George Lakoff Quotes

I like to bring my kids to the voting booth to show them how it works. I'll let them draw their own conclusions as to how worthwhile it is.

But, you know, I'm sorry, I think democracy requires participation. I mean, I don't want to proselytize but I do feel some sort of duty to participate in the process in some way other than just blindly getting behind a political party.

And in a democracy, when we say we're mad at what's going on, what we need to be saying is we're mad at ourselves.

Democracy functions best when we have an active citizenry.

I feel a real responsibility to my community and so right now there has been this bizarre myth in our community how our vote doesn't count. I'm trying to get out there and re-educate on how the government works and break that myth and talk about the importance of being involved.

The value of government to the people it serves is in direct relationship to the interest citizens themselves display in the affairs of state.

No citizen is apolitical; as a citizen, by definition, has to take interest in public affairs.

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

Pretty much all I say politically is I encourage people to register to vote.

To make democracy work, we must be a nation of participants, not simply observers. One who does not vote has no right to complain.

The effective functioning of our constitutional democracy depends upon the participation in public life of a citizenry that is well informed

Democracy means not merely, I had almost said not so much, the rights of the whole people, as the duties of the whole people.

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.

It is citizen participation that nourishes the strength of a democracy.

Real change begins with citizens registering to vote, becoming active and engaged in their communities, and casting their ballot at every election for those who will fairly and accurately represent them.

I think it doesn't actually matter what your political persuasion is, but if you are interested in the country that you live in and the way in which it's run, everyone has to do something about that.

I don't normally vote. I'm lazy and I never bought into the 'Every vote counts.'

I love voting day. I love the sight of my fellow citizens lining up to make their voices heard.

Only a knowledgeable, empowered and vocal citizenry can perform well in democracy.

I think we may be seeing the beginnings of a resurgence of civic-mindedness in this country. Hopefully the younger generations, which came out in record numbers during the last presidential election, will pass their enthusiasm on to their children.

Democracy is interactive... It's a constant job of information, education, explanation, listening, and interactive communication.

No matter where you stand politically - even if you're unsure of what your political ideology is - it is important to take part in the process of shaping our government.

You need to remind people that you vote, you matter, and that they can't succeed without your help.

I grew up in Minnesota, where we treasure our tradition of civic engagement - and our record of having the nation's highest voter participation.

I'm responsible. I even did a commercial for MTV saying how I was going to register to vote. And I still haven't.