Wen Jiabao Quotes

I found the clerks mainly earnest, mainly honest, anxious to do the right thing — very hard working, very attentive. I do not refer to swell officials — the men who wear the decorations, get the fat salaries. I refer to the average clerks, the obscure crowd, who after all run the government: they are on the square.

To safeguard the people's money what we call red tape is tied around all government activity until the really efficient honest public servant has a somewhat difficult time, but we are still laboring under the theory that the majority of the world is dishonest.

Whatever flaws or personal failings afflict them, it remains the case that the overwhelming majority of priests and politicians are honourable and honest - seeking to live out their beliefs and serve society.

With the best will, no one can be an official and a man.

No public man can be just a little crooked.

People like to see honest persons. So I certainly will advise many young people who want to participate in politics, honesty is the best policy.

I will work my heart out to earn the trust of the people of Massachusetts.

When we like our new rulers we call them public servants. When we are mad at them we call them bureaucrats; but it is the business of self-government to see that they remain servants of the public instead of becoming its masters.

When a man assumes a public trust, he should consider himself as public property.

Pubic business must be done. It will be done one way or another. If wise men refuse it, others will not. If honest men refuse it, others will not.

The best citizens were supposed to desire honest men in office, men who would not take bribes, men who would appoint high-minded men as their subordinates, men who would look after the public interest, see that public charities were well supported.

At the end of the day, you are judged by your character. And look, I'm proud of my record of working to help people throughout my years of public service.

I remember, years ago, if I had had an opportunity to leave the Lakers, I would have left for one reason: because I did not like an owner that was not telling me the truth. And it would have made no difference what they would have offered me; I would have left.

That's what people love and respect about me. I'm going to give you 100 percent.

In executing the duties of my present important station, I can promise nothing but purity of intentions, and, in carrying these into effect, fidelity and diligence.

I would never take any of my cards off the table.

I am committed to making Georgia a model for open and honest government.

The public character of every public servant is legitimate subject of discussion, and his fitness or unfitness for office may be fairly canvassed by any person.

I'm just in an unfortunate business where if you ask me a question I have to answer it honestly and if I don't answer it truthfully then I'm not respected.

Trust is built with consistency.

Once players have my trust, they have it.

I want my clients to trust me.

I thank God that I left office the same way I came in: with integrity.

I could never be a career politician, because I believe in telling the truth.

David Cohen is without a doubt one of the best - if not the best - public servant I've ever encountered.