Show of Force Quotes

Synchronize the presentation of diplomatic notes with the arrival ... of a first-class warship with landing forces.

I'll open up a can of whoop-ass on you!

Those that are the loudest in their threats are the weakest in their actions.

A credible threat of force is only as good as the political will to use it.

I'm not someone who usually sends out threats. I warn only once. The day they touch one of my men, the rule of law is over.

Don't mess with me. I've got tanks.

If you've got a bazooka, and people know you've got it, you may not have to take it out.

If you have to fight a crowd of boys, it's best to go for the biggest one. That way you won't have to fight them all. The others will see that you mean business and you will win their respect.

If people know you have the big bazooka, you probably don't have to use it.

You have to bare your fangs once in a while.

Okay, here’s what we’re gonna do. We are not running away with our tail between our legs. I’ve already heard from Congress and that’s what they all want to do, get out tomorrow. We’re staying. We are also not gonna flatten Mogadishu to prove we are the big badass superpower. Everybody in the world knows we could do that. We don’t have to prove that to anybody. We are going to send in more troops, with tanks and aircraft and anything else they need. We are going to show force. And we are going to keep delivering the food. If anybody fucks with us, we will respond, massively. And we are going to get the U.N. to finally show up and take over. Tell Boutros he has six months to do that, not one day more. Then…then we will leave.

Whoever believes that a symbolic tank parade on the alliance's eastern border will bring security is mistaken.