The fact disclosed by a survey of the past that majorities have been wrong must not blind us to the complementary fact that majorities have usually not been entirely wrong.

The wise man must remember that while he is a descendant of the past, he is a parent of the future.

Those who have never entered upon scientific pursuits know not a tithe of the poetry by which they are surrounded.

We do not commonly see in a tax a diminution of freedom, and yet it clearly is one.

Transformational politics requires us to challenge the way people think about issues, opening their minds to better possibilities.

When I was first elected to the House in 2006, it was important to me to send a clear message to the people of NY-20: I wanted to be a representative for the people and shed some light on their government, so I became the first member of Congress to post my schedule, my financial disclosures and my earmark requests all online.

If you manage things properly - and, listen, I'm a business guy. I've got to prioritize spending in all my business career to prevent my business from going bankrupt. The federal government has got to start doing that eventually as well.

Americans don't know the Constitution. More than half of those surveyed can't name any of the rights guaranteed under the First Amendment. Only a quarter can name all three branches of government.