John Kerry Quotes

While war is never anyone first choice, sometimes it is a necessary choice.

War, except in self-defense, is a failure of moral imagination.

We don't thrive on military acts. We do them because we have to, and thank God we are efficient.

A sane person doesn't think war is a good idea. I'm not a pacifist. I feel that there are situations where fighting is inescapable, but we don't go looking for those things.

The United States will never take part in an aggressive war.

We all say no to war, we are all for justice and peace. But sometimes in order to maintain peace, armed action is necessary. But we hope it won't be the case.

I feel like war should occur only for the most vital and necessary reasons, and only then.

Today, war of necessity is used by critics of military action to describe unavoidable response to an attack like that on Pearl Harbor that led to our prompt, official declaration of war, while they characterize as unwise wars of choice the wars in Korea, Vietnam and the current war in Iraq.

We must strive to restrain the destructive force of war, while recognizing its inexorable necessities

Military intervention is to be considered when all else fails.

The nation is too brave, too strong, too powerful, and too just to engage in an unrighteous and precipitate war.

Relieving the risk of a nuclear conflict with Iran diplomatically is superior than trying to do that militarily.

Wars of necessity are essentially unavoidable. They involve the most important national interests, a lack of promising alternatives to the use of force, and a certain and considerable price to be paid if the status quo is allowed to stand. Examples include World War II and the Korean War.

If a war be undertaken...before the resources of peace have been tried and proved vain to secure it, that war has no defense, it is a national crime.

I think war is so incredibly backward, and I don't think it's intelligent, and it's not sane. So why would you want to support it?

As we all know, no crude oil refineries have been built in the United States since 1976. During that time, close to 100 ethanol refineries have been built.

War, in our country, ought never to be resorted to but when it is clearly justifiable and necessary; so much so as not to require the aid of logic to convince our understanding nor the ardour of eloquence to inflame our passions. There are many reasons why this country should never resort to it but for causes the most urgent and necessary.

What is not conservative about saying, 'Don't go to war unless we go to war properly with a full declaration of war and no other way?'

Our primary objective must be to prevent wars, and when we fail in this, we must protect and assist the innocent victims.

Nothing can justify war.

Violence is my last option.

I can't find a reason to be for this war. I've looked, and I can't, so I'm not.

I do not believe in terrorism, violence, destruction, murder, pre-emption, or War.

To avoid a military conflict, Saddam Hussein has no other choice than to leave the country.

War is too serious a matter to leave to soldiers.