America Quote by Barbara Tuchman
“In America, where the electoral process is drowning in commercial techniques of fund-raising and image-making, we may have completed a circle back to a selection process as unconcerned with qualifications as that which made Darius King of Persia. ... he whose horse was the first to neigh at sunrise should be King.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Proud Tower, 1966
The electoral system has become dominated by fundraising and image, sidelining qualifications like ancient monarchies.
In simple terms: Elections focus on money and image over merit.
Key Takeaway
Demand reforms that prioritize merit.
Themes
politics
campaigns
meritocracy
Mood
cynical
critical
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- voter education
- campaign finance reform
- media literacy
- candidate vetting
Key Concepts
fundraising
image politics
qualification erosion
Questions to Reflect On
- How can voters see past image?
- What reforms could reduce money's influence?
A Different Perspective
Changing the system requires overcoming entrenched interests.
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![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
