Sunday, September 26, 2010

Quote of the Day

Daniel Patrick Moynihan personal and confidential memorandum for John D. Ehrlichmann and H. H. Haldeman, July 24, 1970:
I would argue that in such circumstances the first [rule] of patriotism is the willingness not to worsen things, even when the provocation is outrageous, even when there may appear to be a short-term advantage to be gained. This is not just the measure of patriotism, it is the measure of prudence as well.

2 comments:

MT said...

First rule of medicine too.

J. said...

Great set of letters in that link. It's hard to believe that he's describing the 1970s - history is circular, it seems. Same problems, same issues.