Believe Quote by John McCain
“But please know, whether you believe campaign contributions are speech or property, that I learned to love very dearly the right of free expression when I lived without that freedom for a while a long time ago.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Republican National Convention, 2008, John McCain
He emphasizes that personal experience of lacking free expression deepens appreciation for the right of free speech, regardless of legal classification.
In simple terms: Living without free speech makes you value it more.
Key Takeaway
Cherish and protect free expression.
Themes
freedom of speech
civil rights
personal experience
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
political
inspirational
When to use this quote
- advocacy
- journalism
- education
- public policy
- activism
Key Concepts
constitutional law
political philosophy
human rights
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal loss shape your view of rights?
- Can speech be both property and expression?
A Different Perspective
The right can be contested legally, but personal value may differ.
![“I will not agree to have this bill [to repeal DADT ] go forward, because our economy is in the tank.” quote by John McCain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c2c/john-mccain-465_agree_i-will-not-agree-to-have-this-bill-to-re_7321.jpg)
![“Thousands of Americans have given their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq upholding their oaths and defending this nation. Chelsea Manning broke her oath and made it more likely that others would join the ranks of her fallen comrades. Her prison sentence may end in a few months' [time], but her…” quote by John McCain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/788/john-mccain-465_afghanistan_thousands-of-americans-have-given-their_26162.jpg)
