Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Comment on this quote Share via Email Print this Page [1-20] of 131 Military quotesMilitary QuotesMilitary Next 20 quotes Under every government the [last] resort of the people, is an appeal to the sword; whether to defend themselves against the open attacks of a foreign enemy, or to check the insidious encroachments of domestic foes. Whenever a people ... entrust the defence of their country to a regular, standing army, composed of mercenaries, the power of that country will remain under the direction of the most wealthy citizens.~ A Framer The tank, the B-52, the fighter-bomber, the state controlled police and the military are the weapons of dictatorship. The rifle is the weapon of democracy... If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government—and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws.~ Edward Abbey Government by idea tends to take in everything, to make the whole of society obedient to the idea. Spaces not so governed are unconquered, beyond the border, unconverted, a future danger.~ Lord Acton It is always dangerous to the liberties of the people to have an army stationed among them, over which they have no control ... The Militia is composed of free Citizens. There is therefore no danger of their making use of their Power to the destruction of their own Rights, or suffering others to invade them.~ Samuel Adams A standing army, however necessary it may be at some times, is always dangerous to the liberties of the people. Such power should be watched with a jealous eye.~ Samuel Adams Fortune helps the brave.~ Publius Terentius Afer History is replete with examples of empires mounting impressive military campaigns on the cusp of their impending economic collapse.~ Eric Alterman The wise learn many things from their enemies.~ Aristophanes Men regard it as their right to return evil for evil -- and if they cannot, feel they have lost their liberty.~ Aristotle 1. Our military is supposed to be a means to an end: national security. Due to its immense size and colossal budget, has our military not become an end as well as a means? 2. In World War II, Americans could explain “Why We Fight” in part because the government provided a clear and compelling rationale for war. Why are the goals of today’s wars so opaque to most Americans? 3. If our military provides us with our way of “nation building” abroad, won’t countries and peoples be more likely to copy our military ways and weaponry than our democratic teachings? 4. America is facing painful budgetary belt tightening. Why is the military immune? 5. Why does “support our troops” seemingly end when they leave the service, leading us to tolerate such inequities as an unemployment rate of 21% for young veterans?~ William J. Astore When it comes to our nation's military affairs, ignorance is not bliss. What's remarkable then, given the permanent state of war in which we find ourselves, is how many Americans seem content not to know.~ William J. Astore Militia: The body of citizens in a state, enrolled for discipline as a military force, but not engaged in actual service except in emergencies, as distinguished from regular troops or a standing army.~ Black's Law Dictionary, 3rd Edition I have made all the calculations; fate will do the rest.~ Napoleon Bonaparte The concept of military necessity is seductively broad, and has a dangerous plasticity. Because they invariably have the visage of overriding importance, there is always a temptation to invoke security "necessities" to justify an encroachment upon civil liberties. For that reason, the military-security argument must be approached with a healthy skepticism.~ Justice William J. Brennan My vision of a 'new world order' foresees a United Nations with a revitalized peacekeeping function.~ George Herbert Walker Bush We must take the battle to the enemy, disrupt his plans, and confront the worst threats before they emerge.~ George W. Bush We will fight with full force and might of the United States military.~ George W. Bush The choice is his [Saddam Hussein's], and if he does not disarm, the United States of America will lead a coalition and disarm him in the name of Peace.~ George W. Bush There are some who feel like that, you know, the conditions are such that they can attack us there [in Iraq]. My answer is, 'Bring 'em on.' ~ George W. Bush My mental faculties remained in suspended animation while I obeyed the orders of the higher-ups. This is typical with everyone in the military.~ Major General Smedley Darlington Butler Next 20 quotes Share on Facebook Tweet Email Print