JW

James Woolsey

28quotes

James Woolsey: A Life of Public Service and Intellect


Full Name and Common Aliases


James Richard Woolsey Jr. is the full name of this distinguished public servant, often referred to as Jim Woolsey.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on October 2, 1941, in New York City, James Woolsey passed away on July 18, 2020, at the age of 78.

Nationality and Profession(s)


James Woolsey is an American lawyer and politician who served as a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director from 1993 to 1995 and as the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy in the George H.W. Bush administration.

Early Life and Background


Woolsey was born into a prominent family; his father, James Richard Woolsey Sr., was a former Assistant Secretary of State under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This familial connection to public service likely influenced Woolsey's decision to pursue a career in government. After graduating from Yale University in 1963, Woolsey earned his law degree from Columbia Law School in 1969.

Major Accomplishments


Woolsey's tenure as CIA Director was marked by significant events, including the agency's involvement in Operation Desert Storm during the Gulf War. He played a key role in shaping U.S. intelligence policy and improving the CIA's relationship with Congress. As Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Woolsey worked closely with General Colin Powell to develop the Department of Defense's strategic plans.

Notable Works or Actions


In addition to his government service, Woolsey has been an outspoken advocate on various issues, including energy security, cybersecurity, and nuclear proliferation. He has also served as a senior advisor to several organizations, including the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

Impact and Legacy


Woolsey's impact on U.S. foreign policy and national security is undeniable. His work in shaping the CIA's post-Cold War direction helped to modernize the agency's operations. As a vocal advocate for energy independence, Woolsey played a key role in promoting the development of liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


James Woolsey is widely quoted and remembered due to his extensive experience in national security and foreign policy. His insights on emerging threats, such as cybersecurity and nuclear proliferation, have contributed significantly to public discourse. As a respected voice on energy security, Woolsey has helped shape U.S. policy on LNG imports, demonstrating the practical application of his expertise.

Throughout his career, James Woolsey demonstrated a commitment to public service and intellectual curiosity. His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of informed decision-making in shaping national security policies.

Quotes by James Woolsey

My family, we're all WASPs.
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My family, we're all WASPs.
JW
a lot harder to keep track of than the dragon ever was.
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a lot harder to keep track of than the dragon ever was.
JW
#dragon
You can't expect the insurance industry to do something out of the goodness of its heart. But you might be able to combine incentives ... and regulation in a way that still lets the market work.
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You can't expect the insurance industry to do something out of the goodness of its heart. But you might be able to combine incentives ... and regulation in a way that still lets the market work.
JW
#combine
It has to be looked at in the context of whether this interim agreement is a valuable agreement and if releasing Pollard ... contributes to it. That's a presidential decision. That's why the president makes the big bucks.
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It has to be looked at in the context of whether this interim agreement is a valuable agreement and if releasing Pollard ... contributes to it. That's a presidential decision. That's why the president makes the big bucks.
JW
#agreement
If you own a chemical plant and leak a little benzene, you're in big trouble because everyone knows how carcinogenic it is. But coming out of a tailpipe? The government never does anything about that.
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If you own a chemical plant and leak a little benzene, you're in big trouble because everyone knows how carcinogenic it is. But coming out of a tailpipe? The government never does anything about that.
JW
#chemical
They are looking hard for technology to get leverage with their conventional forces and to move more quickly than they have been able to in the past into the world of computers, electronics and so on.
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They are looking hard for technology to get leverage with their conventional forces and to move more quickly than they have been able to in the past into the world of computers, electronics and so on.
JW
#forces
For anyone who believes that this is purely a commercial undertaking, unrelated to a national strategy of domination of energy markets and of the western Pacific, I would suggest that that view is extraordinarily naive.
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For anyone who believes that this is purely a commercial undertaking, unrelated to a national strategy of domination of energy markets and of the western Pacific, I would suggest that that view is extraordinarily naive.
JW
#anyone
It's as if we were fighting with dragon for some 45 years and slew the dragon and then found ourselves in a jungle full of a number of poisonous snakes.
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It's as if we were fighting with dragon for some 45 years and slew the dragon and then found ourselves in a jungle full of a number of poisonous snakes.
JW
#fights-and-fighting
As we move toward a new Middle East, ... over the years and, I think, over the decades to come ... we will make a lot of people very nervous.
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As we move toward a new Middle East, ... over the years and, I think, over the decades to come ... we will make a lot of people very nervous.
JW
#decades
As we move toward a new Middle East, over the years and, I think, over the decades to come, we will make a lot of people very nervous.
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As we move toward a new Middle East, over the years and, I think, over the decades to come, we will make a lot of people very nervous.
JW
#decades
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