“The time has come for us to draw the line. The time has come for the responsible leaders of both political parties to take a stand against overgrown Government and for the American taxpayer.”
- January 9, 1913 – April 22, 1994
- American
- The 37th President of the United States, Lawyer, Politician
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Quote
“The time has come for us to draw the line. The time has come for the responsible leaders of both political parties to take a stand against overgrown Government and for the American taxpayer.”
Explanation
In this quote, Richard Nixon issues a call to action for bipartisan cooperation to confront what he viewed as excessive government expansion. By stating “the time has come to draw the line,” he emphasizes urgency and a need for decisive limits on federal growth. His focus on “responsible leaders of both political parties” reflects a desire for unity beyond partisanship, suggesting that fiscal responsibility and government restraint are national—not merely ideological—priorities. The final appeal “for the American taxpayer” roots the argument in economic fairness and accountability, asserting that unchecked government harms those who fund it.
Historically, Nixon made such statements during the early 1970s, as the United States faced rising federal expenditures, inflation, and public skepticism about government efficiency. His administration promoted “New Federalism,” which aimed to shift power and resources from the federal government to state and local authorities. Nixon’s message resonated with a growing conservative sentiment that believed big government solutions had reached their limits and were beginning to infringe on individual freedom and economic stability.
In today’s political landscape, the quote continues to resonate amid debates over government spending, taxation, and the size of the federal bureaucracy. It reflects a persistent tension in American politics between government intervention and market-driven solutions, and between federal control and local autonomy. Nixon’s appeal serves as a reminder that calls for reform often rest on the premise that liberty and fiscal responsibility must be safeguarded—not only by political platforms, but through collective leadership and public accountability.
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