There was a phrase back then that was used in politics: the Silent Majority.

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They also remind us that the silent majority who once stood in the face of these threats will be silent no more and that public revulsion against the violence has strengthened the resolve of girls to go to school.

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Nixon was the first Republican president to tap into the electoral appeal of the cowboy star as the faded mascot of the silent majority, the gentleman of the rugged West who got by fine without welfare and who shot bad guys when he had to.

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As he started his arduous treatment, Ron, a family man and a professional counsellor in his 50s, from London, decided to strike a blow for the "silent majority" with hepatitis C who were too frightened to speak about their condition.

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Sarin played down the threats to his position Monday, and claimed there was a "silent" majority behind his plans.

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"There is very strong, if silent, majority who are highly supportive of a plan that energizes the institution, " he said.

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