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:freedom is never granted. It is earned by each generation: in the face of tyranny, cruelty, oppression, extremism, sometimes there is only one choice. When the world looks to America, America looks to you, and you never let her down: I have never lost faith in America's essential goodness and greatness: I have 35 years of experience, fighting for real change: the American people and our American military cannot want freedom and stability for the Iraqis more than they want it for themselves: we should have stayed focused on wiping out the Taliban and finding, killing, capturing bin Laden and his chief lieutenants: I also made a full commitment to martial American power, resources and values in the global fight against these terrorists. That begins with ensuring that America does have the world's strongest and smartest military force. We've begun to change tactics in Iraq, and in some areas, particularly in Al Anbar province, it's working: We can't be fighting the last war. We have to be preparing to fight the new war: We've got to be prepared to maintain the best fighting force in the world. I propose increasing the size of our Army by 80,000 soldiers, balancing the legacy systems with newer programs to help us keep our technological edge: I'm fighting for a Cold War medal for everyone who served our country during the Cold War, because you were on the front lines of battling communism. Well, now we're on the front lines of battling terrorism, extremism, and we have to win. Our commitment to freedom, to tolerance, to economic opportunity has inspired people around the world: American values are not just about America, but they speak to the human dignity, the God-given spark that resides in each and every person across the world: We are a good and great nation.

Hillary Clinton#31

WarMilitaryTerrorismAmericaFreedom

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker emphasizes earning freedom through struggle, America's role in it, and the need to focus on defeating terrorists.
In plain terms
Freedom must be earned against tyranny, and America must lead in defeating terrorists.
What can you take from it?
Freedom is earned through struggle and requires strong military action.

Where it applies

  • foreign policy debates
  • military strategy
  • international leadership

Putting it to work

  • prioritizing counterterrorism
  • maintaining military strength

Questions to consider

  • Is freedom ever truly granted?
  • What defines a just military intervention?

Another view

It assumes military force is the primary solution to instability.

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