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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Having nothing to construct, he could always deal with generalities. Being free from responsibility, he was not called upon either to study details or to master even great facts. It was his business to inveigh against existing evils, and perhaps there is no easier business when once the privilege of an audience has been attained.
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