14 quotes
Contrasting Society's Norms with Billy Jack
Taglines
You've got due process, Mother's Day, supermarkets, the FBI, Medicare, air conditioning, AT&T, country clubs, Congress, a 2-car garage, state troopers, the Constitution, color television and democracy. They've got BILLY JACK.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Conflict Over Land Rights and Accountability
Billy Jack
You're illegally on Indian land.
Mr. Posner
I'm sorry about that. I guess we just got caught up in the chase and crossed over without knowing it.
Billy Jack
You're a liar.
Mr. Posner
We got the law here, Billy Jack.
Billy Jack
When policemen break the law, then there isn't any law - just a fight for survival.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Protector of Children and Living Beings
Taglines
Just a person who protects children and other living things.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Unspoken Love Between Jean and Billy Jack
Jean
I know I've never said it to you, but I think you know. I love you.
Billy Jack
I think you know, too.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Searching for a Better World
Jean
We'll go someplace else, someplace were it doesn't have to be like this.
Billy Jack
Oh, really? Tell me, where is that place? Where is it? In what remote corner of this country-no-entire goddamn planet is there a place were men really care about one another and really love each other? Now, you tell me were such a place is, and I promise you that I'll never hurt another human being as long as I live. Just one place!
[shouts]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Acknowledging Past Mistakes
Mr. Posner
You're makin a mistake.
Billy Jack
I've made em before.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Always There When You Need Him
Taglines
When you need him, he's always there!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Cultural Perspectives on Trust and Promises
Billy Jack
It's funny, isn't it? Only the white man wants everything put in writing. And only then so he can use it against you in court. You know, among the Indians a promise is good enough.
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The Struggle of Perseverance and Survival
Jean Roberts
So easy for you to die dramatically! It's a hell of a lot tougher for those of us who have to keep on trying!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Decision Unmade Among Friends
Jean
What about Barbara?
Billy Jack
It's up to her to decide.
Jean
Barbara, will you go out with me?
Barbara
No.
Jean
May I ask why?
Barbara
From the day I was born until this moment, and every second in between, life has been one big shit brick. I just can't take it anymore. From the way things are going, well as Indians say, "Today's as good as any to die.
Jean
You've taught her well.
Billy Jack
An Indian isn't afraid to die. Don't ever expect the white man to understand that.
Jean
I understand it. That's good for an Indian.
Billy Jack
Like the old man said: Being an Indian is not a matter of blood, it's a way of life.
Jean
I understand that, too. But she's a 15-year-old child who worships the ground you walk on. And now she's gonna die needlessly because you haven't got the guts to control your temper. It's so easy for you to die dramatically. It's a hell of a lot tougher for those of us who have to keep on trying.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Essence of Mental Toughness
Billy Jack
Martin, do you know what mental toughness is? Well, mental toughness is the ability to accept the fact that you're human and that you're going to make mistakes - lots of em - all your life. And some of them are gonna hurt people that you love very badly. But you have the guts to accept the fact that you ain't perfect. And you don't let your mistakes crush you and keep you from doing the very best that you can.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Snake Ceremony and Its Significance
Barbara
What is the snake ceremony?
Jean
A ceremony where Billy becomes brother to a snake.
Barbara
How does he do that?
Jean
By going on the mountain and being bitten by the snake over and over. Then he passes into unconsciousness for the last time. And if he lives, he has a vision. And in this vision, he finds out what his life's mission will be and who the spirit will be to guide him on this mission.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Challenge of Fairness in Law
Jean
You just can't keep making your own laws. There's got to be one set of laws fair for everyone, including you.
Billy Jack
That's fine. When that set of laws is applied to everyone, then I'll turn the other cheek too.
Jean
There's got to be a better way to change those people.
Billy Jack
CHANGE those people? You worked with King, didn't you?
Jean
Yes!
Billy Jack
Where is he?
Billy Jack
And where's Bob and Jack Kennedy?
Jean
Dead.
Billy Jack
Not "dead", their brains blown out! Because YOUR people wouldn't even put the same controls on their guns as they do on their dogs, their bicycles, their cats, and their automobiles.
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Facing Choices in Confrontation
Mr. Posner
You really think those Green Beret Karate tricks are gonna help you against all these boys?
Billy Jack
Well, it doesn't look to me like I really have any choice now, does it?
Mr. Posner
That's right, you don't.
[laughing]
Billy Jack
You know what I think I'm gonna do then? Just for the hell of it?
Mr. Posner
Tell me.
Billy Jack
I'm gonna take this right foot, and I'm gonna whop you on that side of your face...
Billy Jack
...and you wanna know something? There's not a damn thing you're gonna be able to do about it.
Mr. Posner
Really?
Billy Jack
Really.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.