“The end cannot justify the means for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced.”

If the "means employed" is drawing a pistol, and the "ends produced" is ending an attack ... the end justifies the means.

no other words are necessary

To 'justify' in the historical phrase is meant to place a high, lofty, or otherwise moral meaning to an act that was/is often less than lawful or scrupulous. The quote here is inferring that such acts can not be so justified, but are the simple termination of those events within the subject scope that have naturally transpired.

Isn't it interesting (and sad) how people interpret words/phrases to mean what they would wish? I would agree with this quote and my remark above is directed at no one individual.I'm just making an observation based on my life's experience.Have a good day all.

The statement stands on its own, with no need of qualification. Nevertheless, when applying the principle to specific cases, it must be remebered that some cases are much more complex than others. The way we apply the principle to a case may be disingenuous, when we use sophism or distortion, even though the principle is clear.

Iraq