Here richly, with ridiculous display,
The Politician’s corpse was laid away.
While all of his acquaintances sneered and slanged, I wept:
For I had longed to see him hanged.
The Politician’s corpse was laid away.
While all of his acquaintances sneered and slanged, I wept:
For I had longed to see him hanged.
--Hilaire Belloc
War is a Racket by Smedley Butler is a famous speech denouncing the military industrial complex. This speech by two-time Congressional Medal of Honor recipient exposes war profits that benefit few at the expense of many. Throughout his distinguished career in the Marines, Smedley Darlington Butler demonstrated that true patriotism does not mean blind allegiance to government policies with which one does not agree. To Hell with war.
*********
Smedley Darlington Butler (July 30, 1881 – June 21, 1940), nicknamed " The Fighting Quaker " and " Old Gimlet Eye ", was a Major General in the U.S. Marine Corps and, at the time of his death, the most decorated Marine in U.S. history.
During his 34 years of Marine Corps service, Butler was awarded numerous medals for heroism including the Marine Corps Brevet Medal (the highest Marine medal at its time for officers), and subsequently the Medal of Honor twice. Notably, he is one of only 19 people to be twice awarded the Medal of Honor, and one of only three to be awarded a Marine Corps Brevet Medal and a Medal of Honor, and the only person to be awarded a Marine Corps Brevet Medal and a Medal of Honor for two different actions.
In addition to his military career, Smedley Butler was noted for his outspoken anti- interventionist views, and his book War is a Racket.
His book was one of the first works describing the workings of the military-industrial complex and after retiring from service, he became a popular speaker at meetings organized by veterans, pacifists and church groups in the 1930s.
Justified war is a war of defense. On the American side WWII was a justifiable war to stop the Nazis.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteThe war of Darius against Greece was a war of conquest. It could be said that was a racket. But the Greeks defending their homeland?
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteIt is always fun to post some of his quotes and watch the NeoCons and Chickenhawks (usually the same critter) denounce him as a pajama boy who needs a safe space. When you point out that he was a highly decorated Marine, they sputter and whine and slink off.
ReplyDeleteNorm for those who wish to control you.
DeleteHis words still ring true. Interesting to note, that Kipling was of the same mind, when he penned; "If any question why we died, tell them, because our fathers lied."
ReplyDeleteBTW, I read his book, War is a Racket. It ought to be required reading by our children.
"If any question why we died, tell them, because our fathers lied."
DeleteAbsolutely.
==================
BTW, I read his book, War is a Racket. It ought to be required reading by our children.
& me, since I haven't. :) Thanks.
The trouble with America is that when the dollar only earns 6 percent over here, then it gets restless and goes overseas to get 100 percent. Then the flag follows the dollar and the soldiers follow the flag. Smedley Butler
ReplyDeleteHave a great PATCON, Brock.
Thanks and come for the fall one if you can.
Delete