When facism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the American flag.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that authoritarianism may disguise itself as patriotism in America.
Sinclair Lewis's quote warns that when fascism emerges in America, it is likely to present itself under the guise of national pride and patriotism, symbolized by the American flag. This idea highlights the danger of allowing authoritarian ideologies to infiltrate society while being cloaked in patriotic language and symbolism, ultimately masking their true nature and intent.
In practice
In a political rally discussing civil liberties, this quote could illuminate concerns about rising authoritarianism.
Upon this theology he rarely pondered. The kernel of his practical religion was that it was respectable, and beneficial to one's business, to be seen going to services; that the church kept the Worst Elements from being still worse; and that the pastor's sermons, however dull they might seem at the time of taking, yet had a voodooistic power which 'did a fellow good-- kept him in touch with Higher Things.
Intellectually I know that America is no better than any other country; emotionally I know she is better than every other country.
Writers kid themselves-about themselves and other people. Take the talk about writing methods. Writing is just work-there's no secret. If you dictate or use a pen or type with your toes-it is just work.
She did her work with the thoroughness of a mind which reveres details and never quite understands them.
Writing is just work-there's no secret. If you dictate or use a pen or type or write with your toes-it's still just work.
It is, I think, an error to believe that there is any need of religion to make life seem worth living.
Diplomacy is the art of telling people to go to hell in such a way that they ask for directions.
The problem is not that the U.S. economy won't be able to take care of its citizens - it is that taking away benefits, creating intergenerational warfare, and scapegoating will make for very difficult and bad politics. This is a tragedy that we can see coming. Early action would be relatively painless.
Politically speaking, it's always easier to shell out money for a disaster that has already happened, with clearly identifiable victims, than to invest money in protecting against something that may or may not happen in the future.
The Republican Party has become overwhelmingly so extreme that it's hardly a traditional political party anymore.
Elections should be held on April 16th- the day after we pay our income taxes. That is one of the few things that might discourage politicians from being big spenders.
Everybody counts in applying democracy. And there will never be a true democracy until every responsible and law-abiding adult in it, without regard to race, sex, color or creed has his or her own inalienable and unpurchasable voice in government.
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