A chilling and pertinent quote

[casualbb]

"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 convince them they are under attack, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger."
-- Hermann Goering, at the Nuremberg Trials after World War II

 

[HUCKLEBERRY FINNaplex]

Dubya reincarnate?

 

[casualbb]

Yeah. Joke: What's the difference between Hitler and George W. Bush? Hitler was democratically elected.

 

[Corky Thatcher]

Good quote.

Btw, the Nazis came to power in Germany via democratic means.

 

[Corky Thatcher]

What's the difference between Hitler and George W. Bush?

Bush has two testicles.

 

[Spartacus]

the Reich was on the money in many respects

 

[Tiervexx]

"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 convince them they are under attack, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger."
-- Hermann Goering, at the Nuremberg Trials after World War II

So true.

I realized this a long time ago. My plans for world domination are dependent on this being true...and it is.

 

[Big Johnson]

SO true.

 

[Frackal]

Ideally, no one would fight for (what is generally) the elitists and wars would be fought far seldomer.

I also agree that the amount of criticism of politicians should always err to the side of excess rather than deficiency.

BUT


I was stridently against the war, and actually posted that exact quote a few times.

However, though things are still developing and yet unknown with Iraq, I can say that I honestly feel this has a great deal of potential to improve things in the middle east which will benefit everyone minus a few totalitarianistic zealots.

I'm also learning very quickly as there is really no substitute to the perspective gained by witnessing events firsthand. Historical study is perhaps second-best and can help one mature their perspective much more quickly.

Anyway: The point I'm trying to make is that the quote you posted, while interesting and important to keep in mind, is really meaningless when it is not accompanied by any followup thoughts on the war explaining why that quote applies here.