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I speak as briefly as possible because too much harm has already been done with irresponsible words of bitterness and selfish political opportunism. I speak as simply as possible because the issue is too great to be obscured by eloquence. I speak simply and briefly in the hope that my words will be taken to heart.

Margaret Chase Smith

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Margaret Chase Smith
Age: 97 †
Born: 1897
Born: December 14
Died: 1995
Died: May 29
Business Executive
Former U.S. Senator
Politician
Teacher
Margaret Madeline Chase Smith
Margaret Madeline Chase
Margaret Smith
Hope
Selfish
Words
Harm
Speak
Issue
Opportunism
Political
Already
Obscured
Done
Simply
Briefly
Great
Issues
Irresponsible
Heart
Possible
Eloquence
Much
Taken
Bitterness

More quotes by Margaret Chase Smith

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The key to security is public information.
Margaret Chase Smith
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Every human being is entitled to courtesy and consideration. Constructive criticism is not only to be expected but sought.
Margaret Chase Smith
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As long as there are big corporations, there will be big unions. The economic power of big business will be matched by the economic power of the big unions.
Margaret Chase Smith
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We are Republicans. But we are Americans first. It is as Americans that we express our concern with the growing confusion that threatens the security and stability of our country.
Margaret Chase Smith
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The right to criticize: the right to hold unpopular beliefs the right to protest the right of independent thought. The exercise of these rights should not cost one single American citizen his reputation or his right to a livelihood... Otherwise none of us could call our souls our own.
Margaret Chase Smith
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I am running against no one. I'd like to be President. I think my experience and my record are greater than any other candidate or any other of the unannounced candidates. It's a real challenge, and that's one of the paramount things. When people keep telling you that you can't do a thing, you kind of like to try it.
Margaret Chase Smith
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Smears are not only to be expected but fought. Honor is to be earned, not bought.
Margaret Chase Smith
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As an American, I want to see our nation recapture the strength and unity it once had when we fought the enemy instead of ourselves.
Margaret Chase Smith
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Strength, the American way, is not manifested by threats of criminal prosecution or police state methods. Leadership is not manifested by coercion, even against the resented. Greatness is not manifested by unlimited pragmatism, which places such a high premium on the end justifying any means and any methods.
Margaret Chase Smith
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I don't believe the American people will uphold any political party that puts political exploitation above national interest. Surely we Republicans aren't that desperate for victory.
Margaret Chase Smith
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I do not want to see the Republican party ride to political victory on the Four Horsemen of Calumny-fear, ignorance, bigotry and smear.
Margaret Chase Smith
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One of the basic causes for all the trouble in the world today is that people talk too much and think too little. They act impulsively without thinking. I always try to think before I talk.
Margaret Chase Smith
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I always try to think before I talk.
Margaret Chase Smith
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My basic rule is to speak slowly and simply so that my audience has an opportunity to follow and think about what I am saying.
Margaret Chase Smith
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The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character.
Margaret Chase Smith
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The Senate has been debased to the level of a forum of hate and character assassination sheltered by the shield of congressional immunity.
Margaret Chase Smith
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Greatness is not manifested by unlimited pragmatism, which places such a high premium on the end justifying any means and any methods
Margaret Chase Smith
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When people keep telling you that you can't do a thing, you kind of like to try it.
Margaret Chase Smith
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Freedom unexercised may be freedom forfeited. The preservation of freedom is in the hands of the people themselves - not of the government.
Margaret Chase Smith
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I think that it is high time that we remembered that we have sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution. I think that it is high time that we remembered that the Constitution, as amended, speaks not only of the freedom of speech but also of trial by jury instead of trial by accusation.
Margaret Chase Smith