Top quotes by Barry Goldwater

Equality, rightly understood as our founding fathers understood it, leads to liberty and to the emancipation of creative differences; wrongly understood, as it has been so tragically in our time, it leads first to conformity and then to despotism. Votes: 47

I could have ended the war in a month. I could have made North Vietnam look like a mud puddle. Votes: 24

Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue. Votes: 24

Nixon was the most dishonest individual I have ever met in my life. He lied to his wife, his family, his friends, his colleagues in the Congress, lifetime members of his own political party, the American people and the world. Votes: 21

If you don't mind smelling like peanut butter for two or three days, peanut butter is darn good shaving cream. Votes: 21

I think any man in business would be foolish to fool around with his secretary. If it's somebody else's secretary, fine. Votes: 20

The income tax created more criminals than any other single act of government. Votes: 20

The time has come to recognize the United Nations for the anti-American, anti-freedom organization that it has become. The time has come for us to cut off all financial help, withdraw as a member, and ask the United Nations to find headquarters location outside the United States that is Votes: 18

Hubert Humphrey talks so fast that listening to him is like trying to read Playboy magazine with your wife turning the pages. Votes: 16

After one of his [Hubert Humphrey] long-winded harangues I suggested he had probably been vaccinated with a phonograph needle. He responded by saying that I would have been a great success in the movies working for Eighteenth Century-Fox. Votes: 16

If everybody in this town connected with politics had to leave town because of chasing women and drinking, you would have no government. Votes: 13

I think every good Christian ought to kick Falwell right in the ass. Votes: 13

Most Americans have no real understanding of the operation of the international money lenders. The accounts of the Federal Reserve System have never been audited. It operates outside the control of Congress and manipulates the credit of the United States Votes: 13

I fear Washington and centralized government more than I do Moscow. Votes: 10

Everyone knows that gays have served honorably in the military since at least the time of Julius Caesar. Votes: 10

It's a great country, where anybody can grow up to be president... except me. Votes: 7

I will offer a choice, not an echo. Votes: 7

On Hillary Clinton, who was an ardent Goldwater supporter in 1964: 'If he'd let his wife run business, I think he'd be better off. ... I just like the way she acts. I've never met her, but I sent her a bag of chili, and she invited me to come to the White House some night and said she'd cook chili for me. Someday, maybe.' Votes: 7

Extremism in defense of Liberty is no vice Votes: 7

American business has just forgotten the importance of selling. Votes: 6

And here we encounter the seeds of government disaster and collapse - the kind that wrecked ancient Rome and every other civilization that allowed a sociopolitical monster called the welfare state to exist. Votes: 6

To disagree, one doesn't have to be disagreeable. Votes: 6

You don't have to be straight to be in the military; you just have to be able to shoot straight. Votes: 5

Those who seek absolute power, even though they seek it to do what they regard as good, are simply demanding the right to enforce their own version of heaven on earth. And let me remind you, they are the very ones who always create the most hellish tyrannies. Absolute power does corrupt, and those who seek it must be suspect and must be opposed. Votes: 4

I certainly believe in aliens in space, and that they are indeed visiting our planet. They may not look like us, but I have very strong feelings that they have advanced beyond our mental capabilities. Votes: 3

We cannot allow the American flag to be shot at anywhere on earth if we are to retain our respect and prestige Votes: 3

Any pilot can describe the mechanics of flying. What it can do for the spirit of man is beyond description. Votes: 3

The effect of Welfarism on freedom will be felt later on - after its beneficiaries have become its victims, after dependence on government has turned into bondage and it is too late to unlock the jail. Votes: 3

A government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take everything you have. Votes: 2

My mother took us to services at the Episcopal church. Yet she always said that God was not just inside the four walls of a house of worship, but everywhere - in the rising sun over Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, a splash of water along the nearby Salt or Verde rivers, or clouds driving over the Estrella Mountains, south of downtown. I've always thought of God in those terms. Votes: 2

Can any of us refute the wisdom of Madison and the other framers? Can anyone look at the carnage in Iran, the bloodshed in Northern Ireland or the bombs bursting in Lebanon and yet question the dangers of injecting religious issues into the affairs of state? Votes: 0

I won't say that the papers misquote me, but I sometimes wonder where Christianity would be today if some of those reporters had been Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Votes: 0

Perserverance. . .that's been the story of my family. Votes: 0

By maintaining the separation of church and state, the United States has avoided the intolerance which has so divided the rest of the world with religious wars. Throughout our two hundred plus years, public policy debate has focused on political and economic issues, on which there can be compromise. . . . Votes: 0

Religious factions will go on imposing their will on others unless the decent people connected to them recognize that religion has no place in public policy. They must learn to make their views known without trying to make their views the only alternatives Votes: 0

The great decisions of government cannot be dictated by the concerns of religious factions.... We have succeeded for 205 years in keeping the affairs of state separate from the uncompromising idealism of religious groups and we mustn't stop now. To retreat from that separation would violate the principles of conservatism and the values upon which the framers built this democratic republic. Votes: 0

Today neither of our two parties maintains a meaningful commitment to the principle of States' Rights. The 10th Amendment is not a 'general assumption' but a rule of law. States rights mean that states have a right to act or not to act, as they see fit, in areas reserved to them. Votes: 0

I have little interest in streamlining government or in making it more efficient, for I mean to reduce its size. Votes: 0

The only summit meeting that can succeed is the one that does not take place. Votes: 0

I made an effort to find out what was in the building at Wright Patterson Air Force Base where the information is stored that has been collected by the Air Force, and I was understandably denied this request. It is still classified above Top Secret. Votes: 0

Once upon a time our traditional goal in war and can anyone doubt that we are at war? - was victory. Once upon a time we were proud of our strength, our military power. Now we seem ashamed of it. Once upon a time the rest of the world looked to us for leadership. Now they look to us for a quick handout and a fence-straddling international posture. Votes: 0

I am a conservative Republican, but I believe in democracy and the separation of church and state. The conservative movement is founded on the simple tenet that people have the right to live life as they please as long as they don't hurt anyone else in the process. Votes: 0

You've got to forget about this civilian. Whenever you drop bombs, you're going to hit civilians. Votes: 0

I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue. Votes: 0

Where is the politician who has not promised to fight to the death for lower taxes- and who has not proceeded to vote for the very spending projects that make tax cuts impossible? Votes: 0

You don't need to be straight to fight and die for your country. You just need to shoot straight. Votes: 0

Mark my word, if and when these preachers get control of the [Republican] party, and they're sure trying to do so, it's going to be a terrible damn problem. Frankly, these people frighten me. Politics and governing demand compromise. But these Christians believe they are acting in the name of God, so they can't and won't compromise. I know, I've tried to deal with them. Votes: 0

The oldest philosophy in the world is conservatism, and I go clear back to the first Greeks. ... When you say 'radical right' today, I think of these moneymaking ventures by fellows like Pat Robertson and others who are trying to take the Republican Party away from the Republican Party, and make a religious organization out of it. If that ever happens, kiss politics goodbye. Votes: 0

I thought of something my old coach at Staunton had often said: 'We win some, we lose some, and some get rained out; but we always suit up.' Votes: 0

There's no greater service to this country than the defense of its freedom. Votes: 0

I am frankly sick and tired of the political preachers telling me as a citizen that if I want to be a moral person, I must believe in A, B, C, and D. Just who do they think they are? And from where do they presume to claim the right to dictate their moral beliefs to me? Votes: 0

...this bill will require the creation of a Federal police force of mammoth proportions. It also bids fair to result in the development of an 'informer' psychology in great areas of our national life-neighbors spying on neighbors, workers spying on workers, business spying on businessmen-were those who would harass their fellow citizens for selfish and narrow purposes will have ample inducement to do so. These, the Federal police force an 'informer' psychology, are the hallmarks of the police state and landmarks in the destruction of a free society. Votes: 0

While I am a great believer in the free enterprise system and all that it entails, I am an even stronger believer in the right of our people to live in a clean and pollution-free environment. Votes: 0

We Americans understand freedom; we have earned it, we have lived for it, and we have died for it. This nation and its people are freedom's models in a searching world. We can be freedom's missionaries in a doubting world. The genius of the American system is that through freedom we have created extraordinary results from plain old ordinary people. Votes: 0

I do not undertake to promote welfare, for I propose to extend freedom. My aim is not to pass laws but to repeal them. Votes: 0

Small men, seeking great wealth or power, have too often and too long turned even the highest levels of public service into mere personal opportunity. Votes: 0

Social and cultural change, however desirable, should not be effected by the engines of national power. Let us, through persuasion and education, seek to improve institutions we deem defective. But let us, in doing so, respect the orderly processes of the law. Any other course enthrones tyrants and dooms freedom. Votes: 0

The Republicans have a positive talent for self-destruction. Votes: 0

History has to judge every man who served. I don't know how they're going to treat me. I may be the worst S.O.B. that ever came down the pike. But I won't lose any sleep over it. I just like to be remembered as an honest person who tried. Votes: 0

The conservative movement, to which I subscribe, has as one of its basic tenets the belief that government should stay out of people’s private lives. Government governs best when it governs least – and stays out of the impossible task of legislating morality. But legislating someone’s version of morality is exactly what we do by perpetuating discrimination against gays. Votes: 0

I've always said I have nothing against a woman doing anything a man can do as long as she gets home in time to cook dinner. Votes: 0

A woman has a right to an abortion. That's a decision that's up to the pregnant woman, not up to the pope or some do-gooders or the Religious Right. Votes: 0

The constitution is an instrument, above all, for LIMITING the functions of government. Votes: 0

Politics [is] the art of achieving the maximum amount of freedom for individuals that is consistent with the maintenance of social order. Votes: 0

The big thing is to make this country... quit discriminating against people just because they're gay. You don't have to agree with it, but they have a constitutional right to be gay. ... They're American citizens. Votes: 0

Throughout history civilian populations and political rulers have talked of peace. We have never been free of war. The soldier, whose profession is war, understands that peace must be enforced by superior military might. The certainty of defeat is the only effective deterrent we can use to maintain peace. Furthermore, we can be strong without being aggressive. Votes: 0

Government should stay the hell out of people's business. Votes: 0

The Conservative knows that to regard man as part of an undifferentiated mass is to consign him to ultimate slavery. Votes: 0

Throughout history, government has proved to be the chief instrument for thwarting man's liberty. Votes: 0

And if I should be accused of neglecting my constituents' interests, I shall reply that I was informed that their main interest is liberty, and in that cause I am doing the very best I can. Votes: 0

‎"I feel certain that Conservatism is through unless Conservatives can demonstrate and communicate the difference between being concerned with [the unemployed, the sick without medical care, human welfare, etc.] and believing that the federal government is the proper agent for their solution. Votes: 0

[G]overnment can, instead of extending freedom, restrict freedom. And note ... that the 'can' quickly becomes 'will' the moment the holders of government power are left to their own devices. This is because of the corrupting influence of power, the natural tendency of men who possess some power to take unto themselves more power. The tendency leads eventually to the acquisition of all power - whether in the hands of one or many makes little difference to the freedom of those left on the outside. Votes: 0

None of us here in Washington knows all or even half of the answers ... If you love your country, don't depend on handouts from Washington for your information. If you cherish your freedom, don't leave it all up to big government. Votes: 0

Sex and politics are a lot alike. You don't have to be good at them to enjoy them. Votes: 0

I'd rather see a woman elected...They understand they can't spend more money than the old man brings home. Votes: 0

I have little interest in streamlining government or in making it more efficient, for I mean to reduce its size. I do not undertake to promote welfare, for I propose to extend freedom. My aim is not to pass laws, but to repeal them. It is not to inaugurate new programs, but to cancel old ones that do violence to the Constitution, or that have failed in their purpose, or that impose on the people an unwarranted financial burden. I will not attempt to discover whether legislation is "needed" before I have first determined whether it is constitutionally permissible. Votes: 0

At this sunset hour, the canyon walls are indescribably beautiful and I fear the magic of photography can never record what I see now. The tall spires near the canyon's top and the walls of the canyon up there look as if God had reached out and swiped a brush of golden paint across them, gilding these rocks in the bright glow of the setting sun. Votes: 0

On religious issues there can be little or no compromise. There is no position on which people are so immovable as their religious beliefs. There is no more powerful ally one can claim in a debate than Jesus Christ, or God, or Allah, or whatever one calls this Supreme Being. But like any powerful weapon, the use of God's name on one's behalf should be used sparingly. Votes: 0

I say further that for this great legislative body to ignore the Constitution and the fundamental concepts of our governmental system is to act in a manner which could ultimately destroy the freedom of all American citizens, including the freedoms of the very persons whose feelings and whose liberties are the major subject of this legislation. Votes: 0

We shall return to proven ways - not because they are old, but because they are true. Votes: 0

Conservatism, we are told, is out-of-date. This charge is preposterous and we ought to boldly say so. The laws of God, and of nature, have no dateline. [...] These principles are derived from the nature of man, and from the truths that God has revealed about His creation. [...] To suggest that the Conservative philosophy is out of date is akin to saying that the Golden Rule, or the Ten Commandments or Aristotle 's Politics are out of date. Votes: 0

Unlimited campaign spending eats at the heart of the democratic process. Votes: 0

The fellow has absolutely no principles."Money and gall" is all he has. Votes: 0

When white and black and brown and every other color decide they're going to live together as Christians, then and only then are we going to see an end to these troubles. Votes: 0

A man from the west will fight over three things: water, women and gold, and usually in that order. Votes: 0

Without the National Federation of Republican Women, there would be no Republican Party. Votes: 0

Well, once you've been in the Canyon and once you've sort of fallen in love with it, it never ends...it's always been a fascinating place to me, in fact I've often said that if I ever had a mistress it would be the Grand Canyon. Votes: 0

We have enough trouble with women without giving them M16 rifles. Votes: 0

Forced integration is just as wrong as forced segregation. Votes: 0

To insist on strength ... is not war-mongering. It is peace-mongering. Votes: 0

It is true that I was denied access to a facility at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, because I never got in. I can't tell you what was inside. We both know about the rumors concerning a captured UFO and crew members. I have never seen what I would call a UFO, but I have intelligent friends who have. Votes: 0

Conservatism therefore looks upon the enhancement of man's spiritual nature as the primary concern of political philosophy. Liberals, on the other hand,— in the name of a concern for “human beings”— regard the satisfaction of economic wants as the dominant mission of society. Votes: 0

I think the President ought to bring everybody that's in American uniform back because we're headed for war. Votes: 0

I think a current understanding about urban behavior tells us that it's important that people get out and be able to get away from the concrete jungles and the dense environment where they live for their own mental well-being. If they don't do this, the costs in human loss and human sickness will be far greater than what we would be expending for these kinds of releases and open spaces. Votes: 0

When I'm not a politician, I'll be dead. Votes: 0

My aim is not to pass laws, but to repeal them. Votes: 0

I think some highly secret government UFO investigations are going on that we don't know about--and probably never will unless the Air Force discloses them. Votes: 0

I found Mr. Carter's actions toward the Republic of China so incredible that they defy description by socially acceptable expletives. If December 7, 1941 was a "day of infamy" then December 15, 1978 ranks right up there in international betrayal...The pathetic thing about this whole mess, however, is that it is typical of this administration's conduct of foreign affairs, which could be kindly described as being riddled by ineptitude and hypocrisy. Votes: 0

One way we exercise political freedom is to vote for the candidate of our choice. Another way is to use our money to try to persuade other voters to make a similar choice - that is, to contribute to our candidate's campaign. If either of these freedoms is violated, the consequences are very grave not only for the individual voter and contributor, but for the society whose free political processes depend on a wide distribution of political power. Votes: 0

It is impossible to maintain freedom and order and justice without religious and moral sanctions. Votes: 0

Whether in families or in politics, a good observation: "One can disagree without being disagreeable." Votes: 0

If the Conservative is less anxious than his Liberal brethren to increase Social Security ‘benefits,’ it is because he is more anxious than his Liberal brethren that people be free throughout their lives to spend their earnings when and as they see fit Votes: 0

It is safe to say that the U.S. Congress is now run by paid staffers, not by people elected to do the job. Votes: 0

Having spent 37 years of my life in the military as a reservist, and never having met a gay in all of that time, and never having even talked about it in all those years, I just thought, why the hell shouldn't they serve? They're American citizens. As long as they're not doing things that are harmful to anyone else... So I came out for it. Votes: 0

I have characterized Nixon as a loner, a cold man with great self-confidence and a one-track mind centered on the advancement of Richard Nixon. Votes: 0

The Trilateralist Commission is international...(and)...is intended to be the vehicle for multinational consolidation of the commercial and banking interests by seizing control of the political government of the United States. The Trilateralist Commission represents a skillful, coordinated effort to seize control and consolidate the four centers of power - political, monetary, intellectual, and ecclesiastical. Votes: 0

I understand Jacqueline Kennedy has redone the White House in eighteenth-century style. Why, then, I'd fit in perfectly. Votes: 0

Trade unions infringe upon the property rights of company owners. Votes: 0

Women are hard enough to handle now without giving them a gun! Votes: 0

I say that when you elect a president you want a man to manage the legitimate business of your government. The government that is big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take it away. Votes: 0

I'm the most underdog underdog there is. Votes: 0

It's political Daddyism and it's as old as demagogues and despotism. Votes: 0

I have the unmitigated gall to think that I could lead men anywhere, business, politics or combat. Votes: 0

We now have a president who tries to save money by turning off lights in the White House, even as he heads toward a staggering addition to the national debt. "L.B.J." should stand for Light Bulb Johnson. Votes: 0

I've played everything - baseball, football, basketball. I can still swim a mile a day. That's why I can't walk. Votes: 0

Some programs have been theatrical masterpieces, but all we're seeing is the negative side of nuclear war. Votes: 0

When fraternities are not allowed, Communism flourishes. Young men who are inexperienced but have faith are more useful than older, experienced men without faith. The fraternity system is a bastion of American strength. Votes: 0

The president, who finds so much to complain about in other areas of the world, apparently saw nothing wrong in recognizing a Communist regime that has killed more people in its short history of control over the teeming millions of that great country than any other collection of dictators or tyrants in the history of the world. Votes: 0

The best thing Clinton could do — I think I wrote him a letter about this, but I'm not sure — is to shut up. He has no discipline. Votes: 0

We are on the Colorado...that means something more to me than thoughts of electrical power or a harnessed river. Votes: 0

In your heart you know he's right. Votes: 0

To my mind the single essential element on which all discoveries will be dependent is human freedom. Votes: 0