Of course the people don't want war. But after all, it's the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it's always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it's a democracy, 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 tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism, and exposing the country to greater danger.
- Herman Goering at the Nuremberg trials
http://www.snopes.com/quotes/goering.htm
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When I first read that, I thought it was way too good to be true - too perfect, too apt. But then I realized that those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it, and we all know that the guy in charge right now isn't a big fan of all that fancy book learnin'...
1:09 PM