Peace on Earth

Happy Holidays!

My main holiday wish right now is summed up pretty well by the phrase "Peace on Earth, goodwill to Man." Unfortunately, it all seems farther and farther away.

This year I thought I'd look for a quote about peace for my New Year's cards. Here's one I found that I wanted to share here.

Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That is understood. But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or 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 to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.
-- Hermann Goering

More information on this quote at Snopes