"You put me in charge of Medicaid, the first thing I'd do is get [female recipients] Norplant, birth-control implants, or tubal ligations. Then, we'll test recipients for drugs and alcohol, and if you want to [reproduce] or use drugs or alcohol, then get a job."
About Russell Pearce
Russell Pearce — Life and Legacy
Russell Pearce is a notable American politician recognized for his influential role in shaping immigration policy in Arizona. As a former state senator, he is best known for sponsoring Arizona's controversial SB 1070, which aimed to enforce immigration laws more stringently. Pearce's core philosophy revolves around the principles of freedom and personal responsibility, which he articulates through his quotes. For instance, he argues that 'freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction,' emphasizing the need for vigilance in protecting individual rights. This perspective reflects his belief that active participation in governance is essential for maintaining liberty. Pearce challenges the notion that government should play a central role in individuals' lives, advocating instead for limited government intervention. His views resonate with those who prioritize personal accountability and self-governance, making his quotes relevant in discussions about the balance between freedom and control. Today, Pearce's ideas continue to influence debates on immigration and individual rights, highlighting the ongoing relevance of his thoughts in contemporary political discourse.
Quote collection
Russell Pearce quotes (page 1 of 2)
21 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"Go after the illegal employers. No free stuff. Take the handcuffs off law enforcement. They'll go home! They'll self-deport! The problem today is they break the law. They come across the border. And again, what's coming across that border today are bad guys!"
"The candle of liberty has always been kept lit by a vigilant few."
"Of course a politician's promise isn't worth the paper it's written on."
"If our government has a policy, any political subdivision, that limits or restricts the enforcement of our immigration laws, we will sue them! And that suit will be $5,000 a day every day until that policy is changed! This law will be enforced."
"You know, you don't retreat in the defense of freedom. You don't retreat in the defense of moral government and limited government. You don't retreat because people are going to defend bad things."
"Sen. Robert Menendez's Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2010 would try to nullify every single state and local law that fights illegal immigration. Congressman Luis Gutierrez's CIR ASAP Act with over 100 Democratic co-sponsors does the same thing."
"One of the things I'm always proud of is 'Promises made, promises kept.' I've never ever not done what I've said I'm going to do."
"Arizona has become a national leader in the restoration of the Rule of Law, with over 100,000 illegal aliens having left the state since 2007."
"I mean, that's a sad day in America when you're recalled because you did what you said you were going to do, and the public voted you in to do that."
"If being recalled is the price for keeping one's promises, then so be it."
"Illegal is not a race, it is a crime."
"It takes four private-sector jobs to support every public-sector employee."
"No matter how many lawyers and lawsuits Obama throws at Arizona, we will have the American people and the Constitution on our side."
"President Obama has decided to have the United Nations review the law of Arizona. You have got to be kidding! We're now going to have countries like Cuba, Libya and Uganda sitting in judgment on Arizona's laws? Enough is enough!"
"Obama's Justice Department has also targeted Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Sheriff Joe bills himself as America's Toughest Sheriff for good reason. Maricopa County is responsible for one out of every four deportations in the country."
"In the absence of a limitation on local enforcement powers, the states are bound by the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution to enforce violations of the federal immigration laws."
"In Arizona we have passed laws to free our people so that they can defend themselves and their loved ones. You cannot predict where evil will raise its head, but you can be prepared for it."
"Arizona did not make illegal, illegal. It is a crime to enter or remain in the U.S. in violation of federal law. States have had inherent authority to enforce immigration laws when the federal government has failed or refused to do so."
"I knew Arizona's SB 1070 would be controversial when I introduced it, but I did not expect the national immigration debate to revolve around a state law. While the anti-American open-borders Left attack me and the law as 'racist,' 'nativist' and their other empty smear words, the vast majority of the people of Arizona and America support the law."