My patriotism and my conscience required me to support it and to engage in the debate over whether and how to fight it.
Interpretation
John McCain emphasizes the moral duty of supporting one's country while questioning the methods used in conflict.
In this quote, John McCain expresses the idea that true patriotism goes beyond blind support for one's country; it involves engaging in thoughtful debate about the nation's actions, especially in matters of war. He highlights the importance of conscience alongside patriotism, suggesting that citizens should critically evaluate the decisions made by their leaders in the context of national security and ethics.
In practice
This quote can be used during a discussion about national ethics and the role of citizens in government decisions.
Giap was a master of logistics, but his reputation rests on more than that. His victories were achieved by a patient strategy that he and Ho Chi Minh were convinced would succeed - an unwavering resolve to suffer immense casualties and the near total destruction of their country to defeat any adversary, no matter how powerful.
Whenever America sends its citizens into harm's way, it must do so with eyes wide open.
For decades we have been living lives of abundance, with little regard for our natural resources or global health. But we are now facing hard choices in our energy policy. Future generations - my children and grandchildren, along with yours - will have to live with the decisions we make today. And so it is time for us to make some tough and - hopefully - smart choices regarding our energy use and production before it is too late.
We need a free press. We must have it. It's vital.
I appreciate our government's determination to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the Bytyqi brothers, which Serbia's Interior Minister has rightly called 'an exceptionally serious crime,' and hope the Serbian government's pledge of full cooperation... is matched by a final accounting of their murder.
What is most troubling about Mr. Putin's aggression in Crimea is that it reflects a growing disregard for America's credibility in the world. That has emboldened other aggressive actors - from Chinese nationalists to Al Qaeda terrorists and Iranian theocrats.
The fact is, violence is not only not a beautiful thing, but it's also very painful and not without consequences for the perpetrator as well as the victim.
Go, stranger, and tell the Lacedaemonians that here we lie, obedient to their commands.
Do not yield to misfortunes, but advance more boldly to meet them, as your fortune permits you.
No profession or occupation is more pleasing than the military; a profession or exercise both noble in execution (for the strongest, most generous and proudest of all virtues is true valor) and noble in its cause. No utility either more just or universal than the protection of the repose or defense of the greatness of one's country. The company and daily conversation of so many noble, young and active men cannot but be well-pleasing to you.
It's disgusting, but my father taught me when your mouth gets dry, just suck the sweat out of your own jersey. There's no bravado to any of it; it's just a disgusting little trick.
I would rather clean than beg.
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