Let it be clear that this Administration recognizes the value of dissent and daring—that we greet healthy controversy as the hallmark of healthy change. Let the public service be a proud and lively career.
 John F. Kennedy, State of the Union Address (30 January 1961). copy citation

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Author John F. Kennedy
Source State of the Union Address
Topic controversy change
Date 30 January 1961
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/5041/5041-h/5041-h.htm#1

Context

“Let every public servant know, whether his post is high or low, that a man’s rank and reputation in this Administration will be determined by the size of the job he does, and not by the size of his staff, his office or his budget. Let it be clear that this Administration recognizes the value of dissent and daring—that we greet healthy controversy as the hallmark of healthy change. Let the public service be a proud and lively career. And let every man and woman who works in any area of our national government, in any branch, at any level, be able to say with pride and with honor in future years: “ I served the United States government in that hour of our nation’s need. ”” source