In every society in human history, including the United States, those in power seek to imbue themselves with the attributes of religion and patriotism as a way of getting greater support for their policy and insulating themselves from any criticism.

Quote by George J Mitchell

Topics: George J Mitchell Quotes

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.

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 really owe everything to my parents and their devotion and drive to see to...

I really owe everything to my parents and their devotion and drive to see to...

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,...

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...

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 was the United States Attorney for Maine for three years, and then was appointed...

I was the United States Attorney for Maine for three years, and then was appointed...

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....

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...

I had been involved in U.S. intelligence in Berlin, Germany, while in the military and...

I had been involved in U.S. intelligence in Berlin, Germany, while in the military and...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

I enjoyed practicing law.

I enjoyed practicing law.

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...