The Political Observations of Will Rogers

Will Rogers was a well-loved political humorous in the 1920's. Here is a sample of his observations. All these observations come from a book called The Best of Will Rogers by Bryan Sterling (1979):

• The bad part about our whole structure of paying our congressmen is that we name a sum and give 'em all the same, regardless of ability. No other business in the world has a fixed sum to pay all their employees the same salary. If some efficiency expert would work out a scheme where each one would be paid according to his ability, we would save a lot of money.
• If we could just send the same bunch of men to Washington for the good of the nation, and not for political reasons, we could have the most perfect government in the world.
• This new senator says he is going to use "common sense" in the senate. That's what they all say when they start in. But then, if nobody don't understand you, why, you naturally have to switch.
• We all joke about congress but we can't improve on them. Have you noticed that no matter whom we elect, he is just as bad as the one he replaces?
• Politics and self-preservation must come first, never mind the majority of the people in the U. S. A legislator's thoughts are naturally on his next term more than on his country.
• Never blame a legislative body for not doing something. When they do nothing, they don't hurt anybody. When they do something is when they become dangerous.
• Senators are a never-ending source of amusement, amazement, and discouragement.
• A president only tells congress what they should do. Lobbyists tell 'em what they will do.
• A politician is just like a pickpocket; it's almost impossible to get one to reform.
• Don't take politics serious, it's just another American racket.
• What this country needs is more working men, and fewer politicians.
• In 1612 some wise guy decided that he would like to live off the other Virginians instead of off the forest, so they called him a politician.
• There is very little dignity, very little sportsmanship, or very little anything in politics. It's only: Get the Job and Hold It!

What he said back then is still rings true today. For more quotations from Will Rogers you can go to BrainyQuote.com and The Quotations Page.com.