Intellectual hatred

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

An intellectual hatred is the worst.

W. B. Yeats, 'A Prayer for My Daughter', 1919

A legislature, such as the US Congress, is a deliberative body during its legislative process; the president may deliberate with Congress during a bill's debates. In the interest of the public, an intellectual curiosity must be sustained until a final bill is passed or failed. The federal government must reflect the diversity of opinion of the people at all times- a thorough understanding of the bill in question, reception of constituents' input, arms-length advise from experts and an open legislative process are critical to a well-thought-out final vote.


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Great affairs

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

There are no small steps in great affairs.

Cardinal De Retz, Memoirs, 1673-6

I think of great legislative initiatives that require intense debate and time. That could be declarations of war, fundamental tax system reform and government social services reform. Rash and awkward completion of great initiatives are borne with problems right away.

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Boldness

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

In civil business; what first? boldness; what second and third? boldness; and yet boldness is a child of ignorance and baseness.

Sir Francis Bacon, 'Of Boldness', Essays, 1597-1625

Often, the more successful legislators are bold; they are outspoken and aggressive. Does this make it right? True legislation is a pragmatic affair, requiring a thorough understanding of the bill under debate. Negotiation is the outcome of debate. Just the opposite of ignorance and baseness.

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