Throughout history civilian populations and political rulers have talked of peace. We have never been free of war. The soldier, whose profession is war, understands that peace must be enforced by superior military might. The certainty of defeat is the only effective deterrent we can use to maintain peace. Furthermore, we can be strong without being aggressive.
Barry GoldwaterConservatism therefore looks upon the enhancement of man's spiritual nature as the primary concern of political philosophy. Liberals, on the other hand,โ in the name of a concern for โhuman beingsโโ regard the satisfaction of economic wants as the dominant mission of society.
Barry GoldwaterSmall men, seeking great wealth or power, have too often and too long turned even the highest levels of public service into mere personal opportunity.
Barry GoldwaterIt is safe to say that the U.S. Congress is now run by paid staffers, not by people elected to do the job.
Barry GoldwaterI say further that for this great legislative body to ignore the Constitution and the fundamental concepts of our governmental system is to act in a manner which could ultimately destroy the freedom of all American citizens, including the freedoms of the very persons whose feelings and whose liberties are the major subject of this legislation.
Barry GoldwaterI have little interest in streamlining government or in making it more efficient, for I mean to reduce its size.
Barry GoldwaterOnce upon a time our traditional goal in war and can anyone doubt that we are at war? - was victory. Once upon a time we were proud of our strength, our military power. Now we seem ashamed of it. Once upon a time the rest of the world looked to us for leadership. Now they look to us for a quick handout and a fence-straddling international posture.
Barry Goldwater