Ladies and gentlemen, these are not assertions. These are facts, corroborated by many sources, some of them sources of the intelligence services of other countries.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of evidence and verified information over mere claims.
Colin Powell highlights the necessity of grounding statements in verifiable facts, particularly in the context of discussions involving serious topics like intelligence and policy. By referring to multiple corroborated sources, he underscores a commitment to truthfulness and the credibility of information, encouraging a critical evaluation of claims before accepting them as valid.
In practice
This quote can be used in a debate about misinformation in the media.
Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. I am talking about a gung-ho attitude that says 'we can change things here, we can achieve awesome goals, we can be the best. 'Spare me the grim litany of the 'realist;' give me the unrealistic aspirations of the optimist any day.
One of the fondest expressions around is that we can't be the world's policeman. But guess who gets called when suddenly someone needs a cop.
Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence.
If you get the dirty end of the stick, sharpen it and turn it into a useful tool.
High-quality early-childhood programs and health coverage have expanded, and the number of mentoring relationships for at-risk youth has risen dramatically. That progress is encouraging, but it's not evenly distributed.
As I've thought about gay marriage, I don't see any reason not to say that [couples] should be able to get married.
Strive always to excel in virtue and truth.
When intelligent people pride themselves on not understanding, it is quite natural they should succeed better than fools.
Many highly intelligent people are poor thinkers. Many people of average intelligence are skilled thinkers. The power of a car is separate from the way the car is driven.
Your thoughts make you what you are; by changing our #β thoughts we can change our lives.
I worked in television; I'm the Failed Pilot Queen, I've done so many television shows, pilots, theater ... when you do it for so long, I'm telling you, you get to the point where it becomes varied because you take what's available for a number of reasons. It's just an occupational hazard.
Don't judge me by the cover, 'cause I'm a real good book.
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