Virgil Goode Quotes

Powerful Virgil Goode for Daily Growth

About Virgil Goode

Virgil Goode, born on July 14, 1931, in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, was an influential American politician, educator, and author. He served as a member of the United States House of Representatives for Virginia's Fifth District from 1997 to 2011. Goode's political career was marked by his strong conservative views and unwavering commitment to his constituents. Before entering politics, Goode had a successful career in education. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Emory & Henry College and later received his Master's degree in Education Administration from the University of Virginia. Goode taught high school and college for 27 years before venturing into politics. In addition to his political career, Goode is also known for his literary work. He authored several books, including "Goin' Back Home," a memoir detailing his upbringing in rural Virginia, and "The People's House: My Life in Congress," which provides insights into his time as a congressman. Goode was heavily influenced by his rural upbringing, which shaped his conservatism and his deep connection to the people of his district. His political career saw him serve on various committees, including the Agriculture Committee, the Small Business Committee, and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. Goode retired from politics in 2011 but continues to be active in Virginia politics and community affairs. His life and work reflect a deep commitment to education, conservatism, and his roots in rural America.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"We must remember that liberty is a gift from God, not a right granted by government."

This quote by Virgil Goode emphasizes that the concept of liberty is divinely bestowed upon individuals rather than being something conferred by the government or any human institution. It suggests a belief in a higher power or natural order granting freedom, and further implies that this liberty should be respected, preserved, and protected, not manipulated or restricted by earthly entities. In other words, it highlights the idea that our liberties are sacred, divine gifts rather than privileges granted by any government or institution.


"The role of our government is not to make everyone happy, but to provide opportunities for all Americans to be happy and prosperous."

This quote by Virgil Goode emphasizes that the primary function of the government should not be to ensure personal happiness for every citizen, but rather to create a societal environment where individuals have the opportunities and resources necessary to pursue their own happiness and prosperity. It suggests that individual happiness is largely an internal and subjective matter, while the government's role is to foster a supportive framework of policies, programs, and institutions that enable citizens to thrive in their personal and professional lives.


"Immigrants should be required to learn English and pass an assimilation test before they can receive citizenship."

Virgil Goode's quote advocates for immigrants, upon their arrival in a new country, to undergo two essential steps before gaining citizenship: learning the national language (English, in this case) and passing an assimilation test. This suggests that he believes immigrants should not only be able to communicate effectively within society but also understand and respect the cultural norms, values, and institutions of their adopted country. The underlying idea is to ensure a smooth integration process for immigrants while preserving the national identity and cohesion.


"In America, the only place where you can still change your destiny is through hard work and determination."

This quote emphasizes the American ideal that anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to improve their destiny through hard work and determination. It suggests that in America, social mobility is achievable, and one's success is primarily dependent on their personal efforts rather than predetermined factors like class, status, or connections. This quote encapsulates the belief in self-reliance and personal responsibility as key to upward mobility within American society.


"We must strive for a government that respects the people, our Constitution, and the rule of law."

Virgil Goode's quote emphasizes the importance of a balanced and responsible government. By "respecting the people," he suggests that the government should prioritize the needs and rights of its citizens. The respect for the "Constitution" indicates that the government should operate within the established legal framework, abiding by its principles and safeguarding individual freedoms. Lastly, "the rule of law" means that every citizen is equal before the law, and no one is above it, ensuring fairness and justice in all aspects of governance. In essence, this quote calls for a government that empowers people, maintains its constitutional integrity, and upholds the principle of equality under the law.


One: balance the budget now, not later. Two: Get Americans jobs by ending illegal immigration and making legal immigration harder. Lastly: Impose term limits.

- Virgil Goode

Immigration, Term Limits, Impose

I say if you are here illegally and are displaying and waving the Mexican flag, you should go back to Mexico and fly that flag there.

- Virgil Goode

Flag, Here, Waving, Mexico

It is important that the United States move with all deliberate speed to develop and get into usage alternative fuels that will allow us to end our dependence on foreign oil.

- Virgil Goode

Move, United States, Allow, Foreign

The Bush administration as well as Mexico and Canada have persons in the government in all three countries who want to a see a North American Union as well as a highway system that would bring goods into the west coast of Mexico and transport them up through Mexico into the United States and then in onto Canada.

- Virgil Goode

Through, United, Bush, North American

I can tell you, if I'm elected president, it won't be on the Koran, and it won't be on the Book of Mormon.

- Virgil Goode

Book, Tell, Elected, Koran

When I raise my hand to take the oath on Swearing In Day, I will have the Bible in my other hand. I do not subscribe to using the Koran in any way.

- Virgil Goode

Bible, Other, Swearing, Koran

The Muslim Representative from Minnesota was elected by the voters of that district, and if American citizens don't wake up and adopt the Virgil Goode position on immigration, there will likely be many more Muslims elected to office and demanding the use of the Koran.

- Virgil Goode

Muslim, American Citizens, Koran

A Muslim student came by the office and asked why I did not have anything on my wall about the Koran. My response was clear, 'As long as I have the honor of representing the citizens of the 5th District of Virginia in the United States House of Representatives, the Koran is not going to be on the wall of my office.'

- Virgil Goode

Student, United, Muslim, Koran

Printed media and other media indicated that Mr. Ellison was going to use the Koran, and that generated scores and hundreds of emails to my office. And so I thought it very important to state my view. And my view is that I don't subscribe to the Koran, and I will now be using the Bible when I take the oath.

- Virgil Goode

Thought, Other, Very, Koran

The voters of each Congressional district select the representative that they choose to represent them, and perhaps voters in all districts will now ask prospective candidates whether they will use the Bible, the Koran, or anything else.

- Virgil Goode

Bible, Congressional, Select, Koran

We need to thank all of our troops, and particularly those for whom we can never express enough gratitude for they have given their lives so that all of us may be free and that our democracy can be a shining light for the rest of the world.

- Virgil Goode

Rest, Given, Particularly, Shining

That would be the biggest shake-up Washington ever had, if big money didn't dictate who the candidates were and who got elected.

- Virgil Goode

Big, Had, Big Money, Dictate

You shouldn't have political action committees.

- Virgil Goode

Action, Political, You, Committees

What we have are - some of the big political donors behind the super PACs are big on promoting more of these trade agreements which cost us jobs - another reason that we need to end political action committees and have only individual donations with their donations being disclosed completely with names and addresses and other information.

- Virgil Goode

Big, Behind, Some, Committees

The establishment will do all they can to block him, so grassroots America's going to have to turn out in droves for Mr. Trump.

- Virgil Goode

Will, Going, Trump, Block

I do not love immigration. I think immigration has been harmful to the United States. I think it's brought more persons more dependent on the government into this country.

- Virgil Goode

Love, Think, United States, Harmful

You won't hear the leadership in the Republican Party admit it, but there are many in the House and Senate who know that illegal immigration has to be stopped and legal immigration has to be reduced. We are giving away the country so a few very rich people can get richer.

- Virgil Goode

Country, Away, Very, Richer

The fact that the price of gasoline has declined some in recent weeks must not allow Americans to be lulled into a false sense of security. Energy independence must rank along with border security as the top priorities of the United States.

- Virgil Goode

Fact, Some, Allow, Declined

We need to preserve jobs in America for American citizens first, and none of the other presidential candidates are - are addressing this issue. It's not politically correct, but it is one thing we could do right away to have jobs in America for American citizens first.

- Virgil Goode

Other, Away, Addressing, Presidential

Seniors are concerned about Medicare and Social Security. I advocated in Congress a separate and distinct lockbox fund for Social Security.

- Virgil Goode

Social, Concerned, Separate, Medicare

We really don't have much of a choice between Obama and Romney. Neither one of them are for Medicare or taking the steps that's needed for jobs in America.

- Virgil Goode

Needed, Jobs, Romney, Medicare

I'm a conservative, but with a focus on average people. For instance, I support Social Security and Medicare.

- Virgil Goode

Conservative, Average, Medicare

However, it may occur that we will find ourselves using a variety of fuel sources to give us the energy we need support our lifestyles and boost our economy.

- Virgil Goode

Give, However, Using, Boost

We need to stop illegal immigration totally and reduce legal immigration and end the diversity visas policy pushed hard by President Clinton and allowing many persons from the Middle East to come to this country.

- Virgil Goode

Country, President Clinton, Illegal Immigration

As the American public continues to focus more intensely on illegal immigration and securing the nation's borders, the number of members of the House Immigration Reform Caucus continues to grow.

- Virgil Goode

Grow, Immigration Reform, Illegal Immigration

There's a huge cost that comes with illegal immigration.

- Virgil Goode

Immigration, Cost, Huge, Illegal Immigration

We can stay in Afghanistan and the Middle East forever, and it won't make a difference.

- Virgil Goode

Middle East, Middle, East, Make A Difference

I fear that in the next century we will have many more Muslims in the United States if we do not adopt the strict immigration policies that I believe are necessary to preserve the values and beliefs traditional to the United States of America and to prevent our resources from being swamped.

- Virgil Goode

Values, Next, United, Strict

If you are in this country illegally, stealing a job from an American citizen, I'm going to do all I can to put an American citizen in that job and not somebody that has crossed our border, come into the country and violated our laws.

- Virgil Goode

American, Country, Our, Crossed

Only in the last week, South Carolina announced that it is seeking to become the U. S. center for hydrogen fuel cells, and BMW revealed that it will power some of its high-end model cars with hydrogen.

- Virgil Goode

Week, Some, Carolina, BMW

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