Smedley Butler Quotes: Revealing the Truth About Military and Capitalism

“I spent 33 years and four months in active military service and during that period I spent most of my time as a high class muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism. I helped make Mexico and especially Tampico safe for American oil interests in 1914. I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in. I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street. I helped purify Nicaragua for the International Banking House of Brown Brothers in 1902-1912. I brought light to the Dominican Republic for the American sugar interests in 1916. I helped make Honduras right for the American fruit companies in 1903. In China in 1927 I helped see to it that Standard Oil went on its way unmolested. Looking back on it, I might have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three districts. I operated on three continents.”

Smedley Darlington Butler

Smedley Darlington Butler (July 30, 1881 – June 21, 1940) was a major general in the United States Marine Corps. He was twice awarded the Medal of Honor and was also known as The Fighting Quaker and Old Gimlet Eye.

This quote reveals the often hidden role of the military as an enforcer of capitalist interests worldwide. Butler compellingly shows how war and economy intertwine and invites us to critically reflect on power and responsibility.

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