It is baffling that my progressive friends lament the…
““It is baffling that my progressive friends lament the influence of so-called big money on government while at the same time proposing to expand the very scope and scale of that government that makes influencing it such a good investment. Where government means constables, soldiers, judges, and precious little else, it is not much worth capturing. Where government means somebody whose permission must be sought before you can even begin to earn a living, when it determines the prices of products, the terms of competition, and the interest rates on your competitors’ financing, then it is worth capturing.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Criticizes the paradox of wanting smaller government while expanding its reach to capture influence, highlighting that government is only worth capturing when it controls key economic levers.
In simple terms: Government is worth influencing only when it controls big economic powers.
Key Takeaway
Focus on limiting government’s economic control.
Themes
politics
economics
government
influence
Mood
skeptical
critical
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- campaign strategy
- legislative lobbying
- business planning
- activism
- public advocacy
Key Concepts
public policy
regulation
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What economic powers should be limited?
- How can citizens influence government without expanding it?
A Different Perspective
Expanding government may create new avenues for capture, not solve the issue.