America Quote by Gore Vidal
“Our only political party has two right wings, one called Republican, the other Democratic. But Henry Adams figured all that out back in the 1890s. "We have a single system," he wrote, and "in that system the only question is the price at which the proletariat is to be bought and sold, the bread and circuses."”
About This Quote
Source Book: Essays on Politics, 1970
The political system is dominated by two major parties, both representing elite interests that treat the public as commodities.
In simple terms: Both parties serve elite interests, treating citizens as commodities.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how parties may prioritize profit over people.
Themes
politics
elitism
public manipulation
economics
history
Mood
cynical
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
historical
When to use this quote
- voting decisions
- policy analysis
- civic engagement
- media literacy
Key Concepts
class struggle
bread and circuses
price of labor
systemic control
Questions to Reflect On
- How do party platforms truly differ?
- What are the hidden costs of political commodification?
A Different Perspective
The binary view oversimplifies complex political landscapes.
![“Is this so-called [Republican Party] hate wing that is so angry at all the things that have - all the changes that have happened in America, this is what they respond to.And I think it's dangerous for the country, I also think it's going to be incredibly unsuccessful in the general election.” quote by Howard Dean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/815/howard-dean-3196_america_is-this-so-called-republican-party-hate_385357.jpg)
![“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)
