Lyndon Johnson actually said...

"I believe firmly that the merit system is the keystone of good government."

"I endorse the proposals of the Panel and recommend early action by the Congress to authorize:--An average increase of 3 percent in Federal civilian salaries."

"The pay adjustments proposed in this Message emphasize the obligation of the Federal Government to insist upon maximum return from every dollar spent on a salary."

"Along the broad front we are strong, and we are stable, and we are successful and, above all, we are steady on our course."