Saturday, January 5, 2008

Margaret Chase Smith

Margaret Chase Smith was a politician from Maine. She was the first woman to be elected to both the US House and the Senate. An in 1964 she was also the first woman to have her name placed in nomination for the U.S. Presidency at a major party's convention. She was a Republican.

In addition to these firsts as a woman she is known for her opposition to the tactics of Senator McCarthy. On June 1, 1950, she gave her Declaration of Conscience speech on the floor of the Senate, earning McCarthy's permanent ire and the nickname "Moscow Maggie" from his staff. In 1989, President George Bush presented her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Some of her memorable quotes:

"My creed is that public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation with full recognition that every human being is entitled to courtesy and consideration, that constructive criticism is not only to be expected but sought, that smears are not only to be expected but fought, that honor is to be earned, not bought. "

"Moral cowardice that keeps us from speaking our minds is as dangerous to this country as irresponsible talk. The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character. "

"One of the basic causes for all the trouble in the world today is that people talk too much and think too little. They act impulsively without thinking. I always try to think before I talk. "

(Considered UM of HUMORE)

No comments: