We have the right as individuals, to give away as much of our own money as we please in charity; but as members of Congress we have no right to appropriate a dollar of the public money.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Distinguishes personal charity from public responsibility, asserting no right to spend public funds personally.
- In plain terms
- You can give personal money away freely, but not public funds.
- What can you take from it?
- Private generosity does not justify public spending.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where should public money be spent?
- Is public spending different from private spending?
Another view
Strict limits on public money can hinder social welfare programs.
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