Bristow hasn't hit it yet. What this country needs is a good five-cent cigar. --reported comment made to a Senate clerk while Senator Joseph Bristow of Kansas was making a speech in which he repeatedly used the phrase, 'What this country needs....' Although Marshall may have spoken the words, they originated with newspaper cartoonist Kin Hubbard who had his 'Abe Martin' character say them. 1
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A cynical quip suggests that simple comforts are more needed than political speeches.
- In plain terms
- Instead of political talk, the country just needs a cheap good cigar.
- What can you take from it?
- Simple needs often outweigh grand political solutions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What simple need are you ignoring?
Another view
Political action is necessary for systemic change.
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