Harry Belafonte Quotes

There are many persons ready to do what is right because in their hearts they know it is right. But they hesitate, waiting for the other fellow to make the make the first move - and he, in turn, waits for you.

I think the greater responsibility, in terms of morality, is where leadership begins.

Maybe someone will step up, but they don't have anyone right now.

Who can protest and does not, is an accomplice in the act.

How can you have a partnership when one of the partners doesn’t show up for 5 days…. The President said nothing while Americans watched people drown in New Orleans.

All power is a trust; that we are accountable for its exercise.

We cannot long protect liberty if our leaders continue to act like mere bystanders in the work of government.

Silence is complicity. I believe that.

I will stand up on issues as they arise, making sure that the voices of Georgians are always being heard.

Not responding is a response - we are equally responsible for what we don't do.

If I were to remain silent, I'd be guilty of complicity.

If your voice is heard by more people because you've earned some kind of name and fame, your silence on an issue of urgent moral importance is even more of a betrayal. Privilege is obligation.

It is forgivable to say nothing out of ignorance; it's inexcusable to remain silent once awareness dawns.

It is true that all of us are the beneficiaries of crimes committed by our ancestors, and it is true that nothing can be done about that now because the victims are dead and the survivors are innocent. These are good reasons for keeping our mouths shut about the past: but tell me, what are our reasons for silence about atrocities still to come?

Richard Clarke had plenty of opportunities to tell us, in the administration, that he thought the war on terrorism was moving in the wrong direction and he chose not to.

Liberty and responsibility are inseparable.

The church must share in the secular problems of ordinary human life, not dominating, but helping and serving.

It is not our responsibility to make it acceptable; it is our duty to make it available.

Good governance depends on ability to take responsibility by both administration as well as people.

Action or inaction are both forms of leadership and standard setting.

Your sense of responsibility to others can never be excessive.

I don't have a social agenda. I just don't choose to ignore what's in front of me.

Discipline can only be obtained when all the officers are imbued with the sense of their awful obligation to their men and to their country that they cannot tolerate negligence. Officers who fail to correct errors or to praise excellence are valueless in peace and dangerous misfits in war.

I can't look in the mirror and see people dying on the street that should have the same opportunities that I've had. And say 'You know what? I can live with myself.' Because I can't if I just watch.

All of us are subject to being passive to the social ills around us. It's a struggle not to become, by staying silent, an accomplice.