Quotes to Ponder

I remember the great politician and humanitarian Hubert H. Humphrey, and wish that many of our younger generation could have known him too. While his politics and mine were not always a perfect match (they never are), he was a politician who truly had his heart in the right place. He was the genuine thing, and I think people who are tired of fake politicians should dip in the refreshing water of who Hubert was.

Here are some of his quotes:

This, then, is the test we must set for ourselves; not to march alone but to march in such a way that others will wish to join us.

Unfortunately, our affluent society has also been an effluent society.

There are those who say to you - we are rushing this issue of civil rights. I say we are 172 years late.

The pursuit of peace resembles the building of a great cathedral. It is the work of a generation. In concept it requires a master-architect; in execution, the labors of many.

The impersonal hand of government can never replace the helping hand of a neighbor.

The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love.

Oh, my friend, it's not what they take away from you that counts. It's what you do with what you have left.

Never give up on anybody.

***It was once said that the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped. ***

It is not enough to merely defend democracy. To defend it may be to lose it; to extend it is to strengthen it. Democracy is not property; it is an idea.

Compassion is not weakness, and concern for the unfortunate is not socialism.

***I learned more about politics during one South Dakota dust storm than in seven years at the university. ***

For the first time in the history of mankind, one generation literally has the power to destroy the past, the present and the future, the power to bring time to an end.


He had so much understanding of the human condition and he was the real deal, as a true and sincere human being. Hence he earned his nickname "The Happy Warrior." All politicians, seculars, and people of faith could learn from him. I miss him!
I hope readers enjoy this quick introduction to a great man.