Richard A. Clarke Quotes & Sayings

Democracies don't prepare well for things that have never happened before. — Richard A. Clarke

The only way to stop it [terrorism] is to work with the leaders of Islamic nations to insure that tolerance of other religions is taught again, that their people believe they have fair opportunities to participate in government and the economy, and that the social and cultural conditions that breed hatred are bred out. — Richard A. Clarke

The best current evidence is that media are mere vehicles that deliver instruction but do not influence student achievement any more than the truck that delivers groceries causes change in our nutrition. — Richard A. Clarke

I think we have to be very careful. If we do go back in, we need to understand why and what the probability of success is and exactly what we're going to do and what the limits are. — Richard A. Clarke

Many dogs will give a greeting grin much like a human smile. — Richard A. Clarke

If you spend more on coffee than on IT security, you will be hacked. What's more, you deserve to be hacked. — Richard A. Clarke

We can literally unplug a country from the Internet. We ought to think about unplugging them. — Richard A. Clarke

I have only a very brief opening statement.

I welcome these hearings because of the opportunity that they provide to the American people to better understand why the tragedy of 9/11 happened and what we must do to prevent a reoccurance.

I also welcome the hearings because it is finally a forum where I can apologize to the loved ones of the victims of 9/11.

To them who are here in the room, to those who are watching on television, your government failed you, those entrusted with protecting you failed you and I failed you. We tried hard, but that doesn't matter because we failed.

And for that failure, I would ask -- once all the facts are out -- for your understanding and for your forgiveness.

With that, Mr. Chairman, I'll be glad to take your questions. — Richard A. Clarke

Yesterday is rarely too early but tomorrow is frequently too late. — Richard A. Clarke