Martie Maguire Quotes

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

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.

I believe to go along to get along is unpatriotic. I believe that agreeing with your government on everything they do is unpatriotic. I believe a patriot stands up and holds your government's feet to the fire. Because if you do that, you will get good government.

John F. Kennedy once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." I have never understood why this utterance, which in essence urges everyone to volunteer themselves as unquestioning slaves, guinea pigs and cannon fodder to a grasping state, is quoted with such reverence. What Kennedy should have said is this: “Ask lots of very pointed questions about what your country promises to do for you, and don't forget to ask exactly what it proposes to do to you. Then pick the place that offers the best deal. You will be doing a favour not only to yourself, but potentially to all of mankind.”

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?

When you have a young man, I mean, questioning the power in place for love of his country, not to say 'stop' but to say 'be careful about the abuse of technology,' I think it deserves to be promoted.

Love of country follows from the exercise of its freedoms, not from pride in its fleets or its armies.

Citizenship is a tough occupation which obliges the citizen to make his own informed opinion and stand by it.

An educated people can be easily governed.

There is a power in public opinion in this country - and I thank God for it: for it is the most honest and best of all powers - which will not tolerate an incompetent or unworthy man to hold in his weak or wicked hands the lives and fortunes of his fellow-citizens.

The value of the majority lies not in the opportunity to wield great power, but in the chance to use power to do great things.

How could I remain a spectator while Singapore faces such complex challenges? How could I not step forward when I know I have more to contribute to the country we all worked to build?

Kids really have a lot more power than they think they have. They have the power to change the world. And they should know it.

When you're asked/told to come to Canberra by your Prime Minister, in the country I grow up in, you obey that.

I do believe the most important thing I can do now is to help young people understand the past and prepare for the future.

A statesman, we are told, should follow public opinion. Doubtless, as a coachman follows his horses; having firm hold on the reins and guiding them.

I believe that all students, when asked to be accountable for their actions and to be socially aware citizens, will become agents for change!

Real patriotism is a willingness to challenge the government when it's wrong.

To me, I was right from the beginning, because it's my right as an American to speak up and question our president, have my point of view, have my opinion, question what I want to question, and say what I want to say about our government.

We give you the facts. I told you information is power - knowledge is power. We can't be in an ideological battle to redeem the soul of this country if we don't have the facts.

The unique thing about our country is that we don't get behind politicians, politicians get behind us.

I'm tired of hearing it said that democracy doesn't work. Of course it doesn't work. We are supposed to work it.

An intelligent and conscientious opposition is a part of loyalty to country.

Was I going to remain an academic, sitting in an ivory tower criticizing things? Or was I going to do something as an engaged citizen.

Democracy is not something you believe in or a place to hang your hat, but it's something you do. You participate. If you stop doing it, democracy crumbles.