Dick Thornburgh Quotes

Powerful Dick Thornburgh for Daily Growth

About Dick Thornburgh

Dick Thornburgh (1932-2020) was an accomplished American attorney and statesman who served as both Governor of Pennsylvania and U.S. Attorney General. Born on October 15, 1932, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he grew up with a strong sense of public service instilled by his parents – particularly his father, who was a prominent lawyer and mayor of Shadyside, PA. Thornburgh graduated from the University of Chicago Law School in 1958 and began practicing law in Pittsburgh, eventually co-founding the law firm Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC. His legal career catapulted him into politics when he was appointed Pennsylvania's Attorney General by then-Governor Milton Shapp in 1971. He served as attorney general until 1979, when he was elected governor of his home state and reelected in 1982. During his tenure as Governor, Thornburgh focused on addressing environmental issues, promoting economic development, and advocating for increased education funding. Notably, he played a crucial role in establishing the Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Development Program to regulate hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in Pennsylvania. Thornburgh's political career reached its pinnacle when he was appointed U.S. Attorney General by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, serving until 1991. As the nation's chief law enforcement officer, Thornburgh prioritized combating organized crime and protecting civil rights, earning him a reputation as a fair and effective public servant. After leaving office, Thornburgh continued to be involved in various civic organizations, advocating for issues such as environmental conservation, disaster response, and homeland security. He was also a prolific writer, publishing numerous articles on political and policy matters in publications like The New York Times and The Washington Post. Throughout his life, Dick Thornburgh served as an exemplar of integrity, commitment to public service, and bipartisan collaboration, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future generations of leaders.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The United States Constitution is not a suicide pact."

Dick Thornburgh's quote, "The United States Constitution is not a suicide pact," implies that the U.S. Constitution should not be interpreted in such a way as to harm or endanger the nation or its citizens unnecessarily. It suggests a balance between individual rights and the collective good, emphasizing the importance of upholding the Constitution in a manner that safeguards the country's stability and security without putting its existence at risk.


"We cannot be guided by fear; we must be guided by hope and vision."

This quote emphasizes the importance of optimism, progress, and a forward-looking mindset in decision-making and leadership. The author suggests that fear should not dictate our actions but rather, we should be driven by hope and a clear vision for the future. In other words, it encourages us to focus on positive outcomes and possibilities, instead of being paralyzed by fear or uncertainty. This quote serves as a reminder that progress and overcoming challenges can only be achieved through courage and a belief in a better tomorrow.


"The great thing about leadership is the opportunity to change things for the better."

This quote emphasizes the transformative potential that leadership offers. It suggests that leaders have the power to bring about positive changes, improve situations, and make a difference in people's lives. The opportunity to lead implies responsibility, but also the chance to effect meaningful improvements. Essentially, it encapsulates the idea that effective leadership is not just about maintaining the status quo, but about driving progress and betterment for all.


"The responsibility of leadership is to anticipate the consequences and manage risk."

This quote by Dick Thornburgh emphasizes that leaders are not merely reactive, but proactive in their approach. They should predict potential outcomes (consequences) of decisions or actions and take measures to mitigate the associated risks. In other words, effective leadership involves foresight, careful consideration, and strategic planning to minimize negative impacts while maximizing positive results. This perspective highlights the importance of prudent decision-making, adaptability, and a forward-thinking mindset in leadership roles.


"In times of change, courage is what's called for. The courage to shape a future that is sustainable, just and equitable."

This quote by Dick Thornburgh emphasizes the necessity of courage during periods of change. He is suggesting that as we navigate through transformative times, it takes bravery to create a future that is not only resilient but also fair and inclusive. In essence, he encourages us to have the courage to strive for positive, long-lasting change that benefits all members of society, while ensuring sustainability for future generations.


Yet, Puerto Rico's economic convergence and political integration with the rest of the nation is in a state of arrest - even though the island has been within the national borders, political system and customs territory of the U.S. for a century.

- Dick Thornburgh

Nation, Been, Convergence, Arrest

As the highest ranking American official in the United Nations organization, I came to understand thoroughly that the national constitutional processes of the member states define the status of territories under their sovereignty.

- Dick Thornburgh

Processes, Thoroughly, Territories

If Congress does its job in this regard, the residents of Puerto Rico will be empowered to act in their own self-interest and express their future political status aspirations accordingly.

- Dick Thornburgh

Puerto Rico, Accordingly, Aspirations

Specifically, the reservation of sovereignty to the people of the states in matters not governed by federal law is constitutionally defined and permanently enshrined in the 10th Amendment.

- Dick Thornburgh

Law, Amendment, Enshrined, Specifically

The capacity of the commonwealth government created under the local constitution to exercise governmental powers in local affairs is like that of local government in the states of the union in regard to non-federal affairs at the local level.

- Dick Thornburgh

Constitution, Like, Level, Local Level

After one hundred years of federal rule, the United States House of Representatives has moved to provide for the first meaningful route to self-determination for the Puerto Rican people under our federal system.

- Dick Thornburgh

United, Hundred, Moved, Hundred Years

The political status legislation which emerged in Congress in 1990 and 1991 did not receive the support needed for enactment into law during my tenure as Attorney General.

- Dick Thornburgh

Law, Which, Receive, Attorney

Instead of generating either unnecessary alarm or a false sense of security regarding these fundamental issues, the best course is to empower people with the truth.

- Dick Thornburgh

Empower, False, Unnecessary, Alarm

The powers of government exercised locally derive from a federal law authorizing government by consent in local affairs only, unless those affairs are otherwise governed by federal law.

- Dick Thornburgh

Law, Consent, Otherwise, Affairs

If U.S. national sovereignty continues, it is only as a state that Puerto Rico will have permanent 10th Amendment powers over its non-federal affairs, as well as voting power in Congress.

- Dick Thornburgh

Puerto Rico, Over, Amendment, Affairs

However, the sovereignty of the states is constitutionally defined and recognized, while the powers of the local government in Puerto Rico are defined by, and subject to alteration under, federal statutory law.

- Dick Thornburgh

Law, Puerto Rico, However, Defined

Internal self-government under a local constitution was authorized by Congress and approved by the residents in 1952, but federal law is supreme in Puerto Rico and residents do not have voting representation in the Congress.

- Dick Thornburgh

Law, Constitution, Internal, Authorized

Federal program and services outlay in Puerto Rico is approximately $10 billion per year.

- Dick Thornburgh

Puerto Rico, Puerto, Billion, Approximately

In historical and constitutional terms, the recent political status vote in Puerto Rico was a necessary but obviously not decisive step on the road of self-determination leading to full self-government.

- Dick Thornburgh

Puerto Rico, Necessary, Recent

Yet, individuals and corporations in Puerto Rico pay no federal income tax.

- Dick Thornburgh

Puerto Rico, Income, Puerto, Corporations

Now that the there is a path for the people of Puerto Rico to express their self-determination on Puerto Rico's political status, there are some who seek to block that path.

- Dick Thornburgh

Political, Puerto Rico, Some, Block

It is quite understandable that Puerto Ricans seek to preserve a cultural sense of identity without separating politically from U.S. national sovereignty.

- Dick Thornburgh

Sense, Preserve, Politically, Separating

Apparently tired of waiting for clear direction from Congress, the people of Puerto Rico have used the tools provided by their own local constitution to schedule a vote for Dec. 13 on the status of the island.

- Dick Thornburgh

Waiting, Constitution, Rico

That is why, with optimism instead of fear, all those who want to see Puerto Rico's status resolved should seek the truth about each option, including the upside and the downside of each.

- Dick Thornburgh

Want, Including, Downside, Rico

The need for a permanent status resolution approved by Congress is made even more clear to me because of my experience as a former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.

- Dick Thornburgh

Need, United, United Nations, Status

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