“This is not to underestimate the historical obstacles to the development of democratic institutions and a democratic culture. Such problems nearly destroyed our country – and that should encourage a spirit of humility and a patience with others. Freedom is not merely a political menu option, or a foreign policy fad; it should be the defining commitment of our country, and the hope of the world. That appeal is proved not just by the content of people’s hopes, but a noteworthy hypocrisy: No democracy pretends to be a tyranny. Most tyrannies pretend they are democracies. Democracy remains the definition of political legitimacy. That has not changed, and that will not change.”

— George W. Bush

2010s, 2017, Speech at "Spirit of Liberty: At Home, In the World" event (2017)

Adopted from Wikiquote. Last update June 3, 2021. History

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George W. Bush 675

43rd President of the United States 1946

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