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Donald Rumsfeld Quotes

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"Inspectors do not have the duty or the ability to uncover terrible weapons hidden in a vast country. The responsibility of inspectors is simply to confirm evidence of voluntary and total disarmament. Saddam Hussein has the responsibility to provide that evidence, as directed, and in full."

"As you know, you go to war with the Army you have. They're not the Army you might want or wish to have at a later time."

"Death has a tendency to encourage a depressing view of war."

"There are a lot of people who lie and get away with it, and that's just a fact."

"Don't 'over-control' like a novice pilot. Stay loose enough from the flow that you can observe it, modify, and improve it."

"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."

"Visit with your predecessors from previous Administrations. They know the ropes and can help you see around some corners. Try to make original mistakes, rather than needlessly repeating theirs."

"Don't begin to think you're the President. You're not. The Constitution provides for only one."

"In the execution of Presidential decisions work to be true to his views, in fact and tone."

"Know that the immediate staff and others in the Administration will assume that your manner, tone and tempo reflect the President's."

"Learn to say "I don't know." If used when appropriate, it will be often."

"If you foul up, tell the President and correct it fast. Delay only compounds mistakes."

"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."

"Be precise. A lack of precision is dangerous when the margin of error is small."

"Preserve the President's options. He may need them."

"It is easier to get into something than to get out of it."

"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."

"Amidst all the clutter, beyond all the obstacles, aside from all the static, are the goals set. Put your head down, do the best job possible, let the flak pass, and work towards those goals."

"Don't say "the White House wants." Buildings can't want."

"Leave the President's family business to him. You will have plenty to do without trying to manage the First Family. They are likely to do fine without your help."

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