First, the American legislative process isn't well suited to large and complex measures.

Quote by George J Mitchell

Topics: George J Mitchell Quotes

In every society in human history, including the United States, those in power seek to...

In every society in human history, including the United States, those in power seek to...

My parents were very poor, but we never felt any sense of need or want....

My parents were very poor, but we never felt any sense of need or want....

I got a job with a law firm in Portland after a couple of years...

I got a job with a law firm in Portland after a couple of years...

And I spent that time working as an insurance adjuster and going to law school...

And I spent that time working as an insurance adjuster and going to law school...

I had a great interest in sports. I had three older brothers who were great...

I had a great interest in sports. I had three older brothers who were great...

In the spring of 1994 I decided not to seek reelection to the Senate. I...

In the spring of 1994 I decided not to seek reelection to the Senate. I...

What is good about the United States is the sense that you can disagree with...

What is good about the United States is the sense that you can disagree with...

So I developed very early a massive inferiority complex, and I've told the story often...

So I developed very early a massive inferiority complex, and I've told the story often...

Although he's regularly asked to do so, God does not take sides in American politics.

Although he's regularly asked to do so, God does not take sides in American politics.

I didn't want to make it a lifetime thing. I don't believe in statutory term...

I didn't want to make it a lifetime thing. I don't believe in statutory term...

I enjoyed practicing law.

I enjoyed practicing law.

As they say, one thing led to another, and, ultimately, the British and Irish governments...

As they say, one thing led to another, and, ultimately, the British and Irish governments...

When I went to college, my goal was to be a college history teacher. I...

When I went to college, my goal was to be a college history teacher. I...

My father was the orphaned son of immigrants to the United States from Ireland. My...

My father was the orphaned son of immigrants to the United States from Ireland. My...

I'm glad I made the decision, although the practice of law - and particularly serving...

I'm glad I made the decision, although the practice of law - and particularly serving...

From my parents, I learned a very strong work ethic, and all of my brothers...

From my parents, I learned a very strong work ethic, and all of my brothers...

I was born and raised in a small town in Maine, Waterville. I enjoyed living...

I was born and raised in a small town in Maine, Waterville. I enjoyed living...

So my father grew up in an orphanage in Boston. He was then adopted by...

So my father grew up in an orphanage in Boston. He was then adopted by...

I spent two years in the Army. And my older brother, who was also a...

I spent two years in the Army. And my older brother, who was also a...

You know, the pessimism which exists now in the Middle East existed in Northern Ireland,...

You know, the pessimism which exists now in the Middle East existed in Northern Ireland,...