William Branch Giles Quote

“[It is not the purpose nor right of Congress] to attend to what generosity and humanity require, but to what the Constitution and their duty require.”

~ William Branch Giles

1796, spoken on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives concerning a proposed relief measure for fire victims.

Ratings and Comments


Mike, Norwalk

The exercise of this self evident truth will get you a crowbar hotel visit in today's United Socialists of Amerika (USA) De jure government, organized as a representative republic, has "NO" rights, but duties only ! ! ! Editor, thank you for all your efforts and today's quotes.

jim k, Austin, Tx

Three great quotes today and this one sums it all up.

Kimo, USA
  • 1
  • Reply
Kimo, USA    2/6/12

Hit the nail on the head

E Archer, NYC

The government cannot be all things to all people. It is simply an organization that the States have formed for their mutual protection -- not to replace the individual responsibility to be helpful and charitable towards those in need. There is no shortage of generosity in America, and neither is there a shortage of parasites and designing men. Better charity to be dispensed on an individual level than forced at gun point to 'service' those who desire to make us their servants.

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