“ Unfortunately, human nature can not be changed by an act of the legislature. When practically the sole remedy for many evils lies in the necessity of the people looking out for themselves and reforming their own abuses, they will find that they are relying on a false security if the Government assumes to hold out the promise that it is looking out for them and providing reforms for them. ”
Calvin Coolidge, State of the Union Address (7 December 1926). copy citation
| Author | Calvin Coolidge |
|---|---|
| Source | State of the Union Address |
| Topic | government evil |
| Date | 7 December 1926 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/5036/5036-h/5036-h.htm |
Context
“I am in favor of reducing, rather than expanding, Government bureaus which seek to regulate and control the business activities of the people. Everyone is aware that abuses exist and will exist so long as we are limited by human imperfections. Unfortunately, human nature can not be changed by an act of the legislature. When practically the sole remedy for many evils lies in the necessity of the people looking out for themselves and reforming their own abuses, they will find that they are relying on a false security if the Government assumes to hold out the promise that it is looking out for them and providing reforms for them. This principle is preeminently applicable to the National Government. It is too much assumed that because an abuse exists it is the business of the National Government to provide a remedy. The presumption should be that it is the business of local and State governments.”
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