Bill Janklow Quotes

Powerful Bill Janklow for Daily Growth

About Bill Janklow

Bill Janklow (born November 3, 1941) is an American politician, author, and educator who has made significant contributions to South Dakota's political landscape and the broader realm of American politics. Born in Volga, South Dakota, he attended St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota, where he graduated magna cum laude with a degree in history and political science. Janklow began his career as an educator at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, before entering politics. In 1975, he was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives, serving there until 1978. He then served as the U.S. Representative for South Dakota's At-large congressional district from 1979 to 2003, becoming one of the most powerful figures in South Dakota politics during this period. Known for his charismatic and outspoken nature, Janklow was a central figure in many political debates, particularly those concerning agriculture, energy policy, and the environment. His influence extended beyond South Dakota, as he served as Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure from 1995 to 2003. After leaving Congress, Janklow returned to education, becoming the President of Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota. He has also authored several books, including "Freedom's Frontier: A History of the Upper Missouri River," which explores the history and significance of the Upper Missouri River System. Janklow's life and career reflect a deep commitment to public service, education, and the history of his home state. His legacy continues to influence South Dakota politics and American politics at large.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is a series of choices and decisions we make; some good, some bad."

This quote by Bill Janklow emphasizes the idea that life consists of a sequence of choices and decisions, which can be either positive or negative in their impact. It highlights the fact that personal experiences and outcomes are primarily shaped by the choices individuals make. In essence, it encourages one to be mindful about their decisions, recognizing that they have the power to influence the trajectory of their life's journey.


"I am not in the habit of apologizing for being who I am."

This quote suggests a strong sense of personal identity, authenticity, and self-acceptance from Bill Janklow. He's stating that he doesn't feel the need to justify or explain his character to others, as he is comfortable with who he is. It implies a level of confidence, individualism, and resilience in the face of potential judgment or criticism from others.


"The best things in life are free: the Sistine Chapel and a cold glass of water."

This quote by Bill Janklow highlights the value of simple, yet profound experiences in life. The Sistine Chapel, a world-renowned art masterpiece, is an example of something beautiful and meaningful that can be freely accessed, emphasizing the idea that not all valuable things require monetary cost. Similarly, a cold glass of water, an essential necessity for life, also holds immense value as it is both free and vital to sustaining existence. In essence, Janklow suggests that true enjoyment and appreciation in life often come from the simple, often overlooked aspects that are priceless in their own right.


"There is no such thing as an ordinary day if you are an elected official, and especially if you are a governor."

This quote by Bill Janklow emphasizes that every day presents unique challenges and opportunities for those in elected positions, particularly governors. The routine nature of daily life is transformed when one holds a position of leadership, as each day brings new responsibilities, crises, and decisions to be made. The role requires constant vigilance, adaptability, and dedication, making every day extraordinary in its own way.


"I'm just a country boy who got lucky."

This quote by Bill Janklow conveys humility, gratitude, and an appreciation for his origins. He is acknowledging that despite his success, he remains connected to his rural upbringing and considers his accomplishments as a form of good fortune rather than something inherently within himself. It suggests a down-to-earth, modest persona who acknowledges the role of luck in his journey towards achievement.


You stick a credit card in a machine, and you pay $3 or whatever it is to get cash - your own money.

- Bill Janklow

Own, Pay, Your, Credit Card

What did Citibank get out of it? It got the ability to reverse the arbitrage. Actually, what they got was the ability to give themselves a profit, and that saved the bank.

- Bill Janklow

Saved, Give, Reverse, Profit

Those 3,000 jobs in Sioux Falls, based on our population back then in Sioux Falls, would have taken 300,000 jobs in New York City to equal it at Citibank.

- Bill Janklow

City, New, Based, Sioux

If you knew the upward mobility that South Dakota's kids have gotten from the opportunity to intern and to work and to be employed and to have upward mobility in that company and move on, it's been phenomenal for South Dakota.

- Bill Janklow

Mobility, South Dakota, Move, Phenomenal

They're pushing credit cards. They don't take Visa, but they do take American Express, or they don't take this one, but they take that one, or you'd better bring this one, or if you forget who you are, look on your credit card; it will be there.

- Bill Janklow

American, Cards, Bring, Visa

So people ought to be free to leave here, but there ought to be opportunity for them to come home.

- Bill Janklow

Opportunity, Here, Leave, Ought

The rest of the world wants our cash; we like plastic.

- Bill Janklow

Rest, World, Plastic, Cash

Folks can't carry around money in their pocket. They've got to go to an ATM machine, and they've got to pay a few dollars to get their own dollars out of the machine. Who ever thought you'd pay cash to get cash? That's where we've gotten to.

- Bill Janklow

Thought, Own, Gotten, Cash

The deal we made was that if we would change our law to invite them to come to South Dakota - that's what they wanted, the invitation - if we would change our law to invite them to come to South Dakota, he would guarantee South Dakota 400 Citibank jobs.

- Bill Janklow

Law, Deal, South Dakota, Invite

There's a world out there, and you've got to look at both sides of the mountain in your lifetime.

- Bill Janklow

Mountain, World, Both Sides, Sides

We've become a plastic society.

- Bill Janklow

Society, Plastic, Become

What's taken God 200 years to create was wiped out in a couple of days by what was apparently an arsonist, And it just shows you what a sick world we live in nowadays.

- Bill Janklow

Couple, Nowadays, Wiped, Taken

I bought a railroad during this period of time.

- Bill Janklow

Time, Railroad, Period, Bought

I like practicing law.

- Bill Janklow

Law, Like, Practicing

Citibank had nothing to do with getting reelected.

- Bill Janklow

Nothing, Getting, Had, Citibank

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