(Australia)
In her outstanding book The March of Folly the American historian, Barbara Tuchman, looks at the reasons why nations and governments often act in a manner contrary to their self-interest.
She writes that throughout human endeavour government remains the paramount area of folly because it is there that men seek power over others - only to lose it over themselves.
-- Mark Latham (Hansard 18 March 2003)

(US)
Today, I Weep for my Country...
--US Senator Robert Byrd
· Arrogance of Power [CommonDreams]

(UK)
Why I had to leave the cabinet

This will be a war without support at home or agreement abroad
· Men v Swines & Groves [GuardianUK]