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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker asserts that the enemy being fought is not the downtrodden but corrupt or harmful elements.
In plain terms
We fight against bad actors, not the poor or oppressed.
What can you take from it?
Identify the true enemy by actions rather than status.

Where it applies

  • military discourse
  • political rhetoric
  • ethical debate

Putting it to work

  • clarify goals
  • avoid propaganda
  • assess enemies

Questions to consider

  • Who defines who is worth fighting?
  • How do we avoid unjust wars?

Another view

The quote relies on subjective judgment of who is 'scum'.

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