Collapsed Quote by Dick Cheney
“We were trying to get all of the planes down out of the sky. And we watched as the towers of the World Trade Center collapsed - something no one expected and anticipated. And you could sit there and see and be aware that thousands of people were at that moment being killed as a result of the terrorist attacks that struck the United States.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: 2002 Congressional Hearing, United States, 2002
The speaker describes the shock and horror of witnessing the 9/11 attacks, emphasizing the unexpected devastation and massive loss of life.
In simple terms: Witnessing unexpected disaster and massive loss of life.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the impact of sudden crises.
Themes
tragedy
terrorism
shock
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
historical
emotional
When to use this quote
- emergency response
- media coverage
- public mourning
- policy making
Key Concepts
Human vulnerability
collective trauma
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we prepare for unforeseen catastrophes?
- What responsibilities do leaders have in such moments?
A Different Perspective
The account may lack broader context of the event’s causes and aftermath.
![“Speaking as a New Yorker, I found it a shocking and terrifying event [9/11], particularly the scale of it. At bottom, it was an implacable desire to do harm to innocent people. It was aimed at symbols: the World Trade Center, the heart of American capitalism, and the Pentagon, the headquarters of…” quote by Edward Said](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5b5/edward-said-6412_american-capitalism_speaking-as-a-new-yorker-i-found-it-a-sh_550498.jpg)
![“It's hard for me to believe that it [World Trade Center Building 7] came down by itself... Twenty years from now, people will look at 9-11 the way we look at the assassination of JFK today. It couldn't possibly have been done the way the government told us.” quote by Andrew Napolitano](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/57a/andrew-napolitano-37145_assassination_it-s-hard-for-me-to-believe-that-it-worl_2673210.jpg)
![“[In response to the question "Do you think that you underestimated the insurgency's strength?"] I think so. I guess if I look back on it now, I don't think anybody anticipated the level of violence that we've encountered.” quote by Dick Cheney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/381/dick-cheney-1810_ifs_in-response-to-the-question-do-you-think_74078.jpg)
