“The President is merely the most important among a large number of public servants. He should be supported or opposed exactly to the degree which is warranted by his good conduct or bad conduct, his efficiency or inefficiency in rendering loyal, able, and disinterested service to the Nation as a whole. Therefore it is absolutely necessary that there should be full liberty to tell the truth about his acts, and this means that it is exactly necessary to blame him when he does wrong as to praise him when he does right. Any other attitude in an American citizen is both base and servile. To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public. Nothing but the truth should be spoken about him or any one else. But it is even more important to tell the truth, pleasant or unpleasant, about him than about any one else.” – Theodore Roosevelt, US President
— May 7, 1918 editorial in the Kansas City Star
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States (1901-1909), is known for his progressive policies, vigorous leadership style, and commitment to reform. He championed issues such as trust-busting, conservation, and social justice, and he was a key figure in expanding the role of the federal government in regulating the economy and protecting the environment.
The quote from an editorial Roosevelt wrote for the Kansas City Star on May 7, 1918. In this statement, Roosevelt articulates a fundamental principle of democratic governance: the necessity of accountability for public officials, particularly the President. He emphasizes that the President is not above scrutiny; rather, he is “merely the most important among a large number of public servants.” This perspective underscores the idea that all public officials, including the highest officeholder, must be held to the same standards of conduct and performance.
Roosevelt’s assertion that citizens should support or oppose the President based on his “good conduct or bad conduct” reflects his belief in the importance of civic engagement and responsibility. He argues that it is essential for citizens to have the freedom to express their opinions about the President’s actions, whether those opinions are critical or supportive. This freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy, allowing for open discourse and debate about the actions of government leaders.
The phrase “unpatriotic and servile” captures Roosevelt’s disdain for blind loyalty to authority figures. He warns against the dangers of a culture that discourages criticism of the President, suggesting that such an attitude undermines the very principles of democracy and accountability. By labeling the refusal to criticize the President as “morally treasonable,” Roosevelt emphasizes the ethical obligation of citizens to speak the truth about their leaders, regardless of the political climate.
