More unoriginal profundity

I wish these thoughts were mine:

"Most people prefer to believe that their leaders are just and fair, even in the face of evidence to the contrary, because once a citizen acknowledges that the government under which he lives is lying and corrupt, the citizen has to choose what he or she will do about it.  To take action in the face of corrupt government entails risks of harm to life and loved ones.  To choose to do nothing is to surrender one's self-image of standing for principles.  Most people do not have the courage to face that choice.  Hence, most propaganda is not designed to fool the critical thinker but only to give moral cowards an excuse not to think at all."    — Michael Rivero

"Certainly the Bush experience represents something of a teaching moment for the left.  What can they learn?  Do not trust the state.  Do not ask it for anything.  Reject power and all its works.  Once unleashed, it resists containment.  Even if the left will forever loathe capitalism and the market economy, it can come to recognize that the state which tramples on property at home will trample on everyone's liberties, at home and everywhere."    — Lew Rockwell

"Naturally, the common people don't want war, neither in Russia, nor England, nor for that matter Germany.  That is understood.  But after all, it is leaders of the country who determine the policy; and it is always a simple matter to drag 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 be brought to the bidding of the leaders.  That is easy.  All you have to do is 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 every country."    — Hermann Göring