Quotes from Robert M Gates

I concluded by saying that the SEALs in that room truly gave meaning to George Orwell's observation that people sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf. page 546

in most of these cases, integrity and courage were ultimately rewarded professionally. In a perfect world, that should always happen. But sadly, in the real world it does not, and I will not pretend there is no risk. You will, at some point or another, work for a jackass. We all have. That is why speaking up often requires courage. But that does not make taking a stand any less necessary for the sake of our country. Page 467