If anyone tells you he is never afraid, he is a liar or he is a Gurkha.
Sam ManekshawRead
I wonder whether those of our political masters who have been put in charge of the defence of the country can distinguish a mortar from a motor; a gun from a howitzer; a guerrilla from a gorilla, although a great many resemble the latter.
Interpretation
The quote satirizes the lack of understanding and competence among political leaders in military matters.
In this quote, Sam Manekshaw humorously critiques the capability of political leaders tasked with national defense, questioning whether they truly possess the knowledge necessary to differentiate between key military terms and concepts. The jest draws attention to the potential incompetence of those in power, highlighting concerns about their ability to protect the country effectively.
In practice
This quote is perfect for a speech criticizing government inefficiencies.
One person alone can't do anything as important as bringing genuine democracy to a country.
A politician normally prospers under democracy in proportion ... as he excels in the invention of imaginary perils and imaginary defenses against them.
Trying to run Congress without human relationships is like trying to run a car without motor oil. Should we be surprised when the whole thing freezes up?
The world has to have zero tolerance for naked dictatorship.
Restore, without delay, the equilibrium between revenue and expenditures, which has done so much to destroy our credit and derange the whole fabric of government. If that should not be done, the government and country will be involved, ere long, in overwhelming difficulties.
In 1988, when democracy was restored, the military establishment was still very powerful. The extremist groups were still there. And when the aid and assistance to Pakistan was cut, we had to adopt harsh economic policies. So in a way, it showed that democracy doesn't pay, and the military was able to reassert itself.
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