Thought of the day
"Why of course the people don't want war ... But after all it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship ... Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger."
~ Hermann Goering, Nazi leader, at the Nuremberg Trials after World War II
posted by Wayne Smallman at Tuesday, March 22, 2005
3 Comments:
I find the meaning, intent and just the general off-handedness of the quote a little unsettling.
I never imagined such blasé cynicism to be seen coming from the mouth of anyone before the 1960's
This could be a quote from any contemporary leader today...
Scarily prophetic!
Gindy, perhaps you are right. Common people do not want war.. they often do not understand the larger geopolitical issues. But, you do not have to denounce the pacifists/opposing voices as traitors. That is what scares me. People should be able to voice their opposition (especially if they are making sense at some level) without being criticized as anti-nationals.
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