How General Butler Saved Our Republic, And Exposed The Lies of War.

PR Log (Press Release) – Oct 31, 2009 – Adam Parfrey and his publishing company “Feral House” specialize in publishing works that are highly controversial in nature, and generally those “too hot to touch” by other publishers (including highly offensive topics for many), in a libertarian spirit that has led to him becoming one of the top independent, “underground” publishers in America, not being constrained by outside corporate or other interests. One of his more curious titles is the book “War Is a Racket”, originally written in 1935 by Marine General Smedley Butler, the most decorated Marine in American history, and recipient of two Medals of Honor. He originally served as the leader of American expeditionary forces in imperialistic invasions of other countries in the early Twentieth Century, risking his life and those of his soldiers in service to his country, until he discovered they were being sent to serve the corporate interests of companies who desired to exploit the peoples they conquered. He was also known as the advocate of WWI veterans and for their receipt of benefits, even while the President sent General McArthur and General Patton to remove protesting veterans at bayonet point, killing several in the process. Mr. Parfrey recounts how General Butler was subsequently approached by representatives of major industrialists (including Dupont) and bankers (J.P. Morgan and E.F. Hutton), as well as politicans (such as New York mayor Al Smith) and organizations such as the American Legion, with an offer to participate in a government plot. It comprised funding and forcing General Butler onto Roosevelt's cabinet, and eventually forcing the President into a puppet role, with the enforcement of WWI veterans in support of Butler, in a Fascist plot with General Butler as a de facto dictator. Offered a ruling position for life, and with the resources revealed to make it a reality, Butler “played along”, while feeding information to a newspaperman, until approaching Congress when the coup was ready to start. While Congress eventually proved his accusations to be correct, national media such as the New York Times called it a “gigantic hoax”. Although this threat to American democracy was diverted, Butler received no acclaim or recognition to this day. This amazing story is recounted, with lessons it offers today for the days of deception in which we live, in an unforgettable discussion.