Capitalists Quote by Howard Zinn
““We meet in the midst of a nation brought to the verge of moral, political and material ruin. Corruption dominates the ballot box, the legislatures, the Congress, and touches even the ermine of the bench. The people are demoralized. . . . The newspapers are subsidized or muzzled; public opinion silenced; business prostrate, our homes covered with mortgages, labor impoverished, and the land concentrating in the hands of capitalists. The urban workmen are denied the right of organization for self-protection; imported pauperized labor beats down their wages; a hireling standing army . . . established to shoot them down. . . . The fruits of the toil of millions are boldly stolen to build up colossal fortunes. . . . From the same prolific womb of governmental injustice we breed two classes—paupers and millionaires. . . .””
About This Quote
Source Speech: The People’s History of the United States, 1980
A critique of systemic corruption and widening inequality that erodes democracy and harms the working class.
In simple terms: Corruption and inequality undermine society.
Key Takeaway
Address injustice and support equitable reforms.
Themes
politics
economics
social justice
corruption
inequality
Mood
angustrated
determined
hopeful
Type
political
activist
historical
When to use this quote
- Labor organizing
- policy advocacy
- community education
- media reform
- economic solidarity
Key Concepts
Power dynamics
class struggle
institutional decay
wealth concentration
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens effectively challenge systemic corruption?
- What role should media play in exposing injustice?
A Different Perspective
Reforms often face entrenched interests and resistance.
