I’m fed up to the ears with old men dreaming up wars for young men to die in.

Meaning of the quote

The quote is saying that old leaders who have never been in a war make decisions to send younger people to fight and die in wars. The old leaders don't understand the horrors of war, but they make the choices that put young people's lives at risk. This quote expresses frustration with leaders who make these dangerous decisions without having to face the consequences themselves.

About George McGovern

George McGovern was an American politician and historian who served as a U.S. representative, three-term U.S. senator from South Dakota, and the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee in the 1972 election. He was a renowned debater and a World War II veteran, and later became known for his outspoken opposition to the Vietnam War and his work on issues related to agriculture, food, nutrition, and hunger.

More about the author

More quotes from George McGovern

I’m fed up to the ears with old men dreaming up wars for young men to die in.

George McGovern

American historian and politician (1922-2012)

The Establishment center… has led us into the stupidest and cruelest war in all history. That war is a moral and political disaster – a terrible cancer eating away at the soul of our nation.

George McGovern

American historian and politician (1922-2012)

I am fed up with a system which busts the pot smoker and lets the big dope racketeer go free.

George McGovern

American historian and politician (1922-2012)

You know, sometimes, when they say you’re ahead of your time, it’s just a polite way of saying you have a real bad sense of timing.

George McGovern

American historian and politician (1922-2012)

The longer the title, the less important the job.

George McGovern

American historian and politician (1922-2012)

No man should advocate a course in private that he’s ashamed to admit in public.

George McGovern

American historian and politician (1922-2012)

The highest patriotism is not a blind acceptance of official policy, but a love of one’s country deep enough to call her to a higher plain.

George McGovern

American historian and politician (1922-2012)

The whole campaign was a tragic case of mistaken identity.

George McGovern

American historian and politician (1922-2012)

I am 1,000 percent for Tom Eagleton and I have no intention of dropping him from the ticket.

George McGovern

American historian and politician (1922-2012)

Politics is an act of faith; you have to show some kind of confidence in the intellectual and moral capacity of the public.

George McGovern

American historian and politician (1922-2012)