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Al Smith

31quotes

Al Smith


Biography of the 42nd Governor of New York

Full Name and Common Aliases


Alfred Emmanuel Smith Jr., also known as "The Happy Warrior," was an American politician who served as the 42nd Governor of New York.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on December 30, 1873, in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City. He passed away on October 4, 1944, at the age of 70.

Nationality and Profession(s)


American politician, lawyer, and Democratic Party leader.

Early Life and Background


Al Smith was born to Irish Catholic immigrants from County Tipperary, Ireland. His parents were Michael and Catherine (née Gallagher) Smith, who settled in New York City's Lower East Side. Growing up in a poor but vibrant community, Al developed strong ties to his neighborhood and its people. He attended St. James Parish School and later graduated from the College of the City of New York (CCNY). After completing his education, he studied law at Fordham University and was admitted to the bar.

Major Accomplishments


Al Smith's long and distinguished career in public service spanned over two decades:

New York State Assembly (1913-1915): He began his political career as a member of the New York State Assembly, where he championed labor rights and advocated for women's suffrage.
 New York City Mayor (1918-1920, 1922-1929): As the first Catholic to hold this office, Smith focused on urban renewal, education reform, and social welfare initiatives. His progressive policies earned him a reputation as a champion of the working class.
Governor of New York (1929-1933): During his tenure as Governor, Al Smith tackled issues such as poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure development. He also played a crucial role in shaping the Democratic Party's platform.

Notable Works or Actions


Some notable works and actions associated with Al Smith include:

The New Deal: Although he didn't participate directly in Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration, his legacy influenced many of FDR's policies.
The Catholic Church and Politics: As the first Catholic to run for President on a major party ticket, Smith faced intense scrutiny from both Catholics and non-Catholics. His commitment to social justice and equality paved the way for future generations of Catholic politicians.

Impact and Legacy


Al Smith's impact extends far beyond his own time:

Advocate for Labor Rights: He championed workers' rights, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and collective bargaining.
Promoter of Education: Smith believed in accessible education as a means to empower individuals and communities. His initiatives aimed to improve schools, universities, and vocational training programs.
 Trailblazer for Catholics in Politics: As the first Catholic to run for President on a major party ticket, Al Smith broke down barriers and paved the way for other Catholics in politics.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Al Smith's quotes and legacy are widely remembered due to his:

Passion for Social Justice: His commitment to fighting poverty, advocating for labor rights, and promoting education resonated with people from all walks of life.
 Trailblazing Spirit: As a Catholic politician who broke down barriers and challenged the status quo, Al Smith's legacy continues to inspire future generations.
* Unwavering Optimism: Despite facing intense scrutiny and criticism, Smith remained optimistic about humanity's potential for good. His "Happy Warrior" persona still inspires people today.

Al Smith's remarkable life serves as a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to social justice.

Quotes by Al Smith

No sane local official who has hung up an empty stocking over the municipal fireplace, is going to shoot Santa Claus just before a hard Christmas.
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No sane local official who has hung up an empty stocking over the municipal fireplace, is going to shoot Santa Claus just before a hard Christmas.
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No matter how thin you slice it, it's still baloney.
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No matter how thin you slice it, it's still baloney.
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It's not the voting that's democracy, it's the counting.
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It's not the voting that's democracy, it's the counting.
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The Brooklyn Bridge and I grew up together.
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The Brooklyn Bridge and I grew up together.
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#together #bridges
He raised the standards of everybody in the business.
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He raised the standards of everybody in the business.
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#business
If there is a single protected entity in this town that is immune from this paper, I don't know what it is.
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If there is a single protected entity in this town that is immune from this paper, I don't know what it is.
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#entity
Not a problem. We feel like we can raise the money.
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Not a problem. We feel like we can raise the money.
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#money
You take care of you and your family first. Then you go to your neighborhood, and then you spread it on out within the community.
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You take care of you and your family first. Then you go to your neighborhood, and then you spread it on out within the community.
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#family
The music industry is constantly evolving to find new ways to reach our customer, the music fan. The number of possibilities for this is very exciting, and we look forward to working with Universal to discover the best opportunities for consumers and our businesses.
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The music industry is constantly evolving to find new ways to reach our customer, the music fan. The number of possibilities for this is very exciting, and we look forward to working with Universal to discover the best opportunities for consumers and our businesses.
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#best
Pulling the plug on the BlackBerry could cost corporate America millions of dollars. The BlackBerry is more than e-mail but a handheld office, and if you shut down the BlackBerry, you shut off the data that powers American business.
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Pulling the plug on the BlackBerry could cost corporate America millions of dollars. The BlackBerry is more than e-mail but a handheld office, and if you shut down the BlackBerry, you shut off the data that powers American business.
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#america
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