They knew a thing or two didn’t they?! I’ve read a few quotes lately and found a fair few from US Presidents – so I thought I’d make a list!
On Unemployment
A young man who does not have what it takes to perform military service is not likely to have what it takes to make a living. Today’s military rejects include tomorrow’s hard-core unemployed. John F Kennedy
We should measure welfare’s success by how many people leave welfare, not by how many are added. Ronald Reagan
On Global Warming
I am sorry to say that there is too much point to the wisecrack that life is extinct on other planets because their scientists were more advanced than ours. John F Kennedy
On the Military
It is an unfortunate fact that we can secure peace only by preparing for war. John F Kennedy
Some people wonder all their lives if they’ve made a difference. The Marines don’t have that problem. Ronald Reagan
On Government
A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labour the bread it has earned – this is the sum of good government. Thomas Jefferson
Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves are its only safe depositories. Thomas Jefferson
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labours of the people under the pretence of taking care of them. Thomas Jefferson
Mothers all want their sons to grow up to be president, but they don’t want them to become politicians in the process. John F Kennedy
My brother Bob doesn’t want to be in government – he promised Dad he’d go straight. John F Kennedy
A Bill of Rights is what the people are entitled to against every government, and what no just government should refuse, or rest on inference. Thomas Jefferson
Government is like a baby. An alimentary canal with a loud voice at one end and no responsibility at the other. Ronald Reagan
It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first. Ronald Reagan
No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we’ll ever see on this earth. Ronald Reagan
“I never did give them hell. I just told the truth, and they thought it was hell.” Harry S Truman
On Taxes
Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July, but the democrats believe every day is April 15. Ronald Reagan
The problem is not that people are taxed too little, the problem is that government spends too much. Ronald Reagan
The taxpayer – that’s someone who works for the federal government but doesn’t have to take the civil service examination. Ronald Reagan
On Education
Status quo, you know, is Latin for ‘the mess we’re in’. Ronald Reagan
On Crime
One way to make sure crime doesn’t pay would be to let the government run it. Ronald Reagan
We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions. Ronald Reagan
On Business
My father always told me that all businessmen were sons of bitches, but I never believed it till now. John F Kennedy
I hope we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our monied corporations which dare already to challenge our government to a trial by strength, and bid defiance to the laws of our country. Thomas Jefferson
Bitchin’ in the Kitchen 
❤️ all of them, but some of Kennedy’s r fav 👍
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Some of these make me sick to my stomach, while others make my heart smile. The feelings a simple sentence can conjur up is amazing.
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Being originally from England, I don’t know very much about US political history. I’d actually thought about this driving through Washington DC. I tried to take a detour because the traffic on the interstate was solid and ended up driving past the White House! I started wondering if it was haunted, by who etc and thinking about a blog I follow about a fictitious intern and also the few Presidents I DID know and it kind of went from there!
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What a list !
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I love quotes. Reagan cracked me up with the first and second oldest profession. Instant classic.
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Love this post. I love to read about founding fathers and “some” of the Presidents. Even reading these quotes, you can tell a vast difference in the intellect and character of the generations in how they spoke – very intriguing to me. Some of the Founding Fathers’ quotes I just don’t really grasp fully because they are extremely complex. Again, great post. Thanks for sharing.
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Yes, it’s funny how language changes a lot so intent is missing over the years – and yet Shakespeare is eternal! I guess that’s because so many politicians started out as lawyers so were always apt to be both vague and verbose!
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I love these, especially the Reagan ones! Our politicians (on both sides!) have sure deteriorated. I can’t foresee anyone quoting them for their wisdom or humor in the next century.
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He had some funny ones, while I was searching for quotes in the categories I picked I definitely found him surprisingly witty!
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He really was!
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Wow, didn’t know any of this. Veey interesting!
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It is an unfortunate fact that we can secure peace only by preparing for war. John F Kennedy….I find this so sad 😕😕
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I thought so too, sadly it’s pretty true
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It really is and it’s a sad state of affairs
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This is a great collection of quotes! A lot of them are really good thought joggers, too. Not everything in sunshine and daisies when it comes to U.S. politics and I think this is especially highlighed with Reagan’s quote about that status quo.
I wanted you to know I nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger award! I really enjoy your posts! 🙂 If you would like to participate here is the link!!
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Thank you! That’s really nice of you 😊🎉🎊
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That was a really fun read!
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I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this post. Amazing quotes. All so true. And I’m glad I was an inspiration of sorts (with my Truman quote).
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God help us all if I start on British PM’s!!
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“Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.” JFK’s inauguration speech. 1961
If you get the chance, his speech in its entirety is really beautiful and I think the message is timeless. ❤️
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Thank you, I’ll look it up 😊
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