Thomas Paine, On the Absurdity of War and Taxes...
“...taxes are not raised to carry on wars, but that wars are raised to carry on taxes”
“That there are men in all countries who get their living by war, and by keeping up the quarrels of nations, is as shocking as it is true; but when those who are concerned in the government of a country, make it their study to sow discord and cultivate predjudices between nations, it becomes the more unpardonable.
“If men will permit themselves to think, as rational beings ought to think, nothing can appear more ridiculous and absurd, exclusive of all moral reflections, than to be at the expence of building navies, filling them with men, and then hauling them into the ocean, to try which can sink each other fastester. Peace, which costs nothing, is attended with infintely more advantage than any victory with all its expence. But this, though it best answers the purpose of Nations, does not that of Court Governments, whose habited policy is pretence for taxation, places, and offices.”
Thomas Paine, Rights of Man
“That there are men in all countries who get their living by war, and by keeping up the quarrels of nations, is as shocking as it is true; but when those who are concerned in the government of a country, make it their study to sow discord and cultivate predjudices between nations, it becomes the more unpardonable.
“If men will permit themselves to think, as rational beings ought to think, nothing can appear more ridiculous and absurd, exclusive of all moral reflections, than to be at the expence of building navies, filling them with men, and then hauling them into the ocean, to try which can sink each other fastester. Peace, which costs nothing, is attended with infintely more advantage than any victory with all its expence. But this, though it best answers the purpose of Nations, does not that of Court Governments, whose habited policy is pretence for taxation, places, and offices.”
Thomas Paine, Rights of Man
It is shameful when the people who make war a also make money from the war. In fact, war should be a nonprofit undertaking, and the war makers should lead the charge. There was a time when the king led the charge.
ReplyDeleteI agree on the first part, completely. I'm not a fan of kings, dictators, etc. but I understand the point you're making.
DeleteThe Bush Family profited greatly as a result of the war with Iraq. Yeah, I know that's an "old bone" according to RN and one other who comments here, but why, simply because the former prez is no longer prez should no one be outraged by this?
ReplyDeleteIt is old bones and GWB is not a war criminal which I know you have proffered in the past. Having said that O have no problem putting into motion such actions that would make that impossible in the future.
ReplyDeleteRegardless, WD failed to come up with a valid source. He found a rant in a hobby blog, one that contains this fabricated quotation from Bush: "Karl Told Me to Feed You Press Boys the Same Crock of Bullsh*t"
DeleteIt'd be interesting to see something from a valid source on this, instead of a blogging crank who presents made-up quotes as fact.
Regarding the previous commenter not liking my link... I might say, as this person has told me before, that he can Google it himself. And then add something about me not being a Google for the lazy. Not trying to start anything, I simply find it curious that the link is deemed not a "valid source" and nothing is said about the commenter's thoughts about the veracity of the charges of the former president's and VP's families and their war profiteering. Is it just the quotes that are "made up" or the fact that Bushes and Cheneys made money? Myself, I'm still waiting for a valid source in regards to allegations against Ed Schultz and former UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter. I think the commenter above knows what allegations I refer to.
DeleteThe "quote" contained in the comment above does not exist within the article I linked to. You are referring to a photoshopped image which is satirical in nature. The word balloon isn't real either. It isn't something that is pretending to be an actual quote.
DeleteJust like the rest of the "article" which pretended to be real journalism... and failed. As for the "old bones" on the wife-beater Ed Schultz and the convicted child molester Scott Ritter (who was paid by Saddam Hussein to provide false information), the documentation was provided... years ago?
DeleteUp to RN's comment, "t is old bones and GWB is not a war criminal which I know you have proffered in the past. Having said that I have no problem putting into motion such actions that would make that impossible in the future."
it is forward-looking and prudent, and he didn't have to defend a wife-beater and child molester to make his good point.
Also, while opinion pieces often include faked quotes and such, real journalistic articles do not. One can rely on opinion pieces to find out what someone thinks about something.... but not as a source of facts.
DeleteI neither "defended a wife beater" nor a "child molester" to make any point. But this commenter will read into what I write whatever he wishes. As well as never provide proof but claim that he has. But, being "old bones" (which some on this blog dislike), I shall let it drop. The commenter in question can believe as he pleases. Obviously the truths contained in the article I linked to are truths he can't handle. In any case, it makes no difference to me.
DeleteAs for RN's good point, some may question the need for "putting into motion such actions that would make that impossible in the future" given the desire of some to forget why such actions are necessary. Remembering that those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it. I might add something about those who lie about the past as well.
I strongly disagree, and this particular wife beater (who was kicked off of MSNBC for bashing a woman with sexist comments) and the child molester who was convicted in a court of law are beneath contempt, and the facts, then as now, are not on your side. Canard away, DS, canard away. I will let it drop, though it is disappointing you still defend the indefensible.
DeleteWell I see we have again revisited an issue that has on prior occasions been beaten to death.
DeleteAt this point a continuation of this old discussion and points of contention serves no purpose as each of the antagonists are unlikely to change their point of view.
Prudence therefore dictates agreement on "you'll simple agree to disagree" and let it go.
Dervish, you have the final word, keep it respectful. Comments on this particular subject will then be closed.
DeleteNot worth it. Canardos will canard. Such is life.
DeleteWar is the health of the state (Randolph Bourne, 1964). Haven't you learned that yet, Les?
ReplyDeleteWill, I've learned many things. Most of which someone or another will disagree with :-)
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