Beware of foreign entanglements
How about
"Beware of foreign wars?" However, had we not fought the nazis, the european continent might now be ruled by some incrdibly nasty thugs. And I have no desire to guess how far out their influence would have spread since 1945.
What is meant by "entanglement" anyway? No trade with other countries?
Nah, I don't think so.
Not so long after 1776 we went after the Barbary Pirates, and then there was the War of 1812.....we weren't exactly well prepared for THAT war. Was it a "foreign entanglement?" How about the Barbary Wars?
If we were never to ally ourselves with a country in need, as was Britain in 1941, what kind of ally would we be? And remember; two can play that game. What would happen should we wind up in need of another country's assistance in the future? Would they not recall the last time they needed our help and we'd responded; "sorry, some dead white guys who founded America warned us about foreign entanglements, so you're on your own." What then?
I think that philosophy might have worked in 1776. But I have serious questions about it working well now.
It is impossible for a republic to remain long in the quiet enjoyment of her freedom within her limited confines, for even if she does not molest others, others will molest her, and from being thus molested will spring the desire and the necessity of conquests.
I suspect the Grand Master of Dirty Politics probably would agree..........