What amazes me is that humans fall for it, over and over again. The following discussion between Hermann Goering and Gustave Gilbert never grows old:
We got around to the subject of war again and I said that, contrary to his attitude, I did not think that the common people are very thankful for leaders who bring them war and destruction.
"Why, of course, the people don't want war," Goering shrugged. "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."
"There is one difference," I pointed out. "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."
"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."
Thanks for this really important article, Michael.
A number of years ago, I stopped falling for the 'Hitler' bit. When someone is accused of being another Hitler, I recognize it as propaganda and research this person.
The latest Hitler seems to be Putin. Luckily on Substack, we have someone who transcribes the speeches of world leaders, including Putin, and I've learned a lot about him from that. It's Karl Sanchez, and here's his site: https://substack.com/@karlof1
Really excellent piece, Michael. I commened you to X account Colonel Towner Watkins who has some long piece exposing US Nato shenanigans around the world. I sent this to her.
What amazes me is that humans fall for it, over and over again. The following discussion between Hermann Goering and Gustave Gilbert never grows old:
We got around to the subject of war again and I said that, contrary to his attitude, I did not think that the common people are very thankful for leaders who bring them war and destruction.
"Why, of course, the people don't want war," Goering shrugged. "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."
"There is one difference," I pointed out. "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."
"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."
The idea that people have a choice is ludicrous. It’s deeply seated propaganda that makes that appear true.
Thanks for this really important article, Michael.
A number of years ago, I stopped falling for the 'Hitler' bit. When someone is accused of being another Hitler, I recognize it as propaganda and research this person.
The latest Hitler seems to be Putin. Luckily on Substack, we have someone who transcribes the speeches of world leaders, including Putin, and I've learned a lot about him from that. It's Karl Sanchez, and here's his site: https://substack.com/@karlof1
Really excellent piece, Michael. I commened you to X account Colonel Towner Watkins who has some long piece exposing US Nato shenanigans around the world. I sent this to her.
Our age will be a goldmine for honest historians
We are not off to a good start
Greed kills end wars!
Forgot about this, you did a great service both in publishing it and commenting about it.
It’s a really powerful statement on the sick state of events
I'm pleased that Mikes think alike. I encountered Ponsby in the middle of the year - https://www.mikehampton.co.uk/p/the-10-commandments-of-war-propaganda - and it helps that you have given it flesh.
I had no idea that you had published that already. It’s pretty amazing stuff
Thousands of years of repetitive experience. So much history we can learn from. When will we break the cycle!
Israel Nazi Hasbara reigns supreme as Propaganda!
Thank you