"It's always the generals with the bloodiest records who are the first to shout what a hell it is. And it's always the war widows who lead the Memorial Day parades"
- Paddy Chayefsky
About this Quote
This quote by Paddy Chayefsky highlights the irony and hypocrisy of war. The "generals with the bloodiest records" are the ones who frequently glorify and promote war, yet they are the ones who have caused the most damage and suffering. On the other hand, it is the war widows, who have lost their enjoyed ones to war, who are left to grieve and honor their sacrifice. This quote suggests that those who have actually experienced the real scaries of war are the ones who understand its true cost and are the ones who must be listened to. It also functions as a tip that war is not something to be celebrated, but rather a catastrophe that should be kept in mind and grieved.
"I weep for the liberty of my country when I see at this early day of its successful experiment that corruption has been imputed to many members of the House of Representatives, and the rights of the people have been bartered for promises of office"