It's disrespectful to tell the French in the morning that you're going to reduce the debt, in the evening that you're not going to make any savings, and the next morning, after thinking about it, that you're going to spend more.

Summary

This quote highlights the importance of consistency and integrity in making promises or commitments. It suggests that it is disrespectful and unreliable to change one's stance abruptly, especially on financial matters. The reference to the French serves as an example, emphasizing that regardless of the audience, making contradictory statements creates confusion and erodes trust. The quote underscores the need for politicians or individuals to carefully consider their words and actions, recognizing the impact it has on others and the significance of keeping one's word.