“I am more than ever convinced of the dangers to which the free and unbiased exercise of political opinion—the only sure foundation and safeguard of republican government—would be exposed by any further increase of the already overgrown influence of corporate authorities.”
—MARTIN VAN BUREN
“I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for safety of my country; corporations have been enthroned, an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people, until the wealth is aggregated in a few hands, and the republic destroyed.”
—ABRAHAM LINCOLN
“There can be no effective control of corporations while their political activity remains.”
—THEODORE ROOSEVELT
“I believe that the officers, and, especially, the directors, of corporations should be held personally responsible when any corporation breaks the law.”
—THEODORE ROOSEVELT
“There was a time when corporations played a minor part in our business affairs, but now they play the chief part, and most men are the servants of corporations.”
—WOODROW WILSON
“Do the day’s work. If it be to protect the rights of the weak, whoever objects, do it. If it be to help a powerful corporation better to serve the people, whatever the opposition, do that.”
—CALVIN COOLIDGE