Accepting Quote by William O. Douglas
“Those in power are blind devotees to private enterprise. They accept that degree of socialism implicit in the vast subsidies to the military-industrial-complex, but not that type of socialism which maintains public projects for the disemployed and the unemployed alike.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Economic Policy, United States Supreme Court, 1962
The quote criticizes how powerful interests support selective government aid to big defense firms while ignoring broader social safety nets for the unemployed.
In simple terms: Powerful groups favor subsidies for big defense firms ignore social aid for the unemployed.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge unequal government support.
Themes
politics
economics
social justice
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- activism
- labor organizing
- public budgeting
- advocacy
Key Concepts
neoliberalism
military‑industrial complex
public welfare
Questions to Reflect On
- How does selective subsidy affect economic inequality?
- What policies could balance defense spending with social welfare?
A Different Perspective
The argument may overlook the complexity of defense spending and national security needs.
![“Bernie's campaign was very principled in most regards, I think, you know, he certainly didn't go far enough in questioning the military policy, the military-industrial complex, and so on, but you know I think that's the price you pay for being in the Democratic Party. And Bernie [Sanders] has to…” quote by Jill Stein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e4b/jill-stein-660_campaigns_bernie-s-campaign-was-very-principled-in_841676.jpg)
