Example Quote by Timothy McVeigh
“I wish to use the words of Justice Brandeis dissenting in Olmstead to speak for me. He wrote, 'Our government is the potent, the omnipresent teacher. For good or ill, it teaches the whole people by its example.'”
About This Quote
Source Court Opinion: Olmstead v. United States, 1928
The government serves as a pervasive teacher, influencing society positively or negatively through its actions and examples.
In simple terms: Government teaches by example.
Consider the power of governmental example.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- public policy
- education reform
- media messaging
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What example does your government set today?
- How can citizens hold leaders accountable?
Government actions can be misinterpreted or ignored.