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There are but three political-economic roads from which we…

“There are but three political-economic roads from which we can choose... We could take the first course and further exacerbate the already concentrated ownership of productive capital in the American economy. Or we could join the rest of the world by taking the second path, that of…” quote by Russell B. Long
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“There are but three political-economic roads from which we can choose... We could take the first course and further exacerbate the already concentrated ownership of productive capital in the American economy. Or we could join the rest of the world by taking the second path, that of nationalization. Or we can take the third road, establishing policies to diffuse capital ownership broadly, so that many individuals, particularly workers, can participate as owners of industrial capital. The choice is ours.”

Russell B. Long

About This Quote

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

Choosing among three economic models: concentration of ownership, nationalization, or broad diffusion of capital ownership to empower workers.

In simple terms: Three paths: concentrate, nationalize, or spread ownership.

Key Takeaway

Consider policies that broaden ownership.

Themes

economics politics ownership policy labor capital

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

policy economic political

When to use this quote

  • legislative debate
  • corporate governance
  • worker cooperatives
  • public policy design

Key Concepts

capital diffusion industrial democracy wealth distribution

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can broad ownership be practically achieved?
  • What safeguards prevent concentration after diffusion?
A Different Perspective

Implementation may face entrenched interests and political resistance.

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