One cynic tells us that “A statesman is a politician who is dead,” and another cynic varies the epigram to read “A politician out of a job.” Patriotism cries “God give us men,” but the parties say “Give us votes and offices,” and Congress proceeds to create a commission.
Henry Watterson: “One cynic tells us that “A statesman is a politician who is dead,” and another cynic varies the epigram to read “A…”
Editor's note · Context
Watterson presents cynical views on politicians and statesmen, contrasting their motivations with patriotic ideals.
Share
More from Henry Watterson
We should say to Europe: “Shinny on your own side of the water and we will shinny on our side.” It may be that Napoleon’s opinion will come true that ultimately Europe will be “all Cossack or all republican.” Part of it has come true…
With a kind of education—most men taught to read, very few to think—the masses are likely to demand yet more and more for themselves.
Too many churches—or, shall I say, church fabrics—breeding controversy where there should be agreement, each sect and subdivision fighting phantoms of its fancy.
From fakers who have cards up their sleeves, not to mention snakes in their boots, we hear a great deal about “the people,” pronounced by them as if it were spelled “pee-pul.” It is the unfailing recourse of the professional politician in…





