Hermann Goering, a Nazi who was convicted of war crimes, crimes against peace and crimes against humanity, said something privately to Gustave Gilbert, a psychologist and German-speaking intelligence officer. The quote was published in the book Nuremberg Diary, and even though it was said on April 18, 1946, it is very relevant to what is currently occurring in this country.
Here is the exchange between Goering and Gilbert:
Goering: "Why, of course, the people don't want war. Why would some poor slob on a farm want to risk his life in a war when the best that he can get out of it is to come back to his farm in one piece. Naturally, the common people don't want war; neither in Russia nor in England nor in America, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. 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."
Gilbert: "There is one difference. In a democracy the people have some say in the matter through their elected representatives, and in the United States only Congress can declare wars."
Goering: "Oh, that is all well and good, but, 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 danger. It works the same way in any country."
No comments:
Post a Comment