As we segregate by income into different communities, schools in lower-income areas have fewer resources than ever.
Robert ReichRead
The dirty little secret is that both houses of Congress are irrelevant. ... America's domestic policy is now being run by Alan Greenspan and the Federal Reserve, and America's foreign policy is now being run by the International Monetary Fund [IMF]. ...when the president decides to go to war, he no longer needs a declaration of war from Congress.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that Congress has become less significant in shaping American domestic and foreign policy.
Robert Reich argues that in contemporary America, true power in shaping policies lies not with Congress but with financial institutions like the Federal Reserve and the International Monetary Fund. This shift suggests a move away from traditional democratic processes, where Congress had a more decisive role, indicating a concerning trend toward executive power and influence from financial entities in both domestic governance and foreign relations.
Themes
CongressPolicyGovernmentPowerFinance
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the effectiveness of modern democracy, this quote illustrates the diminishing role of elected representatives.
More from Robert Reich
All quotes →What are called 'public schools' in many of America's wealthy communities aren't really 'public' at all. In effect, they're private schools, whose tuition is hidden away in the purchase price of upscale homes there, and in the corresponding property taxes.
Robert ReichRead
What someone is paid has little or no relationship to what their work is worth to society.
Robert ReichRead
Tax laws favor capital over labor, giving capital gains a lower rate than ordinary income. The rich get humongous mortgage interest deductions while renters get no deduction at all.
Robert ReichRead
You can't inspire people if you are going to be uninspiring.
Robert ReichRead
Media outlets that are exploiting Ebola because they want a sensational story and politicians using it to their own ends ought to be ashamed.
Robert ReichRead
Similar quotes
The strongest democracies flourish from frequent and lively debate, but they endure when people of every background and belief find a way to set aside smaller differences in service of a greater purpose.
Barack ObamaRead
Let me let you in on a little secret. There is no such thing as an international community. There are self-maximizing, self-interested states that will push their interests as far as possible.
Condoleezza RiceRead
We, the Black masses, don't want these leaders who seek our support coming to us representing a certain political party. They must come to us today as Black Leaders representing the welfare of Black people. We won't follow any leader today who comes on the basis of political party. Both parties (Democrat and Republican) are controlled by the same people who have abused our rights, and who have deceived us with false promises every time an election rolls around.
Malcolm XRead
Whatever understanding is reached with Pakistan has to be followed honestly, and everybody will have to rise above party politics and be actively committed to make India prosperous.
Atal Bihari VajpayeeRead
As we speak, Iran has rolled back its nuclear program, shipped out its uranium stockpile, and the world has avoided another war.
Barack ObamaRead
The president of the United States is not a king. You know? Barack Obama was elected by the American people.
Ta-Nehisi CoatesRead