Daniel J. Mitchell Quotes

The difference between a politician and a pickpocket is that a pickpocket doesn't always get indignant when you tell him to keep his hands to himself.

What good would politics be, if it didn’t give everyone the opportunity to make moral compromises?

The basis of effective government is public confidence, and that confidence is endangered when ethical standards falter or appear to falter.

I do what I think is right.

It is as hard and severe a thing to be a true politician as to be truly moral.

Men say that I am a saint losing myself in politics. The fact is that I am a politician trying my hardest to be a saint.

Most people who serve in Congress just want to do the right thing.

I want to prove that you can get things done without having everyone dislike you – ie acting like a politician.

My choice early in life was either to be a piano-player in a whorehouse or a politician. And to tell the truth there's hardly any difference.

Politicians are not the most reflective people in the world.

Politics isn't that difficult; it is about finding your conscience again. So, just do what is right.

If one acts rightly and honestly, it is difficult to decide whether it is the effect of integrity or skill.

It is not the business of politicians to please everyone.

The question of questions for the politicians should ever be-What type of social structure am I tending to produce? But this is a question he never entertains.

Do whatever you can that doesn't compromise your morals.

My father said, Politics asks the question: Is it expedient? Vanity asks: Is it popular? But conscience asks: Is it right?

The difference between a thief and a congressman: When a thief steals your money, he doesn't expect you to thank him.

I am resigning my post in the parliament. I have done this because I think it is the right thing to do.

How long had he been doing what was necessary instead of what was right? In a fair world they would be one and the same.

If democracy is to be rebuilt … it is necessary not just for the public to learn to trust their politicians, but for the politicians to learn to trust the public.

Some fine men are in Congress, too few, trying to do a responsible job. But they are surrounded and almost neutralized by a greater number whose instinct is to make a deal before they make a decision.

Dangerous consequences will follow when politicians and rulers forget moral principles. Whether we believe in God or karma, ethics is the foundation of every religion.

An honest politician is either a hypocrite - or he is doomed.

When facing a dilemma, choose the more morally demanding alternative.

Experience to a politician is like experience to a prostitute - not much to recommend them.