All archives
Previous Issue (6 March 2007) | Current month | Next Issue (8 March 2007)
Quotes of the Day for 7 March 2007 – Subversives
It was on this day in 1951 that the US House Un-American Activities Committee released a list of subversive organizations and publications. I'm sorry to say that I was not then a member of any of the named organizations, nor were any of my writings cited. I claim only the excuse that I hadn't yet been born, for if I had I certainly hope that I would have found a way to offend that body. Here's to the Subversives - past, present, and future - posterity depends on them.
The quotes:
Men in authority will always think that criticism of their policies is dangerous. They will always equate their policies with patriotism, and find criticism subversive.
- Henry Steele Commager, 1902 - 1998
It has now become the doctrine of a large clan of politicians that political honesty is unnecessary, slow, subversive of a man's interests, and incompatible with quick onward movement.
- Anthony Trollope, 1815 - 1882
It would indeed be ironic if, in the name of national defence, we would sanction the subversion of one of those liberties which make the defence of our nation worthwhile.
- Earl Warren, 1891 - 1974
And who can doubt that it will lead to the worst disorders when minds created free by God are compelled to submit slavishly to an outside will? When we are told to deny our senses and subject them to the whim of others? When people devoid of whatsoever competence are made judges over experts and are granted authority to treat them as they please? These are the novelties which are apt to bring about the ruin of commonwealths and the subversion of the state.
- Galileo Galilei, 1564 - 1642
Do you want me to tell you something really subversive? Love is everything it's cracked up to be. That's why people are so cynical about it.... It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you don't risk anything, you risk even more.
- Erica Jong
Do you see an error on this page? A typo, a character that is messed up, a misattribution? Please let us know!
