war quote

[quietann]

This I got from my father, who got it from my brother. I added the emphasis. The *source* is telling. Those who forget history are indeed bound to repeat it.

"Naturally, the common people don't want war, but after all, it is the leaders
of a country who determine the policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag
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. This 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. It works the same in
every country."

Hermann Goering, 1946

Comments

[bikergeek.livejournal.com]

I just know someone is going to read this and scream "urban legend! Goering never said that!" However, Snopes says this one is true.

[quietann.livejournal.com]

Thanks for checking this, though my brother was an English Lit major, and is a writer, so I trust him to check his sources.

[chhotii.livejournal.com]

heh.

Someone in W.'s administration took that message to heart.