A leader has to know how the system functions - not just the system of government but the whole social and economic system, including business, the unions, and the universities. Jean Chretien More Quotes by Jean Chretien More Quotes From Jean Chretien A proof is a proof. What kind of a proof? It's a proof. A proof is a proof. And when you have a good proof, it's because it's proven. Jean Chretien proofkindfunny I don't know what is marijuana. Perhaps I will try it when it will no longer be criminal. I will have my money for my fine and a joint in the other hand Jean Chretien marijuanaweedhands When you're a mayor and you have a problem you blame the provincial government. If you are provincial government and you have a problem you blame the federal government. We don't blame the Queen any more, so once in a while we might blame the Americans. Jean Chretien queensgovernmentmight Pierre Trudeau dreamed of a society that afforded all of its citizens an equal opportunity to succeed in life - whatever their background or beliefs, whether rich or poor. Jean Chretien rich-or-poorcitizensopportunity To be frank, politics is about wanting power, getting it, exercising it, and keeping it. Jean Chretien frankexercise To my mind losing is always better than never trying, because you can never tell what may happen. Jean Chretien mindmaytrying A successful politician must not only be able to read the mood of the public, he must have the skill to get the public on his side. The public is moved by mood more than logic, by instinct more than reason, and that is something that every politician must make use of or guard against. Jean Chretien skillssuccessfuluse I learned early that business is business and politics is politics. The proof is how few important businessmen have made good politicians. They may think that they are very smart about everything because they made millions of dollars by digging a hole in the ground and finding oil, but the talent and luck needed to become rich are not the same talent and luck needed to succeed on Parliament Hill. Jean Chretien smartdigging-a-holethinking Good intentions are not an excuse for maladministration of this magnitude. Jean Chretien good-intentionsintentionexcuse Everybody has the right to speak up in a democracy. We would be in trouble as a society if there wasn't a constant pressure to make reforms and to be just. Sometimes as prime minister, when i was caught up in a really loud demonstration, I used to say to myself that I deserved it because of all the demonstrations I myself had organized as a student against Duplessis. Jean Chretien reformdemocracywould-be A man can't ask for much more than the chance to make a difference in his chosen field of work. Politics is my vocation. I'm forever grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this great country of ours. I know I am a better person for it. Jean Chretien gratefulopportunitycountry Canadian federalism is more than a form of government. It's also a system of values that allows different people in diverse communities to live and work together in harmony for the good of all. Jean Chretien communitygovernmentpeople I was stricken by news and television pictures coming from the United States this morning. It is impossible to fully comprehend the evil that would have conjured up such a cowardly and depraved assault upon thousands of innocent people. There can be no cause or grievance that could ever justify such unspeakable violence. Indeed, such an attack is an assault not only on the targets but an offense against the freedom and rights of all civilized nations. Jean Chretien rightsmorningpeople The art of politics is learning to walk with your back to the wall, your elbows high, and a smile on your face. It's a survival game played under the glare of lights. Jean Chretien walllightart President Bush is a friend of mine. He's not a moron at all. Jean Chretien president-bushmoronpresident Economics has been called the dismal science. Once you get to understand it, you may not find it so dismal, but you don't find it much of a science either. Jean Chretien economicshas-beensmay Over the years, I have seen too many politicians ruin their careers because they could not accept defeat graciously. Jean Chretien ruinscareersyears God gave me a physical defect, I've accepted that since I was a kid. When I was a kid people were laughing at me. But I accepted that because God gave me other qualities and I'm grateful. Jean Chretien gratefulkidspeople It is impossible to fully comprehend the evil that would have conjured up such a cowardly and depraved assault upon thousands of innocent people. Jean Chretien september-11evilpeople There will be no silence from Canada. Our friendship has no limit. Generation after generation we have traveled many difficult miles together side by side. Jean Chretien politicalsilencetogether
