Samuel Dash Quotes

Powerful Samuel Dash for Daily Growth

About Samuel Dash

Samuel Dash (May 17, 1920 - January 4, 2013) was an eminent American lawyer, government official, and university professor, best known for his role as chief counsel of the U.S. Senate Watergate Committee during the Watergate scandal in the 1970s. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dash attended the University of Pennsylvania and graduated with a law degree from the Columbia Law School. He served in the United States Army during World War II, earning the Bronze Star Medal for his service. After the war, he returned to Philadelphia and began his legal career as an assistant district attorney. In 1957, Dash was appointed as a judge on the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia. He served in this position until 1966, when President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed him as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. During his tenure as U.S. Attorney, Dash made a name for himself by prosecuting organized crime figures and corrupt politicians. In 1973, Dash was selected by Senator Sam Ervin to serve as chief counsel on the Senate Watergate Committee, investigating the crimes committed during the Watergate scandal that ultimately led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Dash's unwavering commitment to justice and his relentless pursuit of the truth earned him widespread respect and admiration. After the Watergate investigation, Dash returned to academia, teaching law at the George Washington University Law School for over two decades. He also continued to practice law and was involved in numerous other public service activities, including serving as a member of the President's Commission on Organized Crime. Throughout his life, Samuel Dash was known for his integrity, intelligence, and dedication to justice. His contributions to American history during the Watergate scandal will forever be remembered. Some of his notable quotes include: 1. "We are concerned here with a President who has brought dishonor and disrepute on the presidency." 2. "The President of the United States is not above the law. He is subject to the law, and he's also subject to impeachment for high crimes and misdemeanors." 3. "If you have no conscience, you have an excellent faculty for acting."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The greatest office in a free government is that of the informed and vigilant citizen."

This quote by Samuel Dash emphasizes the significance and power of an informed and vigilant citizen in a democratic society, where freedom thrives. He suggests that the highest-ranking position in any free government isn't held by elected officials or institutions but rather by the people themselves, who are educated about their rights, responsibilities, and the workings of their government. To ensure the continuity and prosperity of democracy, it is essential to remain informed and engaged as a citizen, keeping a watchful eye on the decisions that affect society and speaking out when necessary.

"The ultimate issue is not whether we punish or not, but whether there are standards for the President as well as for the smallest villager."

This quote by Samuel Dash emphasizes the principle of equality under the law, suggesting that even those in high positions, such as the President, should be held to the same ethical and legal standards as every other citizen. It underscores the importance of accountability and justice for all, regardless of power or status.

"A cover-up, if successful, hides the truth and smothers the light of public scrutiny, thus preventing the American people from participating in their own government."

This quote emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in government. A "cover-up" refers to an attempt to conceal wrongdoing or misconduct within a governing body. By successfully hiding such activities, powerholders prevent public access to information, thereby limiting the ability of citizens to actively participate in their own governance. This quote highlights the crucial role of transparency in maintaining trust and fostering an informed citizenry capable of making educated decisions about their government.

"The Constitution requires a president to be a president, not a monarch."

This quote by Samuel Dash underscores the concept that the United States is a constitutional republic, not a monarchy. The President, as a figurehead under the U.S. Constitution, serves as the head of state but does not possess absolute power like a monarch. The President's duties are defined and limited by the Constitution, laws, and the balance of powers among the three branches of government. This quote emphasizes that the President should respect these boundaries to preserve the integrity and democratic ideals of the U.S. system of governance.

"We have no power to convict unless we are convinced of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. That is our duty and our oath."

This quote highlights the essential principle in criminal trials known as "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt." It signifies that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, who must present evidence strong enough to convince the jury or judge that the defendant is guilty beyond any doubt that a reasonable person might have. This rule ensures fairness and accuracy in judging the innocence or guilt of an accused individual.

I'm very much in support of the free press, but the free press ought to be educational and informative. And I believe they have fallen down recently on that.

- Samuel Dash

Very, Educational, Recently, Free Press

Unless you have a perception of who you are as a lawyer, you will never be at ease in dealing with legal matters, clients, or courts. But if you know who you are and why you're there, all you need is the expertise and the information.

- Samuel Dash

Ease, Clients, Dealing, Perception

Our government leaders... have made many mistakes in the past when they have lost sight of the sacred American values rooted in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. We are at the brink of even graver mistakes and assaults on these values.

- Samuel Dash

Values, Constitution, Brink

While teaching, I also worked undercover in the lower courts by saying I was a young law teacher wanting experience in criminal law. The judges were happy to assist me but what I learned was how corrupt the lower courts were. Judges were accepting money right in the courtroom.

- Samuel Dash

Happy, Young, Wanting, Accepting

When you believe in what you're doing and use your imagination and initiative, you can make a difference.

- Samuel Dash

Initiative, Doing, Use, Make A Difference

I've always wanted to be my own person and stand by the things I believe in and I thought I might lose that independence if I ran for political office.

- Samuel Dash

Thought, Always, My Own, Ran

Watergate was unique because it allowed the public to play its democratic role in expressing its outrage at the presidency. And as a result, for the first time in history a president resigned.

- Samuel Dash

Play, Role, Watergate, Resigned

One of the things I realized early in my career is that you do what you believe, in knowing that if you don't, you will never like yourself. When you compromise out of fear or ambition, it eats inside you.

- Samuel Dash

Career, One Of The Things, Early

Learn to say no in situations where saying no can be difficult, where it could mean getting fired. Say no anyway, because it could lead you to greater opportunities.

- Samuel Dash

Learn, Fired, Could, Situations

I've always been driven by the concept of equal justice under the law, but only the rich can pay great sums of money for legal assistance and that puts them at an advantage over the poor.

- Samuel Dash

Always, Over, Been, Assistance

I was a very serious young man, very committed to saving the world.

- Samuel Dash

Committed, Very, Saving, Young Man

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.