The damage done to this country by its own misconduct in the last few months and years, to its very heart and soul, is far greater and longer lasting than any damage that any terrorist could possibly inflict upon us.
Interpretation
The internal issues of a nation can have more damaging effects than external threats.
The quote by Theodore C. Sorensen highlights the detrimental impact that a country's own actions and misconduct can have on its fundamental values and integrity. It underscores the idea that while terrorism poses a significant threat, the erosion of a nation's core principles due to its own behavior can lead to more profound and enduring harm, affecting its identity and future.
In practice
In a political speech about the importance of integrity in governance, one could reference this quote.
Our surest protection against assault from abroad has been not all our guards, gates and guns, or even our two oceans, but our essential goodness as a people. Our richest asset has been not our material wealth but our values.
We have contingency plans for war, but none for peace.
Public opinion rarely considers the needs of the next generation or the history of the last. It is frequently hampered by myths and misinformation, by stereotypes and shibboleths, and by an inate resistance to innovation.
He (Saddam Hussein) has not developed any significant capability with respect to weapons of mass destruction. He is unable to project conventional power against his neighbours.
I wish I could say I was shocked at the reports the NSA is secretly spying on the private phone calls of millions of Verizon customers. However, this is a predictable result of a government that continues to erode our liberties while promising some glimmering hope of security.
In a democracy, when you get 20 million people in the street, you resign.
Sudden shifts and changes are no bad preparation for political life.
If you don't have a record to run on, you paint your opponent as someone to run from.
Democracy is the best chance for the best people.
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