If only more of today's military personnel would realize that they are being used by the owning elite's as a publicly subsidized capitalist goon squad.
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 ButlerOnly those who would be called upon to risk their lives for their country should have the privilege of voting to determine whether the nation should go to war.
Smedley ButlerI helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street. The record of racketeering is long... Looking back on it, I feel I might have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three city districts. We Marines operated on three continents.
Smedley ButlerThe normal profits of a business concern in the United States are six, eight, ten, and sometimes twelve percent. But war-time profits - ah! that is another matter - twenty, sixty, one hundred, three hundred, and even eighteen hundred per cent - the sky is the limit.
Smedley ButlerI believe in adequate defense at the coastline and nothing else. If a nation comes over here to fight, then we'll fight. The trouble with America is that when the dollar only earns 6 percent over here, then it gets restless and goes overseas to get 100 percent. Then the flag follows the dollar and the soldiers follow the flag.
Smedley Butler