What do you imagine the American people would think of me if I wasted my time going to the ball game?
Grover ClevelandWhen more of the people's sustenance is exacted through the form of taxation than is necessary to meet the just obligations of government and expenses of its economical administration, such exaction becomes ruthless extortion and a violation of the fundamental principles of free government.
Grover ClevelandHe mocks the people who proposes that the government shall protect the rich and that they in turn will care for the laboring poor.
Grover ClevelandThe lessons of paternalism ought to be unlearned and the better lesson taught that while the people should patriotically and cheerfully support their government, its functions do not include the support of the people.
Grover ClevelandOfficeholders are the agents of the people, not their masters. Not only is their time and labor due to the government, but they should scrupulously avoid in their political action, as well as in the discharge of their official duty, offending by a display of obtrusive partisanship their neighbors who have relations with them as public officials.
Grover Cleveland