James A. Garfield

While watching Your World with Neil Cavuto a guest mentioned a quote by President James A. Garfield of which I was not previously aware.  This is not surprising since Garfield is not one of the better known presidents.  His presidency lasted only 200 days and he spent the last 80 of those dying from a gunshot wound.  In fact, although he isn't mentioned in the lyrics, the children of Springfield Elementary undoubtedly had him in mind when they sang about "The Mediocre Presidents" (song begins at 3:45)

What got my attention was the guest's relating of a quote by Garfield to the effect that the people are themselves to blame for the deficiencies of the American government.  I have often made this point myself and I was pleased to hear that the concept of holding citizens accountable for the governments they elect has an established pedigree.  Anyway, I went searching for the exact quote and here it is:

Now more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature ... If the next centennial does not find us a great nation...it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.

Well put; but not something you're likely to hear from most politicians, who prefer to flatter voters rather than challenge them.  As an aside, in the course of my research I came across another Garfield quote almost as profound: "Man cannot live by bread alone; he must have peanut butter."