Jeane Kirkpatrick

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

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

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

“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.”

“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.”

“Power is not a dirty word.”

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

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

“History is a better guide than good intentions.”

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