January 24, 1973

"If we insist on looking for something of value in this war, then maybe it is this:
Maybe we finally have the painful knowledge that we can never again believe everything our leaders tell us. For years they told us one thing while they did another. They said we were winning while we were losing. They said we were getting out while we were getting in. They said the end was near when it was far.
Maybe the next time somebody says that out young men must fight and die somewhere, we will not take their word that it is a worthy cause. Maybe we will ask them to spell it out for us, nice and slow, and nice and clear."
--Mike Royko