War is just a racket. A racket is best described, I believe, as something that is not what it seems to the majority of people. Only a small inside group knows what it is about. It is conducted for the benefit of the very few at the expense of the masses.
Smedley ButlerI spent thirty-three years in the Marines, most of my time being a hlgh class muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer for capitalism.
Smedley ButlerIt is dressed into speeches about patriotism, love of country...but the profits...skyrocket.
Smedley ButlerThere are only two things we should fight for. One is the defense of our homes and the other is the Bill of Rights.
Smedley ButlerWhy don't those damn oil companies fly their own flags on their personal property-maybe a flag with a gas pump on it.
Smedley Butler...Senate Doc. # 259. The 65th congress(:)...The coal companies made between 100% and 7,856% on their capital stock during the war (to end all wars, WWI). ...The leather people sold your Uncle Sam hundreds of thousands of saddles for the calvary. But there wasn't any calvary overseas!
Smedley Butler