Lee H. Hamilton
Lee H. Hamilton
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Lee H. Hamilton was born on December 9, 1931, in Dundee, Ohio. He is commonly known by his initials, L.H.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: December 9, 1931
Still alive as of this writing
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Lee H. Hamilton is an American politician and diplomat from Indiana. Throughout his career, he has served in various roles, including congressman, committee chair, and diplomat.
Early Life and Background
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Hamilton grew up in a rural area near Dundee, Ohio. His family moved to Indiana when he was 12 years old. He earned a Bachelor's degree in History from DePauw University in 1952 and later received his law degree from the same institution. Hamilton began his career as an attorney before entering politics.
Major Accomplishments
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Hamilton served as a U.S. Representative for Indiana's 9th congressional district from 1965 to 1999. During his tenure, he held several leadership positions, including:
Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs (1987-1991)
Chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (1977-1980 and 1985-1986)
He also served as a member of the 9/11 Commission in 2004.
Notable Works or Actions
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Hamilton played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during his time in Congress. He was an advocate for diplomacy and international cooperation, working to strengthen alliances with key partners like Europe and Japan. Hamilton also championed the cause of human rights, advocating for greater attention to these issues within U.S. foreign policy.
In 2004, he co-chaired the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission) alongside former Governor Tom Kean. The commission's report provided a detailed analysis of the events surrounding the September 11 attacks and offered recommendations for future counterterrorism efforts.
Impact and Legacy
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Lee H. Hamilton's legacy is marked by his commitment to public service, international cooperation, and human rights. His work on the 9/11 Commission helped shape U.S. counterterrorism policies in the years following the attacks.
Hamilton has received numerous awards for his contributions to diplomacy and international relations, including the National Academy of Public Administration's Gold Medal Award in 2007. In recognition of his dedication to public service, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Lee H. Hamilton is widely quoted and remembered for his thought-provoking insights on foreign policy, international relations, and diplomacy. His commitment to public service has inspired countless individuals across various fields. As a respected voice in American politics, he continues to offer valuable perspectives on the complexities of international affairs.
Hamilton's dedication to bipartisanship and cooperation is particularly noteworthy in today's polarized political climate. His work serves as a reminder that effective governance requires collaboration between individuals from diverse backgrounds and ideologies.
As his legacy endures, Lee H. Hamilton remains an influential figure in American politics, continuing to shape the conversation on international relations through his writing, public speaking, and advocacy efforts.
Quotes by Lee H. Hamilton
When you’re talking with a person at this level of the government, at the very highest level, I think you have to be very discreet because he, President Clinton, is very aware that anything he says publicly can have a profound impact on American politics and on world politics.
Putting together a counter- terrorism policy, it’s very easy to look at law enforcement or defense, military action or stopping the money flows or whatever, but the really difficult part is integrating all aspects of the policy, and I think she put a lot of emphasis on that.
But in the end our government usually – not unfailingly – is responsive to the people; and usually – not always – will try to do what is right.
One half of the world’s people live on less than two dollars a day. This should concern our national security policy as well as our conscience.
Foreign policy always has more force and punch when the nation speaks with one voice. To remain secure, prosperous, and free, the United States must continue to lead. That leadership requires a president and Congress working together to fashion a foreign policy with broad, bipartisan support. A foreign policy of unity is essential if the United States is to promote its values and interests effectively and help to build a safer, freer, and more prosperous world.
When you're talking with a person at this level of the government, at the very highest level, I think you have to be very discreet because he, President Clinton, is very aware that anything he says publicly can have a profound impact on American politics and on world politics.
I cannot remember a national security advisor testing in public, under oath, talking at length about policy matters, and that's an unusual event.
I hope the product is being sharpened from what we saw. We saw a lot of things that were unsubstantiated, that were almost in the rumor category.