Politics

"Politics" is the twenty-first episode of the first season of Stargate SG-1.

Synopsis
After experiencing a Goa'uld invasion in an alternate reality, Dr. Daniel Jackson attempts to warn Stargate Command of the possibility of it happening in this reality. The government, however, has other plans as Senator Robert Kinsey evaluates the dangers of the Stargate program.

Plot
Senator Robert Kinsey, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, arrives at Stargate Command, along with Lt. Colonel Bert Samuels, planning to shut the Stargate program down as he believes it represents a 'colossal waste of money'. Despite the testimony of SG-1 and Major General George S. Hammond, the Senator orders the program terminated immediately. Even Dr. Daniel Jackson's assertion that the Goa'uld are about to attack Earth has no effect on Kinsey, who insists that God will protect the United States of America and the Goa'uld will be no match for the US military.

Notable Quotes
Jackson: Now I know this is hard for you guys to believe but I swear to you, the entire time you thought I had disappeared on P3R233, I was experiencing an alternate reality.

O'Neill: And you were there, and you were there, and there's no place like home.

Jackson: As a matter of fact you were there!

Carter: Daniel it's not that we don't believe you.

Jackson: So you do?

O'Neill: No it's just that... we don't believe you.

O'Neill: Alright, wait a minute, let me...let me get something straight here...engaged!? (waves hands between him and Sam)

Carter: It is theoretically possible.

O'Neill: It's against regulations.

Carter: I'm talking physics, sir.

Carter: Major Samuels.

Samuels: That's Lieutenant Colonel Samuels now, Captain.

Carter: I beg your pardon, sir. Congratulations.

O'Neill: You'll always be "Sparky" to me.

Hammond: It costs nearly a billion dollars just to turn the lights on around here.

O'Neill: How about a bake sale? Yard sale? Garage...?

Hammond: This is what I look like when I'm not laughing, Colonel.

O'Neill: Car wash?

Kinsey: I believe that that which grows in the dark but withers in the light does not belong on the vine.

O'Neill: Well, as long as you have an open mind.

O'Neill: With all do respect, Senator, the accounting department, is up on level three, I believe. But if you want to talk about maintaining the first line of defense, against what I believe is the greatest danger, humanity has ever faced.

Kinsey: Hyperbole.

O'Neill: See for yourself! General, I suggest we dial up old P4A-771 I think it was, see how long the good Senator last in THAT world!

Kinsey: I have spent a career listening to Doom-Sayers in uniform. Let us build our billion-dollar machine, and we will save America from the barbarians at the gate. Let me remind you the Cold War is over.

O'Neill: And let me tell you something, this time there really are barbarians, there called Goa'ulds, and they really are at the gate, that one!

Kinsey: Then I suggest we close it.

Character

 * Senator Robert Kinsey

In other languages

 * French : Décision Politique (Political Decision)
 * Italian: Pericolo d'Attacco (Danger of Attack)
 * Spanish: Políticas (Politics)
 * Czech: Politika (Politics)
 * Hungarian: Politika (Politics)