Natalie Maines Quotes

I think it's the height of patriotism to continue to exercise your right as a citizen and to hold your government to account. Isn't that what the very essence of democracy is about?

I tell you, in my opinion, the cornerstone of democracy is free press - that's the cornerstone.

I think Thomas Jefferson would have said the more speech, the better.

Americans should not have to wonder if their government is actively looking to subvert them or their political views. We live in a nation where respect for differing beliefs and a vibrant political discourse play an important role in shaping our government.

For me, the definition of a patriot is someone who is willing to constantly question the government; that's what separates us from other countries.

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

This is America. Dissenting voices will continue to voice their dissent. Because they've read the operating instructions for the United States of America, and it's their right.

Every one has right to express his views on any subject, and I am a common man, a tax payer, and part of the society.

It's OK to say whatever you want. It's a free country. And it's also OK for the rest of us to say 'We don't like what you're saying.' That's actually our job as members of Congress.

Democracy must learn to defend itself.

I regard freedom of expression as the primary right without which one can not have a proper functioning democracy.

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

It is not the Government, the members of Parliament to whom the ultimate decision belongs, it is up to you to go forward sure of your sacred right of free opinion, sure of your patriotism.

You should always be questioning your government, but do not become cynical.

Criticism in a time of war is essential to the maintenance of any kind of democratic government.

There is no reason for the government to limit political speech.

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.

I ask the rights to pursue happiness by having a voice in that government to which I am accountable.

We are not perfect. Democracy is a messy business … Democracy depends on people getting and keeping involved … In our democracy, the government is not them; it is us.

This is a country where loose talk is encouraged by the Constitution.

A free press stands as one of the great interpreters between the government and the people. To allow it to be fettered is to fetter ourselves.

I trust the American People more than American Institutions.

A free People will be showing that they are so, by their Freedom of Speech

Political speech is indispensable to decision-making in a democracy, and this is no less true because the speech comes from a corporation. By taking the right to speak from some and giving it to others, the Government deprives the disadvantaged person or class of the right to use speech to strive to establish worth, standing, and respect for the speaker’s voice. The Government may not by these means deprive the public of the right and privilege to determine for itself what speech and speakers are worthy of consideration. The First Amendment protects speech and speaker, and the ideas that flow from each.

Speech is an essential mechanism of democracy, for it is the means to hold officials accountable to the people. [...] The right of citizens to inquire, to hear, to speak, and to use information to reach consensus is a precondition to enlightened self-government and a necessary means to protect it. [...] By taking the right to speak from some and giving it to others, the Government deprives the disadvantaged person or class of the right to use speech to strive to establish worth, standing, and respect for the speaker’s voice. The Government may not by these means deprive the public of the right and privilege to determine for itself what speech and speakers are worthy of consideration. The First Amendment protects speech and speaker, and the ideas that flow from each.