“But tending machinery was one thing; defining what we were trying to do and why …” — Elliot Richardson

The idea of being in the State Department was exciting. On the other hand, I always had in the back of my mind going into politics. If I stayed in Washington, I might end up a government hack.

The experience of learning how to get straight to the core of a problem proved to be of immense value later when I had a long succession of responsibilities in large, complex government departments.

People have moved beyond apathy, beyond skepticism into deep cynicism.

My most important task must be an attempt to bring the monster under democratic direction and control.