Barack Quote by Thomas Sowell
“Barack Obama has done more than anyone else to promote the dangerous illusion that we can choose whether to have a war or not. But our enemies have already made that choice. Retired Marine Corps General James Mattis said: “No war is over until the enemy says it's over. We may think it's over, we may declare it over, but in fact, the enemy gets a vote“.”
About This Quote
War is decided by adversaries, not by public opinion or political rhetoric.
In simple terms: Conflicts end when the enemy concedes.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of influence over others.
Themes
politics
war
perception
Mood
critical
serious
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- military strategy
- public discourse
Key Concepts
realism
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence shows enemy agency in conflicts?
- How can leaders avoid illusion of control?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on rhetoric can ignore ground realities.
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![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
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