We are in this business, whether it be intelligence or the government, to protect freedom, democracy and liberty, not to violate that.

In this quote, John O. Brennan emphasizes the primary goal of working in fields such as intelligence or government—to protect freedom, democracy, and liberty. He stresses that these ideals are the foundation of the work being done by intelligence agencies and government institutions, and that their purpose should always align with safeguarding these core values. Brennan underscores that the very nature of these roles is to uphold and defend the principles that define a free society, not to undermine or violate them.

Brennan’s statement serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibilities that come with working in national security and governance. He implies that while the methods used in intelligence gathering or government action may sometimes be difficult or controversial, they must always serve the greater good of preserving democratic values and ensuring the safety and rights of citizens. His words suggest that protecting liberty should always be the guiding principle in any action taken by intelligence agencies or government entities.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Brennan’s extensive career in the CIA, particularly during his time as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Throughout his career, Brennan was often involved in shaping policies and making decisions on sensitive intelligence matters, which required him to balance national security concerns with the need to protect individual rights. His statement reflects his belief that any actions taken by intelligence agencies should align with constitutional principles and democratic ideals.

Ultimately, Brennan’s quote reinforces the idea that intelligence work and government service must be driven by the duty to protect fundamental freedoms and ensure that power is used responsibly. By highlighting freedom, democracy, and liberty as the core values of these institutions, he advocates for a balance between national security and the protection of civil liberties, ensuring that efforts to safeguard the nation never compromise the principles that make it free.