I have opinions of my own - strong opinions - but I don't always agree with them.
George H. W. BushRead
Appeasement does not work. As was the case in the 1930s, we see in Saddam Hussein an aggressive dictator threatening his neighbors.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Appeasement towards aggressive leaders only emboldens their behavior.
In this quote, George H. W. Bush warns against the strategy of appeasement, suggesting that yielding to the demands of aggressive dictators, like Saddam Hussein, only serves to encourage further aggression. He draws a parallel to the 1930s, indicating that history has shown such approaches are ineffective in preventing conflict and can lead to greater threats to peace.
Themes
AppeasementDictatorsThreatAggression
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate to illustrate the risks of concessions to hostile nations.
More from George H. W. Bush
All quotes βOne of the good things about the way the Gulf War ended in 1991 is, you'd see the Vietnam veterans marching with the Gulf War veterans.
George H. W. BushRead
Communism didn't fall. It was pushed.
George H. W. BushRead
The anchor in our world today is freedom, holding us steady in times of change, a symbol of hope to all the world.
George H. W. BushRead
It's too much show business and too much prompting, too much artificiality, and not really debates. They're rehearsed appearances.
George H. W. BushRead
I will never apologize for the United States of America - I don't care what the facts are. Said after 'Vincennes' shot down an Iranian Airliner.
George H. W. BushRead
Similar quotes
There does not have to be trade-off between growth and social protection. A democracy does not mean much if it doesn't respond to the needs and will of its people.
Michelle BacheletRead
Legislative language is governed by a law of etymology that is also the ancient code of the bureaucracy: It doesn't have to be right, it just has to be close enough for government work. If they understand what you mean, it doesn't matter what you say or how you say it.
Molly IvinsRead
If I had been an Italian I am sure that I should have been whole-heartedly with you from the start to finish in your triumphant struggle against the bestial appetites and passions of Leninism.
Winston ChurchillRead
Democracy don't rule the world, You'd better get that in your head; This world is ruled by violence, But I guess that's better left unsaid.
Bob DylanRead
That no government, so called, can reasonably be trusted, or reasonably be supposed to have honest purposes in view, any longer than it depends wholly upon voluntary support.
Lysander SpoonerRead
Unless the mass retains sufficient control over those entrusted with the powers of their government, these will be perverted to their own oppression, and to the perpetuation of wealth and power in the individuals and their families selected for the trust.
Thomas JeffersonRead