If we've learned anything in the past quarter century, it is that we cannot federalize virtue.

Summary

This quote suggests that the notion of enforcing or imposing virtuous behavior through government systems or institutions is flawed. Over the past 25 years, we have come to understand that moral values and virtues cannot be effectively regulated or mandated on a federal level. It implies that virtues are more innate, personal, and societal, and cannot be dictated or controlled by governmental authorities. This highlights the limitations of attempts to use legislation or federal power to shape or enforce virtuous conduct.

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