“ Society has not only the privilege but the absolute duty of protecting itself and its individuals. ”
Calvin Coolidge, State of the Union Address (7 December 1926). copy citation
| Author | Calvin Coolidge |
|---|---|
| Source | State of the Union Address |
| Topic | duty privilege |
| Date | 7 December 1926 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/5036/5036-h/5036-h.htm |
Context
“Such national action results in encroaching upon the salutary independence of the States and by undertaking to supersede their natural authority fills the land with bureaus and departments which are undertaking to do what it is impossible for them to accomplish and brings our whole system of government into disrespect and disfavor. We ought to maintain high standards. We ought to punish wrongdoing. Society has not only the privilege but the absolute duty of protecting itself and its individuals. But we can not accomplish this end by adopting a wrong method. Permanent success lies in local, rather than national action. Unless the locality rises to its own requirements, there is an almost irresistible impulse for the National Government to intervene.”
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