If we likened U.S. threats and actions to that of a man, we
would wrestle him down, handcuff him, place him in a straight-
jacket and lock him in a padded cell for his own and civilization's
welfare.
One of the great attractions of patriotism—it fulfils our worst wishes. In the person of our nation we are able, vicariously, to bully and to cheat. Bully and cheat, what's more, with a feeling that we are profoundly virtuous.
Aldous Huxley (1894–1963), British novelist and essayist.