Army Quote by James Connolly
“State ownership and control is not necessarily Socialism - if it were, then the Army, the Navy, the Police, the Judges, the Gaolers, the Informers, and the Hangmen, all would all be Socialist functionaries, as they are State officials - but the ownership by the State of all the land and materials for labour, combined with the co-operative control by the workers of such land and materials, would be Socialism.”
About This Quote
Source Speech or pamphlet, early 20th‑century socialist literature
State ownership of land and resources, combined with worker co‑operative control, defines socialism, not the state‑run institutions like the army or police.
In simple terms: Socialism = state‑owned resources + worker control.
Key Takeaway
Distinguish between state functions and socialist economics.
Themes
socialism
ownership
co‑operation
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
political
theoretical
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- labor movements
- education
Key Concepts
political theory
economic structure
Questions to Reflect On
- How can worker co‑ops manage large industries?
- What safeguards prevent state abuse?
A Different Perspective
The definition may overlook practical implementation challenges.
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![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
