I still lie awake at night thinking about everything that could have been, that wasn't done to stop 9/11. To the 9/11 families, I said, you deserve better from your entire government. All of us.
Interpretation
This quote reflects the deep regret and reflection on the failures that led to a tragic event, highlighting the need for accountability and support for those affected.
George Tenet's quote expresses a profound sense of personal accountability for the September 11 attacks, emphasizing the sleepless nights spent reflecting on the actions that could have prevented such a tragedy. By acknowledging the pain of the families affected, he advocates for a government that owes them better protection and vigilance, underscoring the responsibility of leadership during crises.
In practice
A speech about government responsibility during a remembrance ceremony for the victims of 9/11.
Here's the teaching point, if you're teaching kids about intelligence and policy: Intelligence does not absolve policymakers of responsibility to ask tough questions, and it doesn't absolve them of having curiosity about the consequences of their actions.
One mushroom cloud would change history. My deepest fear is that this is exactly what they [Al Qaeda] intend.
As soon as we left the ground, I knew I had to fly.
I have never been remotely ashamed of having been depressed. Never. What's to be ashamed of? I went through a really rough time and I am quite proud that I got out of that.
When the Nobel Committee chose to honor me, the road I had chosen of my own free will became a less lonely path to follow.
When I was harassed and discriminated against, I fought as hard as I could - because I hadn't gone through all of that, I hadn't worked so hard my entire life, just to have someone take it away from me.
The price of freedom is the willingness to do sudden battle anywhere, any time and with utter recklessness.
I was hell bent on destruction... it was like being possessed by a demon.
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