Swords and Plowshares/The Military Creed

​The Military Creed

The American Admiral in command at Samoa was asked what he thought of expansion. He is reported to have answered, "I do not think; I obey orders."

"CAPTAIN, what do you think," I asked,
 "Of the part your soldiers play?"
The captain answered, "I do not think—
 I do not think—I obey."

"Do you think you should shoot a patriot down
 And help a tyrant slay?"
The captain answered, "I do not think—
 I do not think—I obey."

"Do you think that your conscience was meant to die
 And your brains to rot away?"
The captain answered, "I do not think—
 I do not think—I obey."

"Then if this is your soldier's code," I cried,
 "You're a mean, unmanly crew,
And with all your feathers and gilt and braid
 I am more of a man than you;

"For whatever my lot on earth may be,
 And whether I swim or sink,
I can say with pride, 'I do not obey—
 I do not obey—I think!'"

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