I will splinter the CIA into a thousand pieces and scatter it into the winds.
Interpretation
This quote expresses a strong desire to dismantle a powerful organization in order to weaken it significantly.
John F. Kennedy's quote reflects his intention to reform or dismantle the CIA, a powerful intelligence agency, due to concerns over its growing influence and potential misconduct. This metaphor of splintering the agency into a thousand pieces symbolizes his belief in accountability and the need for transparency within governmental operations.
In practice
In a political discussion about government reform, one might say, 'Like JFK, I believe we need to splinter organizations that threaten our democracy.'
The great battleground for the defense and expansion of freedom today is the whole southern half of the globe... the lands of the rising peoples. Their revolution is the greatest in human history. They seek an end to injustice, tyranny and exploitation. More than an end, they seek a beginning.
I had always enjoyed the title of Commander-in-Chief until I was informed ... that the only forces that cannot be transferred from Washington without my express permission are the members of the Marine Corps Band. Those are the only forces I have. I want it announced that we propose to hold the White House against all odds at least for some time to come.
I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children - not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women - not merely peace in our time but peace for all time.
I just received the following wire from my generous Daddy; Dear Jack, Don't buy a single vote more than is necessary. I'll be damned if I'm going to pay for a landslide.
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.
Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.
If there are men in this country big enough to own the government of the United States, they are going to own it.
The foremost or indeed sole condition required in order to succeed in centralizing the supreme power in a democratic community is to love equality or to get men to believe you love it. Thus, the science of despotism, which was once so complex, has been simplified and reduced, as it were, to a single principle.
The first thing I'd do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act.
I am not political. It is not my job. But I would be happy if politicians could read my work and draw some conclusions from it.
If I were president, I'd be very glad to see the Palestinians have a nation recognized by the United Nations. There's no downside to it.
Trying to run Congress without human relationships is like trying to run a car without motor oil. Should we be surprised when the whole thing freezes up?
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