"Freedom is a rare and delicate flower which, once opened, has never been closed."
This quote by Edwin Meese suggests that freedom, much like a fragile bloom, is a valuable and precious asset that, once experienced, can never be fully taken away or lost. It underscores the importance of cherishing and protecting our personal liberties as they are not easily reclaimed after being relinquished. The metaphor also implies that freedom, once opened to the light of liberty, continues to have a lasting impact, just as a flower's beauty lingers in memory. In essence, the quote serves as a call to protect and appreciate our hard-won freedoms to ensure they remain an enduring part of our society and personal lives.
"A constitution is not a mere compact; it is a living charter."
The quote emphasizes that a constitution is more than just an agreement between parties; it's a dynamic, evolving document that embodies the spirit, values, and principles of a society. It's a "living" document because it must adapt to changing times while preserving its core intent, ensuring that it continues to meet the needs of the people it serves. This interpretation underscores the importance of the constitution as a vital part of a nation's identity and a guarantor of its citizens' rights and freedoms.
"Justice delayed is justice denied."
The quote "Justice delayed is justice denied" emphasizes that if justice, especially in legal matters, is not promptly delivered, it effectively amounts to denying justice altogether. It implies that the purpose of seeking justice – to restore fairness, right wrongs, and uphold moral values – can be undermined when there are unreasonable delays in the process. Delayed justice often leads to frustration, increased suffering for victims or offenders, and loss of trust in the judicial system. Efficient administration of justice is crucial for a just society where everyone feels protected under the law.
"The Constitution was not written to be a suicide pact."
This quote by Edwin Meese suggests that the U.S. Constitution, with its guarantees of rights and freedoms, should not be interpreted in a way that undermines or compromises the very existence (or 'life') of the nation or its citizens. It's a reminder that the Constitution was crafted to preserve and protect the Union, not to allow actions that could potentially lead to its self-destruction.
"To preserve the constitutional balance and the rule of law, government must not exceed its limited authority."
This quote emphasizes the importance of adhering to the principles of separation of powers and rule of law as fundamental aspects of a constitutional democracy. The role of government is to maintain this balance and not abuse its power by overstepping its defined limits, ensuring that the rule of law prevails. It underscores the need for accountability in governance, where decisions are made within the bounds set forth by the constitution, rather than through arbitrary actions or unchecked power.
Reagan cut through irrational federal regulations to allow children to live with their parents, where they could receive care that would cost the taxpayer one-sixth as much as institutional care. By contrast, Obamacare has added thousands of pages of bureaucratic regulations and will cost the federal government untold billions.
- Edwin Meese
To restore the American experiment in democratic self-government, religious believers need to redouble their civic efforts. For without our active participation in politics, the government will continue to trample on our rights. The Constitution does not prevent people of faith from being active in politics.
- Edwin Meese
Expanding a failing, big-government program that reduces flexibility for the states and traps generations of Americans in dependency is not consistent with the kind of conservative solutions that Reagan sought during his terms as governor of California and president of the United States.
- Edwin Meese
Religious-liberty protections are one way of achieving civil peace even amid disagreement. The United States is a pluralistic society. To protect that pluralism and the rights of all Americans, of whatever faith they may practice, religious-liberty laws are good policy. Liberals committed to tolerance should embrace them.
- Edwin Meese
Democracy demands that judges confine themselves to a narrow sphere of influence - that is why the late Alexander Bickel called the judiciary the 'Least Dangerous Branch.' In a world governed by a proper conception of their role, judges don't play at being legislators - they leave that job to our elected representatives.
- Edwin Meese
I don't think a reporter necessarily becomes an arm of law enforcement. I think a reporter is like any other citizen. If a citizen can do his or her duty as a witness, if they have information about a crime, or if they have information about a criminal group, I think that there's a duty on the part of the citizen.
- Edwin Meese
The Black Panthers was what we would call today a criminal gang that was formed by Huey Newton. Now, interestingly enough, I knew Huey Newton before he formed the Black Panthers. He was a student of mine when I was a teacher, instructor at Oakland City College back in the very early 1960s.
- Edwin Meese
The federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act passed unanimously in the House, won 97 votes in the Senate, and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Twenty states have passed their own versions of this law, and 11 additional ones have religious-liberty protections that state courts have interpreted to provide a similar level of protection.
- Edwin Meese
The United States is in a time of transition. Courts have redefined marriage, and beliefs about human sexuality are changing. Will the right to dissent be protected? Will the right of Americans to speak and act in accord with what the United States had always believed about marriage - that it's a union of husband and wife - be tolerated?
- Edwin Meese
The 1986 act didn't turn illegal immigrants into citizens on the spot. It granted temporary resident status only to those who could prove they had resided continuously in America for five years. After 18 months, their status could be upgraded to permanent residency, and only after another five years could they become U.S. citizens.
- Edwin Meese
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