Interview with Two-Time Medal of Honor Recipient, General Smedley Butler

N.S.: I read somewhere that, after the criteria for the Medal of Honor were changed, earlier acts of valor would have qualified Smedley Butler for a third Medal of Honor.

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Subject: Interview With 2-Time Medal of Honor Recipient General, Smedley Butler

Interview With 2-Time Medal of Honor Recipient General, Smedley Butler

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July 10, 2023 A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. General Smedley Butler A Reflection on War and Corporate Influence General Smedley Butler was a highly decorated Marine Corps officer who served in the United States military for over 30 years. He won the medal of honor twice. He became known not only for his military accomplishments but also for his outspoken views on war and the influence of corporations on American foreign policy. Despite his passing in 1940, his words continue to resonate today, reminding us of the complex relationship between the military, politics, and the corporate world. General Butler's views against war kept him from achieving real fame as most people never heard of this amazing man. Here is an excerpt of an interview he gave in 1936. Q: General Butler, thank you for joining us today. Let's start with your military career. You achieved the rank of Major General and earned numerous accolades for your bravery. What motivated you to serve your country? A: Thank you for having me. I believe it was a combination of patriotism and a sense of duty that propelled me into the military. I genuinely believed in defending the principles and values that our nation stands for. But as I witnessed the realities of warfare firsthand, my perspective started to shift. Q: You famously said, "War is a racket." Could you elaborate on that statement? A: Absolutely. Through my experiences, I came to realize that war is often fueled by the interests of powerful corporations and financial elites. They profit from the suffering of soldiers and civilians alike. Wars are waged not for noble causes, but for economic gain and geopolitical dominance. It is a racket, a business where human lives are treated as expendable commodities. Q: Your speech that later was turned into a book, "War is a Racket," continues to be widely read and referenced. What message were you trying to convey to the American public? A: I wanted to expose the true motivations behind war and its consequences. I wanted people to question the narratives fed to them by politicians and the media. I believed that by shedding light on the entanglement between the military and corporate interests, we could strive for a more peaceful world. I urged Americans to demand greater accountability from their leaders and to be vigilant against the manipulation of public sentiment. Q: How did your views on war and corporate influence shape your post-military activism? A: Following my retirement, I felt a moral obligation to speak out against the corruption I witnessed. I advocated for disarmament and a non-interventionist foreign policy. I testified before Congress about the attempted coup known as the Business Plot, where powerful figures sought to overthrow President Roosevelt. My goal was to expose the collusion between big business and politics, and to emphasize the need for a government that serves the people, not just the interests of a few.

Q: In your view, what role should the military play in society? A: The primary duty of the military should be to defend the nation against external threats. It should never be used as a tool for advancing corporate agendas or engaging in unnecessary conflicts. Soldiers should not be sent to fight and die in wars that serve the interests of a wealthy few. We must prioritize diplomacy, international cooperation, and respect for the sovereignty of other nations. Q: How can we ensure that the military-industrial complex doesn't dominate our foreign policy? A: It requires an informed and engaged citizenry that holds its leaders accountable. We must demand transparency and scrutinize the connections between the military, politicians, and corporations. It's crucial to break the cycle of revolving doors, where military officials retire into lucrative positions within defense contractors. By reducing the influence of special interests and promoting a culture of peace, we can reclaim control over our foreign policy. Q: What advice do you have for future generations who aspire to make a positive impact on the world? A: Educate yourselves and question everything. Seek truth beyond the surface-level narratives promoted by those in power. Understand the mechanisms of war and corporate influence. Stand up against injustice and exploitation. Remember that true patriotism lies in challenging and improving the systems that govern us. We must strive for a society where war is the exception, not the norm, and where the common good is prioritized over profit. Q: General Butler, thank you for sharing your perspectives with us today. Your legacy as a soldier and an advocate for peace continues to inspire many. A: Thank you for having me. It is my hope that my words encourage others to question and work towards a more just and peaceful world. Let us never forget the cost of war and the responsibility we all have to create a better future. Thanks for reading, The Editor P.S. Did you miss an issue? You can read every issue from the Gophercentral library of newsletters on our exhaustive archives page. Thousands of issues, all of your favorite publications in chronological order. You can read AND comment. Just click GopherArchives