I came across a disturbing quote today–completely innocently and free of context, in a short piece on quotes from military leaders. The quote was disturbing not because of the content, but of who is saying it, and how it sounds eerily like our present situation here in the United States:

Of course the people don’t want war. But after all, it’s the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it’s always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it’s a democracy, 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 tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism, and exposing the country to greater danger.”

And who said this? Herman Goering at the Nuremberg trials.