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Class Quote by Tommy Douglas

“Fascism begins the moment a ruling class, fearing the people may use their political democracy to gain economic democracy, begins to destroy political democracy in order to retain its power of exploitation and special privilege.” quote by Tommy Douglas
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“Fascism begins the moment a ruling class, fearing the people may use their political democracy to gain economic democracy, begins to destroy political democracy in order to retain its power of exploitation and special privilege.”

Tommy Douglas

About This Quote

Source Speech: Labour Party Conference, 1955

Fascism arises when elites fear popular economic empowerment and thus dismantle political democracy to preserve their privilege.

In simple terms: Elites destroy democracy to keep power.

Key Takeaway

Protect democratic institutions.

Themes

politics power freedom

Mood

cautionary critical

Type

political historical

When to use this quote

  • voting rights
  • labor movements
  • policy advocacy
  • education campaigns

Key Concepts

authoritarianism economic inequality

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards can prevent democratic erosion?
  • How does economic inequality fuel authoritarianism?
A Different Perspective

Complex causes of fascism may be oversimplified.

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