“If I were the president, I could stop terrorist attacks against the United States in a few days. Permanently. I would first apologize-very publicly and very sincerely to all the widows and orphans, the impoverished and the tortured and all the many millions of other victims of American imperialism. Then I would announce to every corner of the world that America’s global military interventions have come to an end. I would then inform Israel that it is no longer the 51st state of the union but oddly enough a foreign country. Then I would reduce the military budget by at least 90% and use the savings to pay reparations of the victims and repair the damage from many American bombings, invasions and sanctions. There would be more than enough money. One year’s military budget in the United States is equal to more than $20,000 per hour for every hour since Jesus Christ was born. That’s what I’d do on my first three days in the White House. On the fourth day, I’d be assassinated.” —William Blum