Politics is human beings; it's addition rather than subtraction

Politics is human beings; it's addition rather than subtraction

Donald Rumsfeld, the former Secretary of Defense under President George W. Bush, is a polarizing figure in American politics. Known for his controversial decisions during the Iraq War and his role in the handling of the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse scandal, Rumsfeld has been both praised and criticized for his actions while in office. However, one thing that cannot be denied is his belief in the importance of politics as a means of bringing people together rather than tearing them apart.

Rumsfeld once famously said, “Politics is human beings; it's addition rather than subtraction.” This statement encapsulates his view that politics should be about building relationships and finding common ground rather than creating division and discord. Rumsfeld believed that through dialogue and compromise, people of differing opinions could come together to find solutions to complex problems.

Throughout his career, Rumsfeld worked to bridge the gap between political parties and ideologies. He believed that by working together, people could achieve more than by working alone. Rumsfeld was known for his ability to reach across the aisle and work with members of both parties to pass legislation and make important decisions.

Rumsfeld’s belief in the power of politics as a force for good was evident in his approach to foreign policy. He believed that through diplomacy and negotiation, countries could avoid conflict and find peaceful solutions to their differences. Rumsfeld worked tirelessly to build relationships with leaders around the world in an effort to promote peace and stability.

Despite his controversial decisions and actions, Rumsfeld’s belief in the importance of politics as a means of bringing people together remains a powerful legacy. His words serve as a reminder that politics is ultimately about people and the relationships they build with one another. By focusing on addition rather than subtraction, Rumsfeld believed that politics could be a force for positive change in the world.