In J. R. R. Tolkien's The Two Towers, Faramir refused to take the One Ring, even to save his city - because it ultimately would not do so.

I would not take this thing, if it lay by the highway. Not were Minas Tirith falling in ruin and I alone could save her, so, using the weapon for her good and my glory. No, I do not wish for such triumphs, Frodo son of Drogo. ... For myself...I would see the White Tree in flower again in the courts of the kings, and the Silver Crown return, and Minas Tirith in peace: Minas Anor again as of old, full of light, high and fair, beautiful as a queen among other queens: not a mistress of many slave, nay, not even a kind mistress of wiling slaves. War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend: the city of the Men of Numenor; and I would have her loved for her memory, her ancientry, her beauty, and her present wisdom. Not feared, save as men may fear the dignity of a man, old and wise...

The parallels to our current situation are striking. Thanks to That Which They Defend @ Daily Kos for the reminder.