You know, I don't know about this doctrine of…
![“You know, I don't know about this doctrine of assassination, but if [President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela] thinks we’re trying to assassinate him, I think that we really ought to go ahead and do it. It’s a whole lot cheaper than starting a war. And I don’t think any oil shipments will stop. [...] We…” quote by Pat Robertson](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/5c2/pat-robertson-1972_ability_you-know-i-don-t-know-about-this-doctrin_1056522.png)
“You know, I don't know about this doctrine of assassination, but if [President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela] thinks we’re trying to assassinate him, I think that we really ought to go ahead and do it. It’s a whole lot cheaper than starting a war. And I don’t think any oil shipments will stop. [...] We have the ability to take him out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability. We don't need another $200 billion war to get rid of one, you know, strong-arm dictator. It's a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job and then get it over with.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Advocates covert removal of a political leader as a cheaper alternative to war, emphasizing strategic advantage over direct conflict.
In simple terms: Suggests assassinating a dictator is cheaper than war.
Key Takeaway
Consider the moral and legal costs of covert actions.
Themes
politics
ethics
conflict
covert operations
war alternatives
Mood
cautious
critical
analytical
Type
political
controversial
ethical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- military strategy
- international relations
- human rights activism
Key Concepts
realpolitik
statecraft
morality
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it ever justified to use covert lethal force?
- What are the long‑term consequences of such actions?
A Different Perspective
Assassination can trigger retaliation and destabilize regions.