The conservative movement, to which I subscribe, has as one of its basic tenets the belief that government should stay out of peopleโs private lives. Government governs best when it governs least โ and stays out of the impossible task of legislating morality. But legislating someoneโs version of morality is exactly what we do by perpetuating discrimination against gays.
Barry Goldwater[G]overnment can, instead of extending freedom, restrict freedom. And note ... that the 'can' quickly becomes 'will' the moment the holders of government power are left to their own devices. This is because of the corrupting influence of power, the natural tendency of men who possess some power to take unto themselves more power. The tendency leads eventually to the acquisition of all power - whether in the hands of one or many makes little difference to the freedom of those left on the outside.
Barry GoldwaterOn religious issues there can be little or no compromise. There is no position on which people are so immovable as their religious beliefs. There is no more powerful ally one can claim in a debate than Jesus Christ, or God, or Allah, or whatever one calls this Supreme Being. But like any powerful weapon, the use of God's name on one's behalf should be used sparingly.
Barry GoldwaterSome programs have been theatrical masterpieces, but all we're seeing is the negative side of nuclear war.
Barry GoldwaterThose who seek absolute power, even though they seek it to do what they regard as good, are simply demanding the right to enforce their own version of heaven on earth. And let me remind you, they are the very ones who always create the most hellish tyrannies. Absolute power does corrupt, and those who seek it must be suspect and must be opposed.
Barry Goldwater