1964 RNC Presidential Nomination Acceptance Speech: Equality Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Sentence)

Quote #4

This is a party, this Republican Party, a Party for free men, not for blind followers, and not for conformists. (126)

So just in case anyone was confused, all those conformists out there? They're not Republicans. Republicans aren't sheeple, not like those Democrats across the way.

Quote #5

The beauty of the very system we Republicans are pledged to restore and revitalize, the beauty of this Federal system of ours is in its reconciliation of diversity with unity. We must not see malice in honest differences of opinion, and no matter how great, so long as they are not inconsistent with the pledges we have given to each other in and through our Constitution. Our Republican cause is not to level out the world or make its people conform in computer regimented sameness. Our Republican cause is to free our people and light the way for liberty throughout the world. (135-38)

In other words, people have the right to be offended… and offensive. The point isn't to agree on everything, but to respect and embrace the differences we have, as long as we're all agreeing to basic Constitutional principles.