"It's always darkest before it goes totally black."
This quote by Jim McDermott suggests that there are often moments in life, situations or periods where things seem the most difficult, hopeless, or bleak - this is "always darkest". However, even when things appear to be at their worst, it's important to remember that they can still get worse - "it goes totally black". This implies that we should not lose hope during tough times and keep moving forward, as improvement often follows the lowest points. The quote serves as a reminder of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
"If you're not at the table, you're probably on the menu."
This quote emphasizes the importance of being part of a group or decision-making process. If one is not involved (i.e., "not at the table"), they may find themselves as the subject of those decisions ("on the menu"). In other words, it's better to have a seat at the table where you can influence outcomes rather than be affected by them without any control or input.
"Congress: where ignorance is not only bliss, it's also cheap."
This quote by Jim McDermott suggests a perception that Congress, as a political institution, allows or even encourages a state of unawareness or lack of knowledge among its members because such ignorance may be accompanied by the benefit of not having to bear the cost (financial, social, or otherwise) associated with acquiring knowledge. The irony lies in the fact that Congress is meant to be a place where informed decisions are made for the betterment of society, but this statement implies that it sometimes functions contrary to that ideal.
"The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance given to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work instead of living on public assistance." - Cicero, 55 B.C. and a contemporary of mine."
This quote by Jim McDermott, attributed to the ancient Roman philosopher Cicero, advocates for fiscal responsibility and self-reliance in government and society. The budget should be balanced (not running deficits), public debt should be reduced (through repayment or avoiding excessive borrowing), arrogance of officials should be tempered (showing humility in governance), and foreign aid should be minimized to prevent economic exhaustion (Rome, symbolizing any nation, could become bankrupt). The message is timeless, encouraging citizens to work instead of living on public assistance.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke"
This quote suggests that when individuals who uphold good values choose to remain inactive in the face of evil or injustice, they unintentionally contribute to its success. It encourages everyone to take action against wrongdoings and fight for what is right, rather than remaining idle, since indifference can lead to the triumph of negative forces.
But beyond the hysteria of phantom death panels, where is the abomination? Show me the provisions that will hurt consumers, because if you think a $110 billion a year tax break for working-class Americans to buy private health insurance is a government takeover, I welcome the debate.
- Jim McDermott
I have stood on the front lines of the health care system as a doctor, patient and concerned parent. Those experiences have served as my guideposts throughout the struggle to reform America's health care system. And it's those same experiences that tell me that fear and election hysteria should not overshadow the reality of reform.
- Jim McDermott
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