72 years ago today one of our brightest minds was lost. He could change opinions using nothing but words and wit; he could have been President easily enough had he wanted to.
Always curious, he tagged along when another Oklahoman was exploring freight routes over the North Pole, and on August 15, 1935 they lost their lives at Barrow, Alaska.
I used these quotes in a post over a year ago, but they are timeless, perhaps even poignant given our present circumstances.
Thank you, Will Rogers!
"Anything important is never left to the vote of the people. We only get to vote on some man; we never get to vote on what he is to do."
"About all I can say for the United States Senate is that it opens with a prayer and closes with an investigation."
"Alexander Hamilton started the U.S. Treasury with nothing, and that was the closest our country has ever been to being even."
"Ancient Rome declined because it had a Senate; now what's going to happen to us with both a House and a Senate?"
"Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for."
"On account of being a democracy and run by the people, we are the only nation in the world that has to keep a government four years, no matter what it does."
"Everything is changing. People are taking their comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke."
"I bet after seeing us, George Washington would sue us for calling him "father."
"Our constitution protects aliens, drunks and U.S. Senators."
"Things in our country run in spite of government, not by aid of it."
"This country has come to feel the same when Congress is in session as when the baby gets hold of a hammer."
"Why don't they pass a constitutional amendment prohibiting anybody from learning anything? If it works as well as prohibition did, in five years Americans would be the smartest race of people on Earth."
This last one I have to paraphrase, but the same gentleman once asked:
"If the opposite of pro is con, then the opposite of progress is...?"
All quotes from Will Rogers, Nov. 4, 1879 - Aug. 15, 1935
alan
10 comments:
Great quotes!
Just think what he'd have to say if he had to endure this President.
Well he was a man with some good old "horse sense". His quotes are timeless and in many ways remind me of the political quips by Canada's Rick Mercer.
I remember a time, long ago when the US government reflected the people of the US. These days I speak with so many wonderful Americans (I'm talking real I-got-your-back, salt-of-the-earth types) and wonder how a nation with such gracious and generous people winds up with an awful government and international reputation. Did somebody forget the "for the people, by the people" part?
great quotes, thanks alan. have a great weekend hugss
There was no one like him and maybe if he had lived today we wouldn't be in the mess were in now.
Isn't it sad that the media in its rush to kiss Butt Bush, ignored the
people that said this war would be a mistake?
Isn't it sad that groups like the Swift Boaters can destroy a heroes reputation to help elect a dimwit?
While "Little Shrub" spends more time on his ranch,
at least 3 more mine workers have been killed in the unsafe working conditions in this country.
I'm sorry Alan you just reminded me of the sorry state of affairs,
our country is in.
There is nothing to be sorry about; it's constantly on my mind every waking moment!
alan
aw, he was such a cool guy. What a loss :( We named a coliseum after him in Fort Worth!
Being a proud Oklahoman, he'd probably get a chuckle out of that!
alan
Awesome quotes and great tribute to a great guy! :)
Have a great weekend!
really interesting. I love the photos.
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