Active Quote by Michael Parenti
“To make the world safe for those who own it, politically active elements of the owning class have created a national security state that expends billions of dollars and enlists the efforts of vast numbers of people.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Politics of the United States, Michael Parenti, 1996
The powerful class builds a massive security apparatus to protect its interests, spending huge sums and mobilizing many people.
In simple terms: The rich create a big security system to keep their power.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how power shapes security policies.
Themes
power
security
class
politics
economics
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- activism
- journalism
- education
- public debate
Key Concepts
statecraft
surveillance
military spending
Questions to Reflect On
- Who benefits from national security spending?
- How can citizens hold the powerful accountable?
A Different Perspective
Such systems can also suppress civil liberties and dissent.
![“[The ruling elites] know who their enemies are, and their enemies are the people, the people at home and the people abroad. Their enemies are anybody who wants more social justice, anybody who wants to use the surplus value of society for social needs rather than for individual class greed, that's…” quote by Michael Parenti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/465/michael-parenti-7383_class_the-ruling-elites-know-who-their-enemies_177994.jpg)
