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Made-up quote is one politicians should heed

William H. Ezell New London

Publication: The Day

Published 08/22/2012 12:00 AM

Updated 08/22/2012 11:02 AM

In 1965 novelist Taylor Caldwell in her book "A Pillar of Iron" included a fictitious quote he attributed to Cicero, "The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officaldom should be controlled and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People should learn to work, instead of living off public assistance."
During Lyndon Johnson's presidency Congressman Otto Passmam (D-La.) introduced the fake quote into the Congressional Record. It became a favorite of the center to right thinking politicians.
Ironically, the Chaplin Rev. Edward G. Latch, DD, offered a prayer that day. "If you continue My word, ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32).
Perhaps Vice President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid should suggest that this verse be quoted more often to improve their's and other's images.