Lord Robertson Quotes

I think the idea that you would do everything you can to prevent what is coming at you by way of something very disruptive - a 9/11 - it's a no-brainer.

Responsibility demands action, and dealing with the immediate threat must naturally be a top priority.

I believe when the country feels threatened it is important that we are seen to be working together to find an appropriate structure for dealing with terrorists in our midst.

I guess I'm just one of these people who, when I decide I'm going to do something, I just do it.

Have a bias toward action - let's see something happen now. You can break that big plan into small steps and take the first step right away.

The attacks of September 11 persuaded many Americans that what might seem to be obscure or distant potential threats can very quickly materialize and it therefore makes sense to attend to them even before they become urgent.

Direct threats require decisive action.

There comes a time in the affairs of man when he must take the bull by the tail and face the situation.

Historically, decisive security action took place only after a disaster had occurred or a specific plot had been discovered.

I don't like to stand there and wait until the ball comes to my feet. I like to take the ball and run with it.

I take the bull by the horns and make a plan and go for it.

If I'm ever concerned about something, I'll have security deal with it.

We don't have to learn to live with terror, but we must be prepared and accept the reality it is here.

When you face a problem, solve it then and there if you have the facts necessary to make a decision. Don't keep putting off decisions.

He does not however postpone making decisions.

When your house is on fire, you cant be bothered with the neighbors. Or, as we say in Chess, if your King is under attack you don't worry about losing a Pawn on the Queen's side

The Ultimate decision, the fastest decision there is, is ACTION!

After 9/11, we had to look at the world differently. After 9/11, we had to recognize that when we saw a threat, we must take it seriously before it comes to hurt us. In the old days we'd see a threat, and we could deal with it if we felt like it or not. But 9/11 changed it all.

It's obvious we can't ignore the problem any longer. Locally and nationally, we cannot wait to see how bad it gets. We need to act now.

Whimpering never kept a leaking vessel from foundering. Vigorously manning the pumps has. Get busy with your head and hands, not your chin.

If you sit around and wring your hands as they're all doing now until something happens to a major American city, then it is too late.

When under attack, it is necessary to evaluate the situation and to decide instantly upon a proper course of action, to be carried out immediately with all the force you can bring to bear. He who hesitates is indeed lost. Do not soliloquize. Do not delay. Be decisive.

Power should answer by action, not by speech.

John Kerry told Tom Ridge he was too busy to receive a Homeland Security briefing. I thought that was odd, since you're not supposed to ignore terrorist threats until after you become president.

The ability to be cool, confident, and decisive in crisis is not an inherited characteristic but is the direct result of how well the individual has prepared himself for the battle.