Political Quotes

Gilbert Gutknecht: “The American people did not give us power. They gave us responsibility. They loaned us power. That is part of the…”

On the recordApril 17, 1996
The American people did not give us power. They gave us responsibility. They loaned us power. That is part of the attitude I think reflected in this Congress. The American people have given us responsibility. For as long as we have that responsibility, I think particularly speaking on behalf of the freshmen, we are going to do everything we can to give the power back to them, because we know that ultimately here in the United States it is the people who are sovereign. For too long, they felt as if there was a government that had the people, rather than a people with a government. Frankly, I think we are bringing fresh attitudes, I think we are willing to tackle the tough issues. Have we done everything right. No. Have we made mistake? Yes.
Said by
Gilbert Gutknecht
Republican · Minnesota

Editor's note · Context

Discussing the responsibility of Congress and the importance of returning power to the American people.

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