'War is a Racket'

Major General Smedley D. Butler was the most decorated Marine in American history at the time of his death. He had two Medals of Honor and sixteen other medals, including five for his heroism. In his 34-year career Butler fought in China, the Philippines, Mexico, Central America, and many more regions of the world. In 1933, after he retired, Butler claimed he had been recruited by major industrial businessmen to lead an army of veterans to overthrow America and install a fascist dictatorship. He led them on long enough to get as much information as he could and then he went to Congress with what he knew. He testified to this plot under oath to the House of Representatives, and a final report from that committee along with Butler's testimony still exist today. Butler later became a critic of American wars, and he coined the phrase, "War is a Racket". Who were the businessmen that tried to recruit Butler to overthrow the United States? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #205. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com