If the presidency is the head of the American body politic, Congress is its gastrointestinal tract. Its vast and convoluted inner workings may be mysterious and unpleasant, but in the end they excrete a great deal of material whose successful passage is crucial to our nation's survival.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Congress is compared to a digestive system, suggesting its messy process produces necessary outcomes for the nation.
- In plain terms
- Congress is complex and unpleasant but vital for the country's function.
- What can you take from it?
- Complex systems often produce essential results despite inefficiency.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why is Congress so inefficient?
- Is output more important than process?
Another view
The metaphor simplifies the nuanced roles of different branches.
More from Jon Stewart
By far the most revolutionary aspect of this new position [of the presidency] would be who could hold it. The short answer: just about anyone. By placing no ex…
Permalink to quote #57 A free and independent press is essential to the health of a functioning democracy. It serves to inform the voting public on matters relevant to its well-being…
Permalink to quote #59 But on what basis should the three branches of government be divided? It came down to two dueling ideas: Madison's proposal of an executive, judicial and legis…
Permalink to quote #56
Related quotes
The passion for office among members of Congress is very great, if not absolutely disreputable, and greatly embarrasses the operations of the government. They …
James K. PolkJames K. Polk quote #7 Congress, after years of stalling, finally got around to clearing the way for informal discussions that might lead to possible formal talks that could potentia…
Dave BarryDave Barry quote #48 In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a congress.
John AdamsJohn Adams quote #88