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Action Quote by Dick Cheney

“...And while everybody was tremendously impressed with the low cost of the conflict, for the 146 Americans who were killed in action and for their families, it wasn't a cheap war. And the question in my mind is how many additional American casualties is Saddam worth? And the answer is not very…” quote by Dick Cheney
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“...And while everybody was tremendously impressed with the low cost of the conflict, for the 146 Americans who were killed in action and for their families, it wasn't a cheap war. And the question in my mind is how many additional American casualties is Saddam worth? And the answer is not very damned many.”

Dick Cheney

About This Quote

Source Speech: Congressional testimony, 2003, United States

The speaker highlights the human cost of war, questioning the justification of casualties versus perceived benefits.

In simple terms: War is not cheap when lives are lost.

Key Takeaway

Consider the true cost of conflict.

Themes

war ethics human cost politics

Mood

somber critical

Type

political ethical

When to use this quote

  • military planning
  • public debate
  • family impact
  • political rhetoric

Key Concepts

casualties value of life policy decisions

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we weigh human lives against strategic goals?
  • What alternatives could reduce casualties?
A Different Perspective

The quote may oversimplify complex geopolitical calculations.

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