If there had been any formidable body of cannibals in the…
![“If there had been any formidable body of cannibals in the country he [Harry Truman] would have promised to provide them with free missionaries, fattened at the taxpayers’ expense.” quote by H.L. Mencken](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/3e7/h-l-mencken-2-5374_harry-truman_if-there-had-been-any-formidable-body-of_142631.jpg)
““If there had been any formidable body of cannibals in the country he [Harry Truman] would have promised to provide them with free missionaries, fattened at the taxpayers’ expense.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He satirically suggests that if cannibals existed, they'd be funded by taxpayers for missionary work.
In simple terms: He jokes that cannibals would get taxpayer‑funded missionaries.
Key Takeaway
Question absurd government spending.
Themes
satire
politics
economics
Mood
wry
critical
Type
satirical
political
When to use this quote
- budget allocation
- foreign aid
- social programs
Key Concepts
government policy
taxation
public funds
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this reveal about public spending?
- How does satire influence political critique?
A Different Perspective
Satire may be misinterpreted as literal.