Democracy Quote by Naomi Klein
““The crucial lesson of Brexit and of Trump's victory, is that leaders who are seen as representing the failed neoliberal status quo are no match for the demagogues and neo-fascists. Only a bold and genuinely redistributive progressive agenda can offer real answers to inequality and the crises in democracy...We need to remember this the next time we're asked to back a party or candidate in an election. In this destabilized era, status-quo politicians often cannot get the job done. On the other hand, the choice that may at first seem radical, maybe even a little risky, may well be the most pragmatic one in this volatile era...radical political and economic change is our only hope of avoiding radical change to our physical world.””
About This Quote
Source Book: This Changes Everything by Naomi Klein, 2014
Current leaders tied to failed neoliberalism lose to demagogues; bold progressive redistribution is needed to address inequality and democratic crises.
In simple terms: Neoliberal leaders are ineffective; radical progressives can help.
Key Takeaway
Support bold, redistributive policies.
Themes
politics
inequality
neoliberalism
democracy
radical change
Mood
cautious
optimistic
Type
political
motivational
When to use this quote
- elections
- policy making
- activism
- public discourse
Key Concepts
progressivism
redistribution
political economy
Questions to Reflect On
- What bold policies could reduce inequality?
- Can radical ideas be pragmatic?
A Different Perspective
Radical change may be risky and face backlash.
![“the stories that produced [Trump] were always contested. There were always other stories, ones that insisted that money is not what’s valuable, and that all of our fates are intertwined with one another and with the health of the natural world… while Trump is the logical culmination of the current…” quote by Naomi Klein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d8e/naomi-klein-1072_money_the-stories-that-produced-trump-were-alw_1599322.jpg)
![“Vote for Donald Trump. You're going to see something and you'll be so happy, you'll be so thrilled. This [presidential] election is about every man, woman and child in our country who deserves to live in safety, prosperity and peace, so true.” quote by Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/18e/donald-trump-18_children_vote-for-donald-trump-you-re-going-to-se_1553.jpg)
