"Government is like fire.
If it is kept within bounds and
under the control of the people,
it contributes to the welfare of all.
But if it gets out of place,
if it gets too big and out of control,
it destroys the happiness
and even the lives of the people."
by:
Harold E. Stassen
(1907-2001) 25th Governor of Minnesota - R
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Reader comments about this quote:
Yep!. Because we are the government and have generally open access to its workings and proceedings we always have, and rightfully so, a lot to say about it. Major corporations answer only to their stockholders, and private companies answer only to their owners. If we could constanly "yell and scream" about the way Ford, Chrysler, General Motors did business on each and every issue of their operations wouldn't we really have a field day.
 -- Bruce, 'Bama     
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    Unfortunately we have arsonists in high place that fan the flames of discontent. Our individual actions are also to blame, as they support the rape and pillage by government and big business of our natural resources and that in turn creates an uncontrollable fire.
     -- RobertSRQ     
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    Constitutionally we are the government. Now, we merely elect individuals to represent a de facto state (a democracy); and, as long as that state continues to promise security, prosperity, and 'contribute to the welfare of all' (tongue in cheek) it seems most individuals love giving up their personal responsibility(s) to it. Lawfully, corporations are entities of the state. The state is the equitable possessor of the bifurcated entity, setting the form of the entity (C, S, etc.), the rules for operation, the methodology of participation, and the ultimate existence. Corporations, LLCs, etc. allow a certain amount of participation in and control over commercial or otherwise activities. Anyone wishing a bifurcated interest in a corporation, for what ever reason, may by stock, lend money to it, politic for a position therein, etc. Competing commercial entities to State held corporations that remain private to individual participants, such as trusts, are not allowed public participation or funding (the state maintains that commercial monopoly).
     -- Mike, Norwalk     
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    We the People are certainly not keeping our government "within bounds," and it has gotten "too big and out of control". But I suppose as long as they can keep us scared yet entertained, we will continue to allow them to burn our energies for their own purposes. We have become addicted and dependent on its trappings without even knowing about the needle in our arm. So as long as they don't take too much blood from us, we can continue on living the American 'Dream' (or should I say Deep Sleep).
     -- E Archer, NYC     
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    Augustus did not give bread and circuses to the people out of his benevolence. He wanted something in return and he got it.
     -- Ken, Allyn, WA     
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     -- warren, olathe      
    Washington spoke of the animal, fire. The difference between a novice and Professional fire fighter, Training and experience, application and execution. Safety first, staying alive to win the day. Discipline within All ranks of service. R+R is needed. Removal and Re-entrenchment.
     -- Ronw13, Yachats OR     
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    Yep as it did to Donald Trump for trying to fix the mess that is now a bureaucrat run government.  87 percent of the laws and regulations that we must obey are the product of the bureaucracy not our elected representatives as required by the constitution.  The swamp wins because we have no control over them.   The Supreme court won't touch the request for correcting the election fraud because of fear of causing riots. We are done.  The thugs win.  Now I suppose we are to go and hide in a corner.  Hope the thugs do not come for what is rightfully theirs.  With no longer a police force that will protect us, no guns to protect ourselves, fascism has won.  When they can blatantly steal elections and the press continually say there is nothing to see here,  What are we to do?  When we can no longer create change through elections we become helpless.  If this situation is not corrected by the few left in power that love liberty we will have very dark days ahead.
     -- warren giese, olathe     
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