Do you want to know what General Putnam is thinking? Its this. Hes thinking that he cant win the war if he doesnt keep the people on his side. Hes thinking that he cant keep the people on his side if the troops are running amok among the civilian populationraping the women, stealing cattle, burning houses. He is determined to scare the wits out of the troops to keep them in line. And hes thinking that it doesnt matter very much who he executes to do it. So many men have died, so many mothers have wept, so many brothers and sisters have cried. He is thinking that in the long run if he executes somebody, hell shorten the war and save more lives. It doesnt matter to him very much who he executes; one mans agony is like anothers, one mothers tears are no wetter than anybody elses. And thats why hes going to have Sam shot.
About This Quote
Themes
- Leadership — Guiding others with vision, integrity, and purpose
- War — Reflections on conflict, peace, and the human cost of war