If the test of patriotism comes only by reflexively falling into lockstep behind the leader whenever the flag is waved, then what we have is a formula for dictatorship, not democracy... But the American way is to criticize and debate… — Michael Parenti Copy Share Image
The American way is to criticize and debate openly, not to accept unthinkingly the doings of government officials of this or any other country. — Michael Parenti Copy Share Image
A nation as such does not give aid to another nation. More precisely, the common citizens of our country, through their taxes, give to… — Michael Parenti Copy Share
Democracy is not about trust; it is about distrust. It is about accountability, exposure, open debate, critical challenge, and popular input and feedback from… — Michael Parenti Copy Share
All economic and political institutions are contrivances that should serve the interests of the people. When they fail to do so, they should be… — Michael Parenti Copy Share
[The ruling elites] know who their enemies are, and their enemies are the people, the people at home and the people abroad. Their enemies… — Michael Parenti Copy Share
Even though the crime rate has dropped in recent years, the United States has more police per capita then any other nation in the… — Michael Parenti Copy Share
The crucial role communists played in organizing industrial unions in the 1930s and struggling for social reforms, peace, and civil rights strengthened rather then… — Michael Parenti Copy Share
Candidates who win while spending less than their opponents still usually have to spend quite a lot. While not a surefire guarantor of victory,… — Michael Parenti Copy Share
People who think they're free in this world just haven't come to the end of their leash yet. — Michael Parenti Copy Share
The rich have grown richer, but their tax rate has declined. The poor have grown poorer, but their taxes have increased. — Michael Parenti Copy Share
In almost every enterprise, government has provided business with opportunities for private gain at public expense. Government nurtures private capital accumulation through a process… — Michael Parenti Copy Share
The essence of capitalism is to turn nature into commodities and commodities into capital. The live green earth is transformed into dead gold bricks,… — Michael Parenti Copy Share
Official Washington cannot tell the American people that the real purpose of its gargantuan military expenditures and belligerent interventions is to make the world… — Michael Parenti Copy Share
Ecology's implications for capitalism are too momentous for the capitalist to contemplate. The plutocrats are more wedded to their wealth than to the Earth… — Michael Parenti Copy Share
