Jeane Kirkpatrick

“A government is not legitimate merely because it exists.”

“The U.N. is an important symbol. It is a place where the world meets, a place where the world checks in.”

“What takes place in the Security Council more closely resembles a mugging than either a political debate or an effort at problem-solving.”

“Traditional authoritarian governments are less repressive than revolutionary autocracies.”

“Wealth is a tool of freedom. Poverty is a tool of oppression.”

“Human rights is a universal standard. It is a component of the human condition.”

“Power is not a dirty word.”

“They not only blame America first, they blame America exclusively.”

“When Marxist dictators shoot their way into power in Central America, the San Francisco Democrats don't blame the guerrillas and their Soviet allies, they blame United States policies of 100 years ago.”

“We live in a world in which force is still the final arbiter.”

“The first requirement of a statesman is that he be dull. This is not always easy to achieve.”

“History is a better guide than good intentions.”