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About this quote

What does it mean?
Quayle assigns direct responsibility for violence to the individuals committing it, avoiding broader systemic explanations.
In plain terms
People who riot or kill are responsible for their own actions.
What can you take from it?
Individuals bear responsibility for their violent acts.

Where it applies

  • political debates on unrest
  • assigning guilt
  • public safety discussions

Putting it to work

  • debating riot responses
  • discussing criminal liability

Questions to consider

  • Who holds power to prevent violence?
  • Is individual blame enough?

Another view

It ignores underlying causes like poverty or policy that may contribute to unrest.

More from Dan Quayle

  1. 'We are ready for any unforeseen event that may or may not occur.'

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  2. 'Illegitimacy is something we should talk about in terms of not having it.'

    Permalink to quote #16
  3. 'For NASA, space is still a high priority.'

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