Quotes about politics

The game never ended. If Sol were guaranteed to go nova tomorrow, today she would hear from lobbyists for sunscreen.

TIG. Trust In Government. An old political principle, to give your organization a name that’s the opposite of what you mean.

“But remember, it was all hearsay.”

“In Washington, hearsay’s the same as gospel truth.”

Is that what it takes to go all the way in politics? Ambition first, everything else back in the pack?

And if it is, would any sane human want to have what it takes?

“We’re all here,” said Louis Nenda’s voice.

“Where’s here? Can you see?”

“Not a thing. Black as a politician’s heart.”

To a political mind, everything is politics.

The large picture of the heron on the far wall began to fade. When it was gone it was replaced by the head of a handsome man with the falsely serious stare in his eyes that is cultivated by politicians, faith healers, and evangelists.

“The National Hot Air Museum is just down the road a piece,” he added. “Better known by its branch names: the Capitol and the White House.”

It was not the fashion for politicians who aspired to elective office to live ostentatiously, no matter how much money they had. If they loved luxury—and most of them did—they indulged that love in ways less publicly obvious than by living in mansions. The public believes what it thinks it sees.

He knew from his own experience in Singapore that the further up the ladder one got, the more the job was about politics and statistics than actually dealing with crime.

“Not in the least. I have but one ambition.”

“And that is — ?”

“To be the serviceable slave of my country.”

“A master is more serviceable than a slave,” said the old man.

“No; no; I deny it. I can admit much from you, but I cannot admit that. The politician who becomes the master of his country sinks from the statesman to the tyrant.”

I doubt whether patriotism can stand the wear and tear and temptation of the front benches in the House of Commons.