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In that critical period, many of Churchill’s associates and newly converted supporters advocated his taking punitive measures against those who had contributed to the unprepared, precarious position in which the British found themselves. In that setting, Churchill spoke these words in the House of Commons in June 1940:
There are many who would hold an inquest in the House of Commons on the conduct of the Governments—and of Parliaments . . . —during the years which led up to this catastrophe. They seek to indict those who were responsible for the guidance of our affairs. This also would be a foolish and pernicious process. . . .
Of this I am quite sure, that if we open a quarrel between the past and the present, we shall find that we have lost the future.8
I find great wisdom in that counsel. Let us not “open a quarrel between the past and the present” lest we jeopardize our attempts to improve our future.Share
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