Charles Edison Quotes

Democracy has always been in crisis: democracy is all about practicing the art of bearable dissatisfaction. In democratic societies, people often complain about their leaders and their institutions. The gap between the ideal democracy and the existing one cannot be bridged.

Democracy is not about making speeches. It is about making committees work.

So I think democracy, in the long-term, in our countries will survive if it comes to be associated with leadership, will not survive if democracy plus media brings to us more and more followship rather than leadership.

In a true democracy is the cure for most of our social and political ills, but a few of them must remain to keep us going.

Democracy Is What You Make It!

Somehow we must be able to show people that democracy is not about words, but action.

If I were to say anything to people I may say people should vote for those who are respectful to democracy, rule of law, who get on well with people.

A basic tenet of a healthy democracy is open dialogue and transparency.

What should be targeted is a concept of organic, and not just mechanic, democracy that preserves the rule of law, separation of powers, and that is participatory and pluralistic.

We think that democracy can change a lot of things, but we're being fooled, because democracy is not the election. We've been taught that democracy is having elections. And it isn't. Elections are the most horrendous aspect of democracy. It's the most mundane, trivial, disappointing, dirty aspect.

Democracy is not theater - it determines life and death!

I think we need politicians; we need people who want to serve.

The country is stronger than the result of any one election. But we shouldn't forget that these are just ordinary people. I wish Americans would look at them level, not down or up - just level. It doesn't take some special dimension to be president.

When we get a chance to take part in elections, I am ready to fight for leading positions, including in the presidential vote.

Canadians want to elect good people to be their voice in Ottawa.

There is so much that can be done, you see, the assembly is about improving our democracy.

I don't care what party you belong to or what your background is. If you believe we are headed in the wrong direction, and believe there needs to be a check and balance on the President and Congress, then join my campaign.

Our brand of democracy is hard. But I can promise that a year from now, when I no longer hold this office, I'll be right there with you as a citizen - inspired by those voices of fairness and vision, of grit and good humor and kindness that have helped America travel so far.

Everybody has a say, everybody has a voice, because everyone that comes to the House had about 750,000 people they're representing. And you want those voices heard.

I am aware that one should always make room for renewal in politics. A democracy is the healthier for the turnover of the depth of talent there is in its community.

The merit of a democratic regime rests on one's continual willingness to exchange views, and to compete on the basis of individual merit and capacities.

One could always do more, faster and cleverer, but democracy has its own rhythm.

The people of the Sudan expect a lot from the institution of the presidency, and we should live up to their expectations.

I have always believed governments must adapt to the needs of the people, not the other way around.

Democracy is more than a ballot box.