Donald Rumsfeld Quotes - Page 8

As you know, you go to war with the army you have, not the army you might want or wish to have at a later time. Since the Iraq conflict began, the Army has been pressing ahead to produce the armor necessary at a rate that they believe - it's a greatly expanded rate from what existed previously, but a rate that they believe is the rate that is all that can be accomplished at this moment.

It's a difficult thing today to be informed about our government even without all the secrecy.

When there happens to be a weapon of mass destruction suspect site in an area that we occupy and if people have time, they'll look at it.

I suppose the implication of that is the president and the vice president and myself and Colin Powell just fell off a turnip truck to take these jobs.

The implication that there was something wrong with the war plan is amusing.

Then there are three or four countries that have said they won't do anything. I believe Libya, Cuba and Germany are ones that have indicated they won't help in any respect.

There is no question but that when one is engaged militarily that there are going to be unintended loss of life.

... something under $50 billion for the cost. How much of that would be the U.S. burden, and how much would be other countries, is an open question.

If a prospective Presidential approach can't be explained clearly enough to be understood well, it probably hasn't been thought through well enough. If not well understood by the American people, it probably won't 'sail' anyway. Send it back for further thought.

Whatever new threats and challenges may emerge, our nation will be able to face them squarely, deal with them, and yet allow our people to continue to live free and unafraid. The decisions you make, the courage and creativity you bring to your responsibilities, will determine America's future. Liberty and our way of life are fragile gifts - their care is in your hands. We thank you for stepping forward to shoulder that immense responsibility. Your country is grateful, and proud of each of you.

I don't think we'll discover anything, myself. I think what will happen is we'll discover people who will tell us where to go find it. It is not like a treasure hunt where you just runaround looking everywhere hoping you find something. I just don't think that's going to happen. The inspectors didn't find anything, and I doubt that we will. What we will do is find the people who will tell us.

A few. . . critics are the only people I ever heard use the phrase 'imminent threat.' I didn't, the president didn't.

There will be good moments, and there will be less good moments.

Don't automatically obey Presidential directives if you disagree or if you suspect he hasn't considered key aspects of the issue.

Don't accept the post or stay unless you have an understanding with the President that you're free to tell him what you think "with the bark off" and you have the courage to do it.

Don't do or say things you would not like to see on the front page of The Washington Post.

When asked for your views, by the press or others, remember that what they really want to know is the President's views.

Let your family, staff, and friends know that you're still the same person, despite all the publicity and notoriety that accompanies your position.

When cutting staff at the Pentagon, don't eliminate the thin layer that assures civilian control.

Make decisions about the President's personal security. He can overrule you, but don't ask him to be the one to counsel caution.

Walk around. If you are invisible, the mystique of the President's office may perpetuate inaccurate impressions about you or the President, to his detriment. After all, you may not be as bad as they're saying.

Don't divide the world into 'them' and 'us.' Avoid infatuation with or resentment of the press, the Congress, rivals, or opponents. Accept them as facts. They have their jobs and you have yours.

When someone with a rural accent says, "I don't know much about politics," zip up your pockets.

Being Vice President is difficult. Don't make it tougher.

First rule of politics: you can't win unless you're on the ballot. Second rule: If you run, you may lose. And, if you tie, you do not win.