It's seriously unfortunate when an elected official of the…
![“It's seriously unfortunate when an elected official of the federal government says she's [Michelle Bachmann] going to deliberately break the law. I don't know what kind of signal she thinks that sends, but if she believes that's a good signal, I'm sad for the country. I think that it's deeply…” quote by Kenneth Prewitt](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/340/kenneth-prewitt-70686_believe_it-s-seriously-unfortunate-when-an-elect_1308243.png)
“It's seriously unfortunate when an elected official of the federal government says she's [Michelle Bachmann] going to deliberately break the law. I don't know what kind of signal she thinks that sends, but if she believes that's a good signal, I'm sad for the country. I think that it's deeply, deeply, unfortunate that a member of Congress would, in effect, invite other people who feel that way to say, "Well, I don't have to do it either."”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A lawmaker openly threatening to break the law undermines democratic norms and encourages others to do the same.
In simple terms: Breaking law by officials erodes trust and invites more lawbreaking.
Key Takeaway
Hold leaders accountable to uphold the rule of law.
Themes
politics
ethics
law
leadership
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- legislative debates
- media commentary
- civic education
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
rule of law
civic responsibility
public trust
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a leader’s example affect civic behavior?
- What mechanisms can deter officials from encouraging illegal acts?
A Different Perspective
Political rhetoric may be hyperbolic; context matters.