On the recordJanuary 1, 1776
A change of generals, like a change of physicians, served only to keep the flattery alive, and furnish new pretences for new extravagance.
Said by
Thomas Paine
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gutenberg.orgA change of generals, like a change of physicians, served only to keep the flattery alive, and furnish new pretences for new extravagance.
Paine extends his medical analogy to criticize the British practice of changing military leaders, suggesting it merely perpetuates false hope and justifies further spending.
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The Aristocracy had hitherto opposed the despotism of the Court, and affected the language of patriotism; but it opposed it as its rival (as the English Barons opposed King John) and it now opposed the nation from the same motives.
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