All governments lie, but disaster lies in wait for countries whose officials smoke the same hashish they give out.
I. F. StoneRead
All governments are run by liars and nothing they say should be believed.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that governments are often dishonest and untrustworthy.
I. F. Stone's assertion highlights a deep skepticism towards government officials, implying that the information they provide may not be reliable. This perspective challenges citizens to critically evaluate governmental statements and recognize potential manipulation, promoting an informed and questioning attitude in the public discourse.
In practice
During a political debate, to emphasize the need for transparency in governance.
All governments lie, but disaster lies in wait for countries whose officials smoke the same hashish they give out.
The only kinds of fights worth fighting are those youβre going to lose, because somebody has to fight them and lose and lose and lose until someday, somebody who believes as you do wins.
A political problem thought of in military terms eventually becomes a military problem.
The corporations are powerful only because we have allowed them to be. In theory, it is we, not they, who mandate the state. But we have neglected our duty of citizenship, and they have taken advantage of our neglect to seize the reins of government.
Politics is not like an ocean voyage or a military campaign... something which leaves off as soon as reached. It is not a public chore to be gotten over with. It is a way of life.
What political leaders decide, intelligence services tend to seek to justify.
If the United States loses the economic weapons of control, it is very much weakened.
I started my political life in the Resistance. It was there that I had my first responsibility.
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