The Opposition tells us that we ought not to govern a people without their consent. I answer, The rule of liberty that all just
government derives its authority from the consent of the governed, applies only to those who are capable of self-government We govern the Indians without their consent, we govern our territories without their consent, we govern our children without their consent . . . Would not the people of the Philippines prefer the just, humane, civilizing government of this Republic to the savage, bloody rule of pillage and extortion from which we have rescued them? What would the US be saving them from?
Political leaders, including President Kennedy initially opposed the March out of fear of violence. President eventually gave his approval but political leaders were not part of the program.
