The history of those who shed those other tears, the history of those anonymous millions, is what Terkel wants readers and listeners to come away with. What's it like to be that goofy little soldier, scared stiff, with his bayonet aimed at Christ? What's it like to have been a woman in a defense-plant job during World War II? What's it like to be a kid at the front lines? It's all funny and tragic at the same time.
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When you have to kill a man it costs nothing to be polite.
When you have to kill a man it costs nothing to be polite.
Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That read more
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.
Sixteen hours ago an American airplane dropped one bomb on Hiroshima.... The force from which the sun draws its power read more
Sixteen hours ago an American airplane dropped one bomb on Hiroshima.... The force from which the sun draws its power has been loosed against those who brought war to the Far East.
War is cruel and you cannot refine it. •William T. Sherman War is too serious a matter to read more
War is cruel and you cannot refine it. •William T. Sherman War is too serious a matter to leave to soldiers.
We make war that we may live in peace.
We make war that we may live in peace.
The essence of war is violence. Moderation in war is imbecility.
The essence of war is violence. Moderation in war is imbecility.
Only two great groups of animals, men and ants, indulge in highly organized mass warfare.
Only two great groups of animals, men and ants, indulge in highly organized mass warfare.
Traditional nationalism cannot survive the fissioning of the atom. One world or none.
Traditional nationalism cannot survive the fissioning of the atom. One world or none.
Be convinced that to be happy means to be free and that to be free means to be brave. Therefore read more
Be convinced that to be happy means to be free and that to be free means to be brave. Therefore do not take lightly the perils of war.
