I think the rule should be that if we're going to take actions overseas that result in the deaths of people, the United States should take responsibility for that.
Interpretation
The U.S. should be accountable for its military actions abroad that lead to loss of life.
This quote emphasizes the moral responsibility of the United States in its foreign military operations, arguing that there is an ethical obligation to acknowledge and take accountability for the consequences, particularly the loss of lives that result from such actions. It calls for a reflective consideration of the heavy impact of international interventions and stresses the importance of transparency and accountability in leadership.
In practice
During a discussion on the ethics of military intervention, one might use this quote to highlight the need for accountability.
I do not - I never believed it's better to kill a terrorist than to detain him. We want to detain as many terrorists as possible so we can elicit the intelligence from them in the appropriate manner so that we can disrupt follow-on terrorist attacks.
While the intelligence profession oftentimes demands secrecy, it is critically important that there be a full and open discourse on intelligence matters with the appropriate elected representatives of the American people.
As a former career intelligence professional, I have a profound appreciation for the value of intelligence. Intelligence disrupts terrorist plots and thwarts attacks. Intelligence saves lives.
We are in this business, whether it be intelligence or the government, to protect freedom, democracy and liberty, not to violate that.
Terrorists are not 100 feet tall. Nor do they deserve the abject fear they seek to instill.
When we uphold the rule of law, our counterterrorism tools are more likely to withstand the scrutiny of our courts, our allies, and the American people.
The greatest ability in business is to get along with others and to influence their actions.
The best organizations are filled with people who have a wealth of choices as to what work they choose to do. We need to give them every reason possible to solve the world's problems.
I go to assume a task more difficult than that which devolved upon Washington. Unless the great God, who assisted him, shall be with me and aid me, I must fail; but if the same omniscient mind and almighty arm that directed and protected him shall guide and support me, I shall not fail - I shall succeed.
In a free government the demand for moral qualities should be made superior to that of talents.
Engage your brain before you engage your weapon.
I think the most effective way to run a kitchen is to teach, not to just yell.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.