The Constitution guarantees protection to property, and we must make that promise good. But it does not give the right of suffrage to any corporation. It is necessary that laws should be passed to prohibit the use of corporate funds directly or indirectly for political purposes; it is still more necessary that such laws should be thoroughly enforced.
Theodore RooseveltJust as Lincoln got contradictory advice from the extremists of both sides . . . so now I have to guard myself against the extremists of both sides.
Theodore RooseveltBehind the ostensible government sits enthroned an invisible government owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the people.
Theodore RooseveltUnder government ownership corruption can flourish just as rankly as under private ownership.
Theodore RooseveltIf we put corrupt men in public office and sneeringly acquiesce in their corruptions, then we are wrong ourselves.
Theodore RooseveltThe fortunes amassed through corporate organization are now so large, and vest such power in those that wield them, as to make it a matter of necessity to give to the sovereign - that is, to the Government, which represents the people as a whole - some effective power of supervision over their corporate use. In order to insure a healthy social and industrial life, every big corporation should be held responsible by, and be accountable to, some sovereign strong enough to control its conduct.
Theodore Roosevelt