"Of course the people don't want war. But after all, it's the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it's always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it's a democracy, a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. 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 greater danger."
Herman Goering at the Nuremberg trials
2006-08-13 19:11:23 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Sure--this is true especially in this day and age. You can sway people very easily wiht the properly placed and timed propoganda or a good speech. The mere threat of a change to a way of life for a group of people can be enough to stroke the fires of a justified war. WMDs anyone?
That last sentence Goering said rings true for 2006 as it did back in the 40s. Shame that history repeats itself over and over and we never learn from it.
2006-08-13 19:17:16 · answer #1 · answered by sidnee_marie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree, with one small exception. I don't think it is quite so simple. It's not such a sure thing. As it is now, the politicians don't seem to be having much difficulty. I think that's because they have it down to a science. Their only real difficulty is agreeing among themselves. Still, I always have this feeling that their hold on us could be easily broken if the right thing would happen, if the right ingredient could be thrown into the mix. I don't know what it will take, but I keep hoping for it. I'm ready, and I think a lot of other people are too. Too bad we (collectively) can't wake up / become more aware / be less complacent. We could all accomplish so much if only we lived by the golden rule.
2006-08-14 02:27:34 · answer #2 · answered by tizzoseddy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is absolutely true. When there is a uprising, how many times does a leader gets killed or even injured in a police or military oppression. It is always the common man/woman who suffer. I've come across situation like the participant of a meeting gathering doesn't know for what he is being taken to or which party has called for the meeting. The common man is just paid for attending the meeting. Hence I feel the above statement is absolutely true.
2006-08-14 02:25:20 · answer #3 · answered by Babun 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If Americans don't think the US has a propaganda creation division then they are foolish. I know better because they tried to recruit myself and a friend to write for them. Obviously, the leaders do all they can to swing the people to do what they want, from your local council all the way to the prez.
2006-08-14 02:15:27 · answer #4 · answered by cmpbush 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How true this rings even today.
And now the leaders have the added instruments of television and the Internet to aid them in bombarding the people with the propaganda
2006-08-14 02:25:52 · answer #5 · answered by mindbender - seeker of truth 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bad speaker. But accurate quote.
We've seen absolute proof of following this exact formula over the past five years in the US, as well as many times before.
2006-08-14 02:13:20 · answer #6 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of Bushes favorite quotes and a quote he has used to base his presidency on. I'm sure Goering is one of GW's hero's.
2006-08-14 04:22:52 · answer #7 · answered by The Prez. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I definately agree.
2006-08-14 02:20:50 · answer #8 · answered by Melanie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes but sooner or latter ther we be an uprising.
2006-08-14 02:16:47 · answer #9 · answered by brakedown61301 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
fiftyyears ago!
2006-08-14 02:16:19 · answer #10 · answered by mason x 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋