There are a lot of people who lie and get away with it, and that’s just a fact.
Do I Have any Regrets? Of Course I Do.
If in doubt, don’t. If still in doubt, do what’s right.
Reduce the layers of management. They put distance between the top of an organization and the customers.
Don’t think of yourself as indispensable or infallible. As Charles De Gaulle said, the cemeteries of the world are full of indispensable men.
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.
If a prospective Presidential approach can’t be explained clearly enough to be understood well, it probably hasn’t been thought through well enough. If not well understood by the American people, it probably won’t ‘sail’ anyway. Send it back for further thought.
In the execution of Presidential decisions work to be true to his views, in fact and tone.
Know that the amount of criticism you receive may correlate somewhat to the amount of publicity you receive.
Let your family, staff, and friends know that you’re still the same person, despite all the publicity and notoriety that accompanies your position.
Treat each federal dollar as if it was hard earned; it was – by a taxpayer.
I don’t do quagmires.
Be precise. A lack of precision is dangerous when the margin of error is small.
Never assume the other fellow will not do something you wouldn’t do.
Enjoy your time in public service. It may well be one of the most interesting and challenging times of your life.
It isn’t making mistakes that’s critical; it’s correcting them and getting on with the principal task.
Most US presidents since World War II have led military actions without a declaration of war by Congress, though most, if not all, have properly consulted and sought support from Congress. That is the wise thing to do.
Oh my goodness gracious, what you can buy off the Internet in terms of overhead photography. A trained ape can know an awful lot of what is going on in this world, just by punching on his mouse, for a relatively modest cost.
Death has a tendency to encourage a depressing view of war.
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.