DONALD RUMSFELD BOOK - 'RUMSFELD RULES'

Dear Patriot,

Some years ago I was at a dinner party in Washington. A number of well-known figures were there from the mainstream media, politics and world leaders, including the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. At some point the conversation turned to a discussion of all the things that the guests believed were going wrong in America. There was criticism of our troops and of the Bush administration and the like. 

I rose from the table, placed my hand down hard enough that the glasses and silverware clinked. I announced to the gathering that I didn’t believe that “America is what’s wrong with the world.” Then I told my surprised dinner partners that Joyce and I were going home, before dessert had ended.

America is a great country. We are compassionate people, the most generous on earth. Our military is a force for good. Our Constitution and our free market system make our nation the envy of the world. We don’t need to apologize for our country. We need to appreciate that “America is not what's wrong with the world,” and we need leaders who do as well.


That’s why I made that comment a rule of mine, and why I included it in my new book released this week, titled Rumsfeld’s Rules. It is a collection of maxims, lessons, and anecdotes I have collected over a long life — covering my experiences as a Naval aviator, a member of Congress, an ambassador, a Secretary of Defense, and a CEO. I hope you will read it.

There are lessons that can be applied to what’s happening in our country today. For example:

“The trouble with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.”
— Margaret Thatcher

“We cannot ensure success, but we can deserve it.”
— George Washington

“Don’t be afraid to see what you see.”
— Ronald Reagan

“Learn to say ‘I don’t know.’ If used when appropriate, it will be often.”

“Weakness is provocative. Time and again weakness has invited adventures which strength might well have deterred.”

“Beware when an idea is promoted as ‘bold, innovative, and new.’ There are some ideas that are ‘bold, innovative and new’ but are also foolish.”

“If you're not being criticized, you may not be doing much.”


P.S. You might consider ordering the book in time for graduation parties or Father’s Day. If you are interested in learning more, visit my website.