Major General Smedley Darlington ButlerMajor General Smedley Darlington Butler, (1881-1940) Major General USMC, "Old Gimlet Eye'' and "Hell Devil Darling", most highly decorated military man from the pre-World War II era

Major General Smedley Darlington Butler Quote

“I spent 33 years in the Marines. Most of my time being a high-class muscle man for big business, for Wall Street and the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer for capitalism. I helped purify Nicaragua for the international banking house of Brown Brothers in 1909-1912. I helped make Mexico and especially Tampico safe for American oil interests in 1914. I brought light to the Dominican Republic for American sugar interests in 1916. I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenue in. I helped in the rape of half-a-dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street...”

Major General Smedley Darlington ButlerMajor General Smedley Darlington Butler
~ Major General Smedley Darlington Butler


Ratings and Comments


Mike, Norwalk

If that was the Major General's understanding of capitalism and the perception of the duties he performed (and who he was taking his orders from - or, in behalf of), he should have been tried for treason. Though most all military exercises (U.S. included) from the Major General's time line to the present, have been in the interest of a one world totalitarian's caste plan of domination, it has been my experience that individuals of the U.S. military have been many of the most noble that it has been my privilege to meet.

AL, DC
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AL, DC    3/7/17
Mick, Manchester

Interesting viewpoint from the front line of American Imperialism from one it's self confessed enforcers is, I suppose, the alternative view.

Ronw13, Oregon

The March of Industrialism and the Wars for Welfare. Being found to oppose socialism, General Butler though in opposition to FDR's policies, sided with FDR to maintain Order rather than a fascist coup. The untold stories of resistance and contemplation among ruling families in the United States. General Butler was true to Core, not taking the bait of temptation, power and money. To some, the Oath is more than words, and with as much hell that Major General Butler went through, he calls it like he sees it. A Warrior, not a politician. Semper FI and God Bless

DBlack, Elk, WA

Treason hell. Gen Butler is a legend in the Marines. One of the very few men to have been awarded not one Medals of Honor, but TWO! Camp Butler in Okinawa is named for him. He spoke the truth about the US military being sent to fight wars where there was no threat to the nation's security. It goes on to this very day.

Elias Alias, Eureka, Montana
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Elias Alias, Eureka, Montana DBlack, Elk, WA 5/26/22

As an honorably discharged U.S. Marine and veteran of the Viet Nam War, I look back on the week I spent in the hospital at Camp Smedley Darlington Butler on Okinawa while en route home from the war. When I was there at Camp Butler I was not aware of his book, "War Is A Racket", but now in my old age I'm proud to include his book in my personal library, and am even more proud for his candid, personalized, and profound insights into the meta-mechanisms which drives the human urge to wage war. I served with honor back in the 1960s when I was ignorant enough to believe this government's lies, and now I am an underground anti-war advocate who sees the wisdom of General Butler's vision of how to stop the insane wars. Combined with Daniel Ellsberg's amazing book, "Secrets", the two books together are tantamount to a Ph.D. in life's school of experience.
Thank you for the venue.
Salute! Semper Fi!
Elias Alias

Ronw13, Oregon

True to Core and Duty, falls neither left nor right. Plumb and Square says the Builder, keep it plumb and square. This the Core Provides for unity and purpose. for that which "Good is". Regardless. By [this] Measure comes Rescue. Cause and effect total dedication. Whole heart proposition. One Eyed , One Treasured in Intent for the Families Sake ! Interesting Mike would make such a presumptuous statement. No Wonder the Marines Hold The High Ground !!

cal, Lewisville, Texas

Like Ron Paul, I believe in staying out of military adventurism.

E Archer, NYC

Read Major General Smedley Darlington Butler's book 'War Is A Racket.' Still is ...

Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown

Isn't capitalism the politically correct term for racketeering?

Mike, Norwalk
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Mike, Norwalk Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown 5/28/22

Sillik, to your question, a great big; NO ! ! ! (capitalism may be the socialist's politically correct term for racketeering  not reality's, truth's, nature's, or related law / order / justice).The term, concept and word "capitalism" (and its root), would have to go through a complete Marxist or other theocratic Woke REdefinition to equate capitalism to racketeering. I can give you an accurate etymology, linguistically correct and definitively true meaning of the terms BUT, I'm sure it wouldn't fit your ecclesiastical creed.

E Archer, NYC
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E Archer, NYC Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown 12/1/22

The funny money system of banking is racketeering  a fundamental pillar of socialism.  Socialism absolutely requires rule by the central banks, which print up the money out of nothing for Uncle Sam to 'borrow' to wage wars.  Socialists are the grand appropriators of property and labor, claiming all under the regulation of the money printers.  That's not capitalism, it's the power of the private banks given to them by their governments.

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