I think the rule should be that if we're going to take actions overseas that result in the deaths of people, the United States should take responsibility for that.
John O. BrennanRead
While the intelligence profession oftentimes demands secrecy, it is critically important that there be a full and open discourse on intelligence matters with the appropriate elected representatives of the American people.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Intelligence work requires secrecy, but transparency is essential for accountability.
John O. Brennan emphasizes the need for a balance between the secrecy inherent in intelligence work and the necessity for open discussions with elected officials. This balance is crucial for ensuring that the intelligence community remains accountable to the public it serves, reinforcing democratic values and trust between citizens and their government.
Themes
IntelligenceSecrecyTransparencyGovernmentAccountability
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about government oversight at a town hall meeting.
More from John O. Brennan
All quotes →I do not - I never believed it's better to kill a terrorist than to detain him. We want to detain as many terrorists as possible so we can elicit the intelligence from them in the appropriate manner so that we can disrupt follow-on terrorist attacks.
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As a former career intelligence professional, I have a profound appreciation for the value of intelligence. Intelligence disrupts terrorist plots and thwarts attacks. Intelligence saves lives.
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We are in this business, whether it be intelligence or the government, to protect freedom, democracy and liberty, not to violate that.
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Terrorists are not 100 feet tall. Nor do they deserve the abject fear they seek to instill.
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When we uphold the rule of law, our counterterrorism tools are more likely to withstand the scrutiny of our courts, our allies, and the American people.
John O. BrennanRead
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