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.
Our national political campaigns never stop. We seem convinced that majorities exist to impose their will with few concessions and that minorities exist to prevent the party in power from doing anything important. That's not how we were meant to govern.
Press Freedom will never be under threat in South Africa for as long as the ANC is the majority party
There is an important sense in which government is distinctive from administration. One is perpetual, the other is temporary and changeable. A man may be loyal to his government and yet oppose the particular principles and methods of administration.
Iran has to live up to its international obligations. . . . The president has said that our patience is not unlimited.
The deficit crisis is real and must be addressed. But it cannot be solved on the backs of the weak and vulnerable.
Political violence is organized violence on the top which creates individual violence at the bottom.
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