America is the world's engine but also its conscience. We are the petri dish of diversity and inclusiveness.
Martin DempseyRead
If someone uses the uniform, whatever uniform, for partisan politics, I am disappointed because I think it does erode that bond of trust we have with the American people.
Interpretation
Using military uniforms for political purposes damages public trust in the armed forces.
In this quote, Martin Dempsey expresses his disappointment when military uniforms are co-opted for partisan political agendas. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity and trust that the military holds with the American public, suggesting that the appropriation of official attire for political gain undermines this critical relationship.
In practice
During a speech on military ethics, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of nonpartisanship.
America is the world's engine but also its conscience. We are the petri dish of diversity and inclusiveness.
In my 39 years in the military, I have learned that you are not a profession just because you say you are. You have to earn it and re-earn it and re-evaluate it from time to time.
Strategy is, at some level, the ability to predict what's going to happen, but it's also about understanding the context in which it is being formulated. And then you have to be open-minded to the fact that you're not going to get it right at the very beginning.
If you think you are leading and turn around to see no one following, then you are just taking a walk.
We're not a fragile people. We're not a frightful people. Our power doesn't come from some self-declared savior promising that he alone can restore order as long as we do things his way. We don't look to be ruled.
I want a president with a record of public service, someone whose life's work shows our children that we don't chase fame and fortune for ourselves: we fight to give everyone a chance to succeed.
So you have to force yourself out of a comfort zone and really try to figure out what are the key ingredients, the key skill sets, the key perspectives that are necessary, and then figure out a way to attract the very best people to fill those particular roles.
The best leaders... almost without exception and at every level, are master users of stories and symbols.
Nine-tenths of tactics are certain, and taught in books: but the irrational tenth is like the kingfisher flashing across the pool, and that is the test of generals.
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