Source: The Ballot or the Bullet (1964), Speech in Cleveland, Ohio (April 3, 1964)
Context: The political philosophy of black nationalism means that the black man should control the politics and the politicians in his own community; no more. The black man in the black community has to be re-educated into the science of politics so he will know what politics is supposed to bring him in return. Don’t be throwing out any ballots. A ballot is like a bullet. You don’t throw your ballots until you see a target, and if that target is not within your reach, keep your ballot in your pocket.
The Ballot or the Bullet (1964), Speech in Cleveland, Ohio (April 3, 1964)
“In 1964, it’s the ballot or the bullet.”
The Ballot or the Bullet (1964), Speech in Cleveland, Ohio (April 3, 1964)
Context: Lyndon B. Johnson is the head of the Democratic Party. If he’s for civil rights, let him go into the Senate next week and declare himself. Let him go in there right now and declare himself. Let him go in there and denounce the Southern branch of his party. Let him go in there right now and take a moral stand—right now, not later. Tell him don’t wait until election time. If he waits too long, brothers and sisters, he will be responsible for letting a condition develop in this country which will create a climate that will bring seeds up out of the ground with vegetation on the end of them looking like something these people never dreamed of. In 1964, it’s the ballot or the bullet.
“Either by ballot or by bullets!”
Original: (pt) Ou vai no voto ou vai na bala!
“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.”
Source: The Ballot or the Bullet (1964), Speech in Detroit, Michigan (12 April 1964)
“Did you see they found 50,000 ballots in like a river?”
2020s, 2020, October
1970s, First Presidential address (1974)
Context: I am acutely aware that you have not elected me as your President by your ballots, and so I ask you to confirm me as your President with your prayers. And I hope that such prayers will also be the first of many.
If you have not chosen me by secret ballot, neither have I gained office by any secret promises. I have not campaigned either for the Presidency or the Vice Presidency. I have not subscribed to any partisan platform. I am indebted to no man, and only to one woman — my dear wife — as I begin this very difficult job.
UN expert on democracy highlights importance of free expression, information http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=46355&Cr=information&Cr1=#.Um9rdr_3DjA.
2013
“Keep your eye on the goal, keep moving toward your target.”
Source: Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth
