Whenever America sends its citizens into harm's way, it must do so with eyes wide open.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of being fully aware of the consequences before sending military personnel into dangerous situations.
John McCain's quote underscores the moral and ethical responsibility of leaders when they make decisions that put citizens, especially military personnel, in harm's way. It serves as a reminder that such decisions should not be taken lightly and require careful consideration, awareness of risks, and a genuine understanding of the implications these actions entail for the individuals and the nation as a whole.
In practice
In a speech advocating for military intervention, one could reference this quote to emphasize the need for careful decision-making.
Giap was a master of logistics, but his reputation rests on more than that. His victories were achieved by a patient strategy that he and Ho Chi Minh were convinced would succeed - an unwavering resolve to suffer immense casualties and the near total destruction of their country to defeat any adversary, no matter how powerful.
For decades we have been living lives of abundance, with little regard for our natural resources or global health. But we are now facing hard choices in our energy policy. Future generations - my children and grandchildren, along with yours - will have to live with the decisions we make today. And so it is time for us to make some tough and - hopefully - smart choices regarding our energy use and production before it is too late.
We need a free press. We must have it. It's vital.
I appreciate our government's determination to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the Bytyqi brothers, which Serbia's Interior Minister has rightly called 'an exceptionally serious crime,' and hope the Serbian government's pledge of full cooperation... is matched by a final accounting of their murder.
What is most troubling about Mr. Putin's aggression in Crimea is that it reflects a growing disregard for America's credibility in the world. That has emboldened other aggressive actors - from Chinese nationalists to Al Qaeda terrorists and Iranian theocrats.
For Mr. Putin, vacillation invites aggression. His world is a brutish, cynical place, where power is worshiped, weakness is despised, and all rivalries are zero-sum.
Because power corrupts, society's demands for moral authority and character increase as the importance of the position increases.
The first thing to look for when searching for a great employee is somebody with a personality that fits with your company culture. Most skills can be learned, but it is difficult to train people on their personality.
It is now, more than ever, necessary that political leaders be outstanding for honesty, integrity and commitment to the common good.
Try never to be the smartest person in the room. And if you are, I suggest you invite smarter people... or find a different room. In professional circles it's called networking. In organizations it's called team building. And in life it's called family, friends, and community. We are all gifts to each other, and my own growth as a leader has shown me again and again that the most rewarding experiences come from my relationships.
If your leadership isn't all about you, it will live beyond you.
On good teams coaches hold players accountable, on great teams players hold players accountable
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.