Smedley D. Butler (July 30, 1881 – June 21, 1940)
The Major General joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1898 and served honorably until 1931. In that thirty-three years, he earned the distinction "Most Decorated Marine." Among his many decorations were TWO Medals Of Honor - our nation's highest military honor.
After his noble service to this country, to our Marine Corps and to his Marines, he saw fit to call into question America's burgeoning imperialism. He believed that it was very wrong to use America's fighting men to do anything other than defend our borders. He thought it very wrong to sacrifice our Nation's youth to the military-industrial complex. (He did not coin that phrase but was twenty years ahead of Eisenhower calling into question the American government and business handholding that started then and has us all in a terrible situation now.)
He was, at the time, just as popular as Gen. Douglas MacArthur grew to be.
Because of this action, he was blacklisted. His name was/is not taught in history books.
Our good General published a pamphlet called "War Is A Racket." It's not the best reading - what do you want from a Marine? We're trained to kill not write! Nevertheless, the man's good words and intentions are there.
He calls America's actions by their exact names. For such a noble and patriotic attempt to right our wrongs, American history scarcely remembers his gallant actions and all too appropriate warnings.
If you are so inclined, take some time this week to research Smedley Butler. He was a great American, a real hero and real patriot!
The Major General joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1898 and served honorably until 1931. In that thirty-three years, he earned the distinction "Most Decorated Marine." Among his many decorations were TWO Medals Of Honor - our nation's highest military honor.
After his noble service to this country, to our Marine Corps and to his Marines, he saw fit to call into question America's burgeoning imperialism. He believed that it was very wrong to use America's fighting men to do anything other than defend our borders. He thought it very wrong to sacrifice our Nation's youth to the military-industrial complex. (He did not coin that phrase but was twenty years ahead of Eisenhower calling into question the American government and business handholding that started then and has us all in a terrible situation now.)
He was, at the time, just as popular as Gen. Douglas MacArthur grew to be.
Because of this action, he was blacklisted. His name was/is not taught in history books.
Our good General published a pamphlet called "War Is A Racket." It's not the best reading - what do you want from a Marine? We're trained to kill not write! Nevertheless, the man's good words and intentions are there.
He calls America's actions by their exact names. For such a noble and patriotic attempt to right our wrongs, American history scarcely remembers his gallant actions and all too appropriate warnings.
If you are so inclined, take some time this week to research Smedley Butler. He was a great American, a real hero and real patriot!
Some links:
http://www.mclm.com/tohonor/sbutler.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smedley_Butler
"War Is A Racket" online:
http://www.veteransforpeace.org/war_is_a_racket_033103.htm
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"Treat the Earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children."
- Native American proverb
"Treat the Earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children."
- Native American proverb
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