Quotes Library

July 19, 2026

Though the President [of the United States] is Commander-in-Chief, Congress is his commander; and, God willing, he shall obey. He and his minions shall learn that this is not a Government of kings…, but a Government of the people, and that Congress is the people.

Thaddeus Stevens (1792-1868), American politician, speech in the House of Representative, 3 January 1867, Jay p.349

MEDITATION: How well would you rate the American Congress—past and present—as commander of the president, the commander in chief?

COMMENTARY: As every student of American history is taught, the U. S. constitution provided that each branch of government was to be a check on the other two, and not a cheerleader for either. In every democracy, power that is un-checked and un-balanced leads to un-good. Or worse!


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