"It took a deadly illness to put me eye to eye with that truth, but it is a truth that the country, caught up in its ruthless ambitions and moral decay, can learn on my dime"

This quote by Lee Atwater speaks with the concept that it typically takes a tragedy to make us recognize the truth. In this case, Atwater is describing a deadly disease that he experienced, that made him come face to face with the reality. He is suggesting that the country is captured up in its own aspirations and ethical decay, and that it can gain from his experience. He suggests that it is his misery that has allowed him to acquire this insight, and that the nation can benefit from it. This quote talks to the concept that often it takes a tragedy to make us recognize the fact, and that we can gain from the bad luck of others. It is a tip that we need to bear in mind our actions and strive to be much better individuals.