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If our government tries to back the banks instead of us…

“If our government tries to back the banks instead of us, then we elect a different government. We pretend that democracy is real, and that will make it real. We elect a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. That was the whole idea in the first place. As they used to tell us…” quote by Kim Stanley Robinson
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““If our government tries to back the banks instead of us, then we elect a different government. We pretend that democracy is real, and that will make it real. We elect a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. That was the whole idea in the first place. As they used to tell us in school. And it’s a good idea, if we could make it real. It might never have been real, up till now. But now’s the time. Now’s the time, people!””

Kim Stanley Robinson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Democratic participation requires active engagement; merely voting is insufficient without accountability.

In simple terms: Democracy needs active citizen involvement.

Key Takeaway

Engage continuously in civic processes.

Themes

democracy citizen participation government accountability

Mood

urgent hopeful

Type

political inspirational

When to use this quote

  • voting
  • community organizing
  • policy advocacy
  • public deliberation

Key Concepts

political efficacy civic duty institutional trust

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can citizens hold governments truly accountable?
  • What actions can deepen democratic practice?
A Different Perspective

Political apathy and systemic barriers can limit impact.

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