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I'm fed up to the ears with old men dreaming up wars for young men to die in.
George Mcgovern
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote criticizes how older generations often instigate conflicts that disproportionately affect the youth.

In this quote, George McGovern expresses his frustration with the cyclical nature of war and the tendency of older leaders to instigate conflicts without facing the direct consequences. He highlights the moral responsibility of those in power to consider the impact of their decisions, particularly on the younger generation, who are sent to fight and often pay the highest price in such conflicts.

Themes

WarYouthLeadersOld MenConsequencesPeace

In practice

Example use cases

During a peace rally, this quote could be used to emphasize the need for youth activism against war.

More from George Mcgovern

I was the guy who was constantly speaking out against the Vietnam War. I have no regrets about that.
George McgovernRead
Pay attention to the hungry, both in this country and around the world. Pay attention to the poor. Pay attention to our responsibilities for world peace. We are our brother's keeper.
George McgovernRead
Every Senator in this Chamber is partly responsible for sending 50,000 young Americans to an early grave. This Chamber reeks of blood.
George McgovernRead
The nature of freedom of choice is that some people will misuse their responsibility and hurt themselves in the process. We should do our best to educate them, but without diminishing choice for everyone else.
George McgovernRead
When you start one of these programs, school lunch programs, in a country that heretofore had nothing of that kind, immediately school enrollment jumps dramatically. Girls and boys get to the classroom with the promise of a good meal once a day.
George McgovernRead
I hope I live long enough to see every hungry school child in the world being fed under the so-called McGovern-Dole program.
George McgovernRead

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