Skip to content

Contractor Quote by Barbara Ehrenreich

“The money that fueled the explosion of gluttony at the top had to come from somewhere or, more specifically, from someone. Since no domestic oil deposits had been discovered, no new seams of uranium or gold, and since the war in Iraq enriched only the military contractors and suppliers, it had to…” quote by Barbara Ehrenreich
Download Open image
“The money that fueled the explosion of gluttony at the top had to come from somewhere or, more specifically, from someone. Since no domestic oil deposits had been discovered, no new seams of uranium or gold, and since the war in Iraq enriched only the military contractors and suppliers, it had to come from other Americans.”

Barbara Ehrenreich

About This Quote

Source Book: Nickel and Dimed, 2001

The wealth fueling elite excess comes from ordinary people’s labor and resources.

In simple terms: Rich excess relies on ordinary people's work.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the hidden cost of luxury.

Themes

economics inequality exploitation

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

political economic

When to use this quote

  • consumer choices
  • policy debates
  • personal budgeting

Key Concepts

capitalism resource extraction

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who benefits from your consumption?
  • How can you reduce exploitation?
A Different Perspective

Systemic change is complex.

2.9 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Barbara Ehrenreich

Explore all 274 Barbara Ehrenreich quotes

More Contractor quotes

Browse all 109 Contractor quotes