"So we knew their intentions were to strike in the United States. We also knew from other sources of dozens of examples of where the notion of using planes as weapons was discussed"

This quote by Richard Ben-Veniste is describing the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. He is stating that the US government had anticipation of the attacks, as they knew the intents of the terrorists to strike in the US. Moreover, they knew other sources that went over the idea of using aircrafts as weapons. This recommends that the US government had some level of forewarning of the attacks, but failed to act upon it. This quote highlights the value of doing something about it on prospective dangers, as the United States government could have prevented the attacks if they had taken the required steps. It likewise works as a tip of the devastating consequences of not acting on possible hazards.