Meaning: The quote by William Scranton, a politician, reflects a moment of surprise and frustration when he discovered that an off-site release had occurred despite previous information indicating otherwise. The quote captures the feeling of being caught off guard by unexpected events and the challenge of processing new information that contradicts earlier reports.

In the context of the quote, "off-site release" likely refers to the release of a substance or material beyond the intended or controlled location. This could be related to industrial or environmental incidents, such as the release of pollutants, chemicals, or hazardous materials into the surrounding area. The mention of "what we know has happened" suggests that there was an initial understanding or assessment of the situation, only to be contradicted by the later revelation of the off-site release.

Scranton's statement conveys a sense of disbelief and lingering frustration over the turn of events. The use of the phrase "I still haven't gotten over that" suggests that the experience had a lasting impact on him, perhaps causing him to reassess the reliability of information and the challenges of managing unexpected developments in a high-stakes or critical situation.

The quote also touches on the broader theme of communication and decision-making in times of uncertainty or crisis. It highlights the complexity of managing and interpreting information, particularly when dealing with evolving or volatile situations. Scranton's experience serves as a reminder of the inherent uncertainty in crisis management and the need for agility and adaptability when new information emerges.

In the context of leadership and decision-making, the quote underscores the importance of staying vigilant and receptive to new developments, even when they challenge existing assumptions or narratives. It speaks to the need for leaders to remain open to changing their assessments and responses based on evolving information, and to acknowledge when initial understandings may have been incomplete or inaccurate.

Scranton's candid reflection on this experience may also serve as a lesson for others in positions of responsibility, encouraging them to acknowledge and learn from moments of surprise or disappointment. It underscores the value of humility and the recognition that even well-informed decisions can be upended by unforeseen events, requiring leaders to recalibrate their approach and decision-making process.

Overall, the quote by William Scranton captures a moment of personal frustration and disbelief at the discovery of an off-site release that contradicted earlier information. It serves as a thought-provoking reminder of the challenges of managing uncertainty, interpreting evolving information, and adapting to unexpected developments, particularly in high-stakes or critical situations.