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Margaret Chase Smith
47quotes
Margaret Chase Smith
Full Name and Common Aliases
Margaret Chase Smith was a renowned American politician who served as a United States Senator from Maine from 1949 to 1973. She is often referred to by her nickname "Maine's Matriarch" due to her dedication to serving the people of Maine.
Birth and Death Dates
Margaret Chase Smith was born on December 14, 1897, in Skowhegan, Maine, and passed away on October 23, 1994, at the age of 96.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Margaret Chase Smith was an American politician who served as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from 1940 to 1949 and as a United States Senator from 1949 to 1973. She was also a strong advocate for women's rights and education.
Early Life and Background
Margaret Chase Smith was born in Skowhegan, Maine, where she grew up with her parents, Emma and Melford Chase. Her family struggled financially during the Great Depression, but Margaret's determination to succeed drove her to attend high school and later college at the University of Maine. She worked multiple jobs while attending college, including as a telephone operator and a waitress, to support herself.
Major Accomplishments
During her time in Congress, Senator Smith made significant contributions to American politics. In 1950, she became the first woman in U.S. history to serve on both the House and Senate Arms Committees. She was also a key supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, advocating for an end to racial segregation and equal rights for African Americans.
Notable Works or Actions
One of Senator Smith's most notable actions came when she delivered a speech on June 1, 1950, known as the "Declaration of Conscience." In this speech, she criticized Senator Joseph McCarthy's tactics, stating that his accusations were unfounded and damaging to national morale. This courageous act took great personal risk but marked a turning point in the country's opposition to McCarthyism.
Impact and Legacy
Margaret Chase Smith's legacy extends far beyond her time in Congress. She paved the way for future generations of women politicians by showing them that they too could succeed in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her dedication to public service, education, and civil rights has inspired countless Americans.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Margaret Chase Smith is widely remembered and quoted today because she was a true champion of American values: justice, equality, and freedom. She stood up for what she believed in, even when it meant challenging the status quo or going against popular opinion. Her unwavering commitment to public service has left a lasting impact on American politics.
As one historian noted, "Margaret Chase Smith's legacy is a testament to her unshakeable dedication to serving the people of Maine and the nation." Her courage, conviction, and compassion continue to inspire Americans today.
Quotes by Margaret Chase Smith
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One of the basic causes for all the trouble in the world today is that people talk too much and think too little. They act impulsively without thinking.
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Those of us who shout the loudest about Americanism in making character assassinations are all too frequently those who, by our own words and acts, ignore some of the basic principles of Americanism: The right to criticize. The right to hold unpopular beliefs. The right to protest. The right of independent thought.
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I don’t believe the American people will uphold any political party that puts political exploitation above national interest. Surely we Republicans aren’t that desperate for victory.
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Greatness is not manifested by unlimited pragmatism, which places such a high premium on the end justifying any means and any methods.
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Moral cowardice that keeps us from speaking our minds is as dangerous to this country as irresponsible talk.
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Surely the United States Senate is big enough to take self-criticism and self-appraisal. Surely we should be able to take the same kind of character attacks that we “dish out” to outsiders.
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Freedom unexercised may be freedom forfeited. The preservation of freedom is in the hands of the people themselves – not of the government.
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The American people are sick and tired of being afraid to speak their minds lest they be politically smeared as ‘Communists’ or ‘Fascists’ by their opponents. Freedom of speech is not what it used to be in America. It has been so abused by some that it is not exercised by others.
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I do not want to see the Republican party ride to political victory on the Four Horsemen of Calumny-fear, ignorance, bigotry and smear.
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Those of us who shout the loudest about Americanism, are all too frequently those who . . . ignore some of the basic principles of Americanism-the right to criticize, the right to hold unpopular beliefs, the right to protest, the right of independent thought.
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