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Quote by Smedley Butler

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War is a Racket!: And Other Essential Reading

This book compiles a series of essays and speeches by an American military veteran and social activist, addressing the true costs of war, the manipulation of public opinion, and the economic interests behind armed conflict. The author delves into the psychological and financial aspects of warfare, offering a critical perspective on the role of government and corporations in perpetuating conflict. more

Author

Smedley Butler
Smedley Butler

Smedley Butler was an American author, social activist, and military officer, known for his anti-war stance and his works that exposed American imperialism. more

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“Chemicals(:)...We not only don't know what's going on out there is dangerous ~ we don't even know what is going on out there. It's what we don't know that can really hurt us - kill us. ...It is time we started putting chemicals to the test - not people. It is time we gave people of this country some reason to believe that every time they take a breath, or eat, or drink, or touch, they are not taking their life into their hands. It is time that, down here on earth, we took a couple of small sensible steps on behalf of human health and life.”

“That cactus went right through my eye. It left my eye flat. They took me to a doctor, and he said, 'We'll have to take the eye out.' ...I fought like a tiger. I said, 'No! Leave the eye alone. I am sure it will grow back.' The doctor said, 'You're too young to know.' ...But in a year's time that fluid came back, and that eye is just as good as the other one today.”

“In a noted 1943 Harvard study, there were no cases of toxemia, congenital anomalies, or neonatal deaths among a group of well-fed woman. In contrast two~thirds of the children born to women who were on poor prenatal diets had congenital abnormalities, dies, or (had) neurological dysfunction. and 44% of the mothers had developed toxemia.”

“After approximately two decades and several billion dollars....Among the various types of cancer that account for 78% of the incidence..the upward trend in survival rates has not exceeded a few %....a far gloomier picture than has been generally conveyed to a hopeful public by our leading cancer research institutions...A generally passive lay press has been the means of transmission.”