We must either reduce the number of our engagements or increase the number of our troops.

Meaning of the quote

If we have too many things we need to do, we have two choices: do fewer things or have more people to help us. The quote means that if we have too many responsibilities or problems to deal with, we can either cut back on what we're trying to do or get more people to help us. It's about finding the right balance between the work we need to do and the resources we have available to get it all done.

About Adam Schiff

Adam Schiff is an American lawyer, author, and politician who has served as a U.S. representative from California since 2001. He previously served in the California State Senate and has been involved in several high-profile impeachment trials. Schiff is now a candidate in the 2024 U.S. Senate election in California.

More about the author

More quotes from Adam Schiff

But even race-neutral policies and recruitment efforts designed to achieve greater diversity are, in the end, not race neutral.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

While our country has made great strides in breaking down the barriers which for so long denied equal opportunity to all Americans, we are not yet the beautiful symphony of brotherhood of Dr. King’s dream.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

But it is equally incontrovertible that if our intelligence gathering process is seriously flawed, we had better find out and find out fast if we are to avoid another Sept. 11.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

The new century has brought on its own terrible dangers, which although not reaching the apocalyptic potential of the Cold War, still have the capacity to shake our world.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

Our failure to find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq thus far has been deeply troubling, and our intelligence-gathering process needs thorough and unbiased investigation.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

So let us call genocide, genocide. Let us not minimize the deliberate murder of 1.5 million people. Let us have a moral victory that can shine as a light to all nations.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

It is now conventional wisdom that Americans do not care why we went to war in Iraq, that it is enough that the world is better off without Saddam Hussein.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

An America that inspires hope in its ideals must complement an America that inspires awe in its strength.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

If giving points to some students to achieve greater diversity is a quota system in violation of the Constitution, how can the awarding of points to the children of a less diverse alumni be upheld?

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

The war in Iraq has been extremely divisive here at home, and has also divided the world community.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

The prompt assimilation of that intelligence will be essential if we are to avoid another September 11th.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

Each year on the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth, America has the opportunity to reflect on our nation’s progress towards the realization of his dream.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

Some argue that recognition of the genocide has become even more problematic now, when the world is at war with terrorism and the United States cannot afford to offend the sensibility of our Turkish ally.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

At the very top state institutions, like UCLA, Berkeley and the University of Texas, however, the trend of downward minority enrollment remains persistent and discouraging.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

Americans are blessed with great plenty; we are a generous people and we have a moral obligation to assist those who are suffering from poverty, disease, war and famine.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

Unquestionably, the world is better off without Saddam.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

We must either reduce the number of our engagements or increase the number of our troops.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

Neither the University of Michigan nor its law school uses a quota system.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

Democracies are poor breeding grounds for terrorism and war.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

Notwithstanding these setbacks, the dream of a beautiful American orchestra goes on, and I share Dr. King’s faith that each year we move inexorably closer to a magnificent opening night.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

Much has changed since the end of the Cold War that augurs well for the survival of our nation.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

In fact, the converse is true: At a time when the United States has been called on for a level of moral leadership, vision and inspiration not seen since World War II, we cannot afford to dissemble about crimes against humanity.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

The legacy of the Armenian Genocide is woven into the fabric of America.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

We will not let terrorists change our way of life; we will not live in fear; and we will not undermine the civil liberties that characterize our Democracy.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

America has a critical role to play as the most powerful member of the world community.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

Although every step must be taken to protect against a chemical or biological attack in America, our nation would survive the use of those weapons as we did when anthrax was mailed to our Capitol and other targets.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

Unless action is taken soon – unless we can display the same vision of that earlier period – we will lose the treasure of California’s open space and environmental beauty.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)

And in this community, as in all others, the Golden Rule still applies – we must be act toward other nations as we would have them act towards America.

Adam Schiff

American politician (born 1960)