When they say "they don't make 'em like they used to", they're talking about Smedley Butler. Before retiring as a US Marine Major General in 1931, Butler fought in the Spanish American war, China, Haiti, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic, and was wounded several times. He remains the only US Marine Officer to be awarded two Medals of Honor, and some say he should have received a third, all toll, a staggering record of physical courage and leadership.

After serving as one of the nation's most decorated and loyal warriors, Butler became an outspoken critic of war profiteering and in effect, became a pacifist. He argued that the real cost of war is only known by the soldiers who pay it with their own lives. You will draw many parallels to today's military-industrial complex while reading this short book. You may also consider how a true patriot has his/her country's best interests in mind at all times, and that being a patriot does not necessitate being a hawk, and being a hawk does not a patriot make.