the way it actually works, I think it is worthy of contempt.

I don't think we should be undermining our democracy.

I do think a healthy opposition is very necessary in a democracy.

Democracy is not a fragile flower; still it needs cultivating.

There were free elections in Bulgaria, where the opposition has just won. In a democracy, the government is a reflection of society because people are elected. Sometimes the type of person from the old machine, who is everything but an appealing figure, happens to win an election. But democracy applies to everyone, not just the noble and the clever.

Democracy is a great institution and, therefore, it is liable to be greatly abused.

I like the noise of democracy.