Stuff. Happens.

"An Actor Stuff. Happens. The response of Donald Rumsfeld, the American Secretary of Defense when asked to comment on the widespread looting and pillage that followed the American conquest of Baghdad—Friday, April 11th, 2003:

Journalist What's your reponse, sir? Mr Secertary, how do you respond to the news of looting and pillage in Baghdad?

Rumsfeld I've seen the pictures. I've seen those pictures. I could take pictures in any city in America. Think what's happened in our cities when we've had riots, and problems, and looting. Stuff happens! But in terms of what's going on in that country, it is a fundamental misunderstanding to see those images over and over and over again of some boy walking out with a vase and say, 'Oh, my goodness, you didn't have a plan.' That's nonsense. They know what they're doing, and the're doing a terrific job. And it's untidy, and freedom's untidy, and free people are free to make mistakes and commit crimes and do bad tings. They're also free to live their lives and do wonderful things, and that's what's going to happen here."

David Hare, quoting Rummy in his brilliant and signally disturbing play Stuff Happens