Ability Quote by Pat Robertson
![“We have the ability to take him [President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez] 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…” quote by Pat Robertson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/194/pat-robertson-1972_ability_we-have-the-ability-to-take-him-presiden_23256.jpg)
“We have the ability to take him [President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez] 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
Advocates covert action to remove a political leader, arguing it's cheaper and less destructive than full-scale war.
In simple terms: Calls for secret ops to eliminate a dictator.
Key Takeaway
Covert removal over conventional conflict.
Themes
political power
covert operations
ethical considerations
war economics
authoritarianism
Mood
determined
strategic
critical
Type
political statement
policy advocacy
When to use this quote
- government decision‑making
- intelligence community planning
- public debate on intervention
Key Concepts
foreign policy
military strategy
human rights
Practical Applications
- policy recommendation for covert action
- strategic analysis of intervention costs
Questions to Reflect On
- What legal frameworks govern covert regime change?
- How do covert ops compare ethically to open warfare?
A Different Perspective
Such actions risk violating international law and can cause unintended civilian harm.
![“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/quotes/img-quotes/5c2/pat-robertson-1972_ability_you-know-i-don-t-know-about-this-doctrin_1056522.jpg)
![“If he [Hugo Chavez] thinks we're trying to assassinate him, I think that we really ought to go ahead and do it.” quote by Pat Robertson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/15c/pat-robertson-1972_chavez_if-he-hugo-chavez-thinks-we-re-trying-to_2881249.jpg)
![“I believe that he [Jesus] is Lord of the government, and the church, and business and education, and, hopefully, one day, Lord of the press. I see him involved in everything. And that's why I don't want to stay just in the church, as such. I want the church to move into the world.” quote by Pat Robertson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cc/pat-robertson-1972_believe_i-believe-that-he-jesus-is-lord-of-the-g_141065.jpg)
