Do Republican officials understand the concept of recorded history

The quote below comes from www.politicalwire.com. Considering Senator Brownback’s performance, I wonder if he understands the concept of recorded history.

"We are a great nation because our greatness is built on the foundation of fundamental goodness. If ever we lose our goodness, we will surely lose our greatness."

-- Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS), declaring his presidential bid last weekend. (See video.)

"America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great."

-- Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, quoting Alexis de Tocqueville in a campaign speech, November 3, 1952. Interestingly, the phrase has never been verified as coming from Tocqueville.

A few years ago I worked in a Congressional office. Here is a bit of free advice to Senator Brownback, he should have altered his declaration with something like " Many years ago, President Eisenhower used these words to express core principles of this great land, I believe we need to get back to them." I think I came to understand the concept of plagiarism in the 8^th grade. You would think politicians would get the concepts I was taught in junior high. Thank you Mr. Daley.