Accomplish Quote by Seymour Hersh
“They are people who, by and large, think the Administration's policy - and the Iranian case is a classic one - is very stupid. They can't get that view in, and so by talking to me, they accomplish something. It's a way of saying, this ought to be discussed, we got to get this out. That's a form of patriotism, in a funny way.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2009
He suggests that criticizing government policy publicly is a form of patriotism, even if done humorously
In simple terms: Criticizing policy can be patriotic
Key Takeaway
Speak up, even humorously
Themes
politics
patriotism
criticism
Mood
ironic
thoughtful
Type
political
commentary
When to use this quote
- media interviews
- policy debates
- public forums
Key Concepts
public discourse
civic duty
Questions to Reflect On
- How does humor affect political criticism?
- When is satire effective in policy discussion?
A Different Perspective
Humor may undermine seriousness of critique
![“Dissent is the highest form of patriotism. [Misattributed]” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f08/thomas-jefferson-43_dissent_dissent-is-the-highest-form-of-patriotis_1867064.jpg)
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
