Capitalism Quote by Weather Underground
““Any conception of socialism defined in national terms, within so extreme and predatory an oppressor nation as the US, is a view that leads in practice to a fight for particular privileged interest and is a very dangerous ideology. Active combat against empire is the only foundation for socialist revolution in the oppressor nation.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Underground Activist Manifesto, 1970s
Nationalist framing of socialism in a powerful oppressor nation fuels privileged interests and dangerous ideology; only anti‑empire struggle can enable true socialist revolution.
In simple terms: Socialism framed nationally in a powerful oppressor leads to dangerous privileged interests; anti‑empire fight needed.
Key Takeaway
Reject nationalist socialism; support anti‑empire solidarity.
Themes
politics
ideology
revolution
nationalism
power
Mood
defiant
critical
urgent
Type
political
revolutionary
When to use this quote
- activist organizing
- policy advocacy
- academic debate
- grassroots movements
Key Concepts
Marxism
imperialism
class struggle
Questions to Reflect On
- How can anti‑imperialism be pursued without violent conflict?
- What alternatives exist to a purely oppositional stance?
A Different Perspective
Nationalist socialism can still inspire reformist rather than revolutionary change.
![“[The healthcare bill is a] headlong rush into socialism…we will not stand for the Obama-Pelosi-Reid hijacking of our freedom and democracy so they can impose their socialist 'utopia' of higher taxes, restricted access, inferior quality, and deadly inefficiency on the best health care system in the…” quote by Michael Steele](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b5b/michael-steele-16681_access_the-healthcare-bill-is-a-headlong-rush-i_430990.jpg)
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
