I still lie awake at night thinking about everything that could have been, that wasn't done to stop 9/11. To the 9/11 families, I said, you deserve better from your entire government. All of us.
Interpretation
This quote reflects the deep regret and reflection on the failures that led to a tragic event, highlighting the need for accountability and support for those affected.
George Tenet's quote expresses a profound sense of personal accountability for the September 11 attacks, emphasizing the sleepless nights spent reflecting on the actions that could have prevented such a tragedy. By acknowledging the pain of the families affected, he advocates for a government that owes them better protection and vigilance, underscoring the responsibility of leadership during crises.
In practice
A speech about government responsibility during a remembrance ceremony for the victims of 9/11.
Here's the teaching point, if you're teaching kids about intelligence and policy: Intelligence does not absolve policymakers of responsibility to ask tough questions, and it doesn't absolve them of having curiosity about the consequences of their actions.
One mushroom cloud would change history. My deepest fear is that this is exactly what they [Al Qaeda] intend.
Faith is like stepping off a cliff and expecting one of two outcomes- you will either land on solid ground or you will be taught to fly.
I am afraid that Yazidis and Yazidism will vanish and will not be able to resist the extremists.
But the thing that I saw in your face no power can disinherit: No bomb that ever burst shatters the crystal spirit.
There is only one 'retirement plan' for terrorists.
My parents witnessed firsthand in Haiti that if you stop speaking up, one day you'll wake up afraid to speak. They came to America so they'd never be afraid of speaking up again.
My being a black woman is not a deficit. It is a strength. Because I could not be where I am had I not overcome so many other barriers. Which means you know I'm relentless, you know I'm persistent, and you know I'm smart.
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