"In government offices which are sensitive to the vehemence and passion of mass sentiment public men have no sure tenure. They are in effect perpetual office seekers, always on trial for their political lives, always required to court their restless constituents"
- Walter Lippmann
About this Quote
This quote by Walter Lippmann talks to the precarious nature of public workplace in a democracy. In a federal government that is sensitive to the strong feelings of the public, those in office are never really secure. They are continuously on trial, having to show themselves to their constituents in order to remain in workplace. This indicates that they are constantly in a state of marketing, having to court their constituents in order to stay in workplace. This quote highlights the value of public opinion in a democracy, and how it can form the tenure of those in workplace. It also talks to the importance of public engagement, as those in workplace must constantly be aware of the requirements and desires of their constituents in order to remain in office.
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