Wednesday, August 19, 2009

"Always Love Your Country, But Never Trust Your Government"

"I had a terrific time fulfilling all my youthful dreams and at the same time making life miserable for hypocritical, posturing politicians and, I hope, performing a service for my country," Novak wrote in his memoir, "The Prince of Darkness: 50 Years reporting in Washington."
"Always love your country -- but never trust your government," he would tell young people as they started out on their lives as adults.
"That should not be misunderstood . . . What I am advocating is to not expect too much from government and be wary of its power, even the power of a democratic government in a free country.
"Ours is one of the mildest, most benevolent governments in the world. But it, too, has the power to take your wealth and forfeit your life . . . A government that can give you everything can take everything away."
A son of Jewish parents, he converted to Catholicism at age 67 after attending Catholic services for several years.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. Let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. (+)

Rest in peace, Bob.

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