Calvin Coolidge Quote

"We demand entire freedom of action and then expect the government in
some miraculous way to save us from the consequences of our own acts....
Self-government means self-reliance."

by:	Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933) 30th US President
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Categories:	Consequence, Government, Independence, Responsibility, Self-Reliance
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Certainly one of our greatest Presidents. I've visited his grave, in its place along a row of Coolidges. No vast plaza or huge statue or eternal flame. Just a common slab like all the others, except his has the Presidential Seal and a small flag. Oh how we need his common sense and simplicity!  -- J. B. Wulff, Bristol, CT      9
To me, Liberty means Personal Freedom coupled with Individual Responsinility. The Government is NOT my Mommy!  -- J Carlton, Calgary      11
Self-government means more than just self-reliance. It meant a people who could govern themselves without a monarcy or ruling class. Self-reliance is more akin to no government at all. Self-reliance does not envision the need for law or regulation. Self-government means that the self-reliant ones agree together on certain issues, means and customs of action  -- Waffler, Smith      4 4
The single most corrosive mentality to freedom in America has been the mentality that the government ought to save people from danger or harm. We must change this to reverse the growth of government  -- John Pettitt, Va      9
Another meaningless quote. Needs more information.  -- dick, fort worth      2 5
Great quote even if Dick doesn't get it. As expected, Waffler spouts his usual gibberish, he never disappoints.  -- jim k, Austin,Tx      8
Talk about knee-jerk reactions to quotes, Dick. I suppose the quote is meaningless because it cannot be used to justify the Nanny state. It's meaning is quite clear: freedom requires self-reliance, and the government was never formed to 'save' any one from themselves but to protect the rights of all. And why shouldn't people 'be allowed' to fail? How will any one learn about 'consequences'? Think about it. There is no way to learn or improve if we do not experience the results of our actions. That seems to be the crux in the leftist view -- that no one can fail or even flourish -- work for the state, render all profits and losses to the state, and let the state dispense favors as it sees fit. It's called slavery.  -- E Archer, NYC      9
-- RBESRQ
Responsibility For ones actions, moral guidance coupled with liberty is the exspeirement of administration under grace ordained of God. The law serves for the ungodly and corrupt . The wrath of God is reveled from heaven against all ungodlyness. KJB. But corrupt laws are never just and it the individuals responsibility to stand against such laws gracefully. If the individual takes the stance as a freeman under the grace of God he takes upon the responsibility of moderation in all his life for conscience sake not only for himself but for those without moral guidance. There is no respect of persons with God. Self-reliance on each person to God and the Constitution under his grace. Those that expect the government to sort it out are not free.  -- Ron, Salem      6
-- Anonymous
We need another one just like him as President.  -- J. Allen, Arlington, Va      4
Self government means self control.  -- Patrick Henry, Red Hill      5
Succinct and clear. Those comments that don't get the beauty and clarity of Silent Cal's remark expose what the Left has done to confuse and obfuscate common sense in the schools, graduating a populace that by design does not think sensibly. Terrifying.  -- H Rearden, Burr Ridge IL      5
A great mini-exposé on the patrons of the occupying statist theocracy infesting this land; ending with a solution realization – self-reliance is self-government.  -- Mike, Norwalk      2
One of our very best presidents since Washington.  According to the quote:  he who governs least, governs best"...he's our best.  -- empty pockets, Mandeville      1
The Left's intentions, their goal is to make of us all--or at least all who survive their "reset"--into dependents.  They have never gotten over having their slaves taken away from them.  Now they will make of us all "slaves" to gov't. College age and lowers don't want to make their own decisions and have never even been taught how to think...only WHAT to think...and when.  They know the one who decides is the one "accountable" and they much prefer being UNaccountable.    -- empty pockets, Mandeville      1
I take responsibility for all my actions.  -- Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown      1
Self responsibility, self reliability, self sufficiency, ... Remember when your 3 year old told you  'I can do it myself?' That is the little libertarian speaking. How long does it take to destroy that trait? It starts today with PRE school...and doesn't end EVER for after education media takes over. Love the quote.  -- ABBY      2
If only!!  -- E Archer, NYC
Glad to hear it.  How about letting everyone else take responsibility for their actions, too — meaning all your lofty ideas for socialist utopia are down the drain...  -- E Archer, NYC

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