I have long had problems with people who thump the Bible but never read it, much less heed it, but more and more it appears that the people who presently claim to lead our nation are ignoring their real, most trusted advisor as well:
“Mercenaries and auxiliaries are useless and dangerous. If a prince bases the defense of his state on mercenaries he will never achieve stability or security. For mercenaries are disunited, thirsty for power, undisciplined and disloyal; they are brave among their friends and cowards before the enemy; they have no fear of God, they do not keep faith with their fellow men; they avoid defeat just so long as they avoid battle; in peacetime you are despoiled by them, and in wartime by the enemy.”
– From The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527)
