The normal profits of a business concern in the United States are six, eight, ten, and sometimes twelve percent. But war-time profits - ah! that is another matter - twenty, sixty, one hundred, three hundred, and even eighteen hundred per cent - the sky is the limit. Smedley Butler businesscentconcern share on social
For a great many years, as a soldier, I had a suspicion that war was a racket; not until I retired to civil life did I fully realize it. Smedley Butler civilfullygreat Change image and share on social
The trouble with America is that when the dollar only earns 6 percent over here, then it gets restless and goes overseas to get 100 percent. Then the flag follows the dollar and the soldiers follow the flag. Smedley Butler americadollarearn share on social
I helped purify Nicaragua for the international banking house of Brown Brothers in 1909-1912. I brought light to the Dominican Republic for American sugar interests in 1916. In China I helped to see to it that Standard Oil went its way unmolested. Smedley Butler americanbankbring share on social
We must permit the youth of the land who would bear arms to decide whether or not there should be war. Smedley Butler armbeardecide Change image and share on social
I spent thirty-three years and four months in active military service as a member of this country's most agile military force, the Marine Corps. I served in all commissioned ranks from Second Lieutenant to Major-General. Smedley Butler activeagilecommission share on social
I helped make Mexico, 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. Smedley Butler americanbankboy Change image and share on social
There are only two things we should fight for. One is the defense of our homes and the other is the Bill of Rights. Smedley Butler billdefensefight Change image and share on social
War is just a racket... I believe in adequate defense at the coastline and nothing else. Smedley Butler adequatecoastlinedefense Change image and share on social
