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Sam Rayburn

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Sam Rayburn


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Full Name and Common Aliases


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Samuel Taliaferro Rayburn was commonly known as Sam Rayburn, often referred to by his nickname "Mr. Speaker."

Birth and Death Dates


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Born: January 6, 1882
Died: November 16, 1961

Nationality and Profession(s)


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American politician from Texas, serving in both the United States House of Representatives and as the 46th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.

Early Life and Background


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Sam Rayburn was born in Roane's Creek, Tennessee, to William Marion Rayburn and Mary Elizabeth Taliaferro. His family relocated to Bonham, Texas, when he was just a toddler. He grew up with seven siblings and developed a strong work ethic from an early age.

Rayburn attended high school in Bonham before going on to study law at the University of Texas School of Law, but did not graduate due to financial constraints. Instead, he taught school for several years to earn a living while continuing his education through correspondence courses.

Major Accomplishments


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In 1913, Rayburn was elected as a Democrat to represent Texas's 4th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives, where he would serve for nearly four decades. He quickly rose through the ranks and became one of the most respected voices in Congress.

Some of his notable accomplishments include:

Supporting the New Deal policies under President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Serving as Speaker of the House from 1940 to 1947, then again from 1949 to 1953, and finally from 1955 until his death in 1961
* Playing a crucial role in shaping the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Social Security Act

Notable Works or Actions


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Throughout his career, Rayburn demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service. He was known for his folksy demeanor and ability to bring opposing sides together. One notable instance was during World War II, when he worked tirelessly behind the scenes to draft the Lend-Lease Act, which provided essential aid to Great Britain.

Impact and Legacy


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Rayburn's impact on American politics is immeasurable. As Speaker of the House, he played a pivotal role in shaping the legislative agenda for two decades. His tenure was marked by an unwavering dedication to bipartisanship and his commitment to serving the people of Texas and the nation.

He left behind a lasting legacy as one of the most influential Speakers in U.S. history. His leadership style, which emphasized collaboration over confrontation, has been emulated by many who followed in his footsteps.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


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Sam Rayburn's words continue to inspire leaders and politicians today due to their wisdom, candor, and insight into the human condition. He was known for his folksy sayings, which often addressed complex issues with a down-to-earth simplicity.

As a testament to his enduring impact, quotes from Sam Rayburn remain widely cited by scholars, journalists, and policymakers alike. His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of public service, leadership, and bipartisanship in shaping our nation's future.

Quotes by Sam Rayburn

When you get too big a majority, you're immediately in trouble.'
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When you get too big a majority, you're immediately in trouble.'
Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good action; try to use ordinary situations.
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Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good action; try to use ordinary situations.
A jackass can kick a barn down, but it takes a carpenter to build one.
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A jackass can kick a barn down, but it takes a carpenter to build one.
When you get too big a majority, you’re immediately in trouble.
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When you get too big a majority, you’re immediately in trouble.
Don’t ever talk until you know what you are talking about.
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Don’t ever talk until you know what you are talking about.
Let the other fellow get the headlines. I’ll take the laws.
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Let the other fellow get the headlines. I’ll take the laws.
You’ll never get mixed up if you simply tell the truth. Then you don’t have to remember what you have said, and you never forget what you have said.
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You’ll never get mixed up if you simply tell the truth. Then you don’t have to remember what you have said, and you never forget what you have said.
There are no degrees in honorableness. You either are or you aren’t.
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There are no degrees in honorableness. You either are or you aren’t.
Poverty only tries men’s souls. It is loneliness that breaks the heart.
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Poverty only tries men’s souls. It is loneliness that breaks the heart.
They may be just as intelligent as you say. But I’d feel a helluva lot better if just one of them had ever run for sheriff.
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They may be just as intelligent as you say. But I’d feel a helluva lot better if just one of them had ever run for sheriff.
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