Begin forwarded message:
> Doug,
> This comment by GBS on the mortgage crisis comes from Fabius
> Maximus, a writer on Defense In the National Interest. Give him a
> hat-tip if you use it.
>
> Bob
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> ---------------------------------------
>
>
> (George Bernard Shaw said it earlier and better. The following is
> from Major Barbara. "Undershaft" and "Lazarus" are co-owners of a
> great arms mfg.)
>
> UNDERSHAFT:
> The government of your country! _I_ am the government of your
> country: I, and Lazarus.
> Do you suppose that you and half a dozen amateurs like you, sitting
> in a row in that foolish gabble shop {Parliament}, can govern
> Undershaft and Lazarus?
> No, my friend: you will do what pays US.
> You will make war when it suits us, and keep peace when it doesn't.
> You will find out that trade requires certain measures when we have
> decided on those measures.
> When I want anything to keep my dividends up, you will discover
> that my want is a national need.
> When other people want something to keep my dividends down, you
> will call out the police and military.
> And in return you shall have the support and applause of my
> newspapers, and the delight of imagining that you are a great
> statesman.
> Government of your country! Be off with you, my boy, and play with
> your caucuses and leading articles and historic parties and great
> leaders and burning questions and the rest of your toys. _I_ am
> going back to my counting house to pay the piper and call the tune.