The Federal Government should be the last resort, not the first. Ask … — Donald Rumsfeld

The Federal Government should be the last resort, not the first. Ask if a potential program is truly a federal responsibility or whether it can better be handled privately, by voluntary organizations, or by local or state governments.

Donald RumsfeldPolitician · American · b. 1932

More from Donald Rumsfeld

I think a failed state is the responsibility of the people who have made that state fail, and those are generally the people of that country. — Lakhdar Brahimi
From cutting back on state contracts to reducing the number of state cars, We're making state government smaller, smarter, more efficient, and more accountable. — Jim Doyle
At the state level, we must take a careful look at what went wrong and make sure it never happens again. The buck stops here, and as your governor, I take full responsibility. — Kathleen Blanco
Enjoy your time in public service. It may well be one of the most interesting and challenging times of your life. — Donald Rumsfeld
In the execution of Presidential decisions work to be true to his views, in fact and tone. — Donald Rumsfeld
When cutting staff at the Pentagon, don't eliminate the thin layer that assures civilian control. — Donald Rumsfeld