We are not making this demand for the sake of a principle, but in the interests of the proletarian class.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes that demands are made not as a matter of principle but for the welfare of the working class.
Clara Zetkin's quote highlights the idea that certain demands arise from the necessity to protect and uplift the proletarian class rather than merely adhering to abstract principles. It conveys a sense of urgency and practical concern for the wellbeing of the working class, stressing that actions and demands are rooted in the real conditions and struggles faced by workers.
In practice
In a speech advocating for workers' rights, one might quote Clara Zetkin to emphasize that demands are rooted in the interests of the working class.
In individual industries where female labour pays an important role, any movement advocating better wages, shorter working hours, etc., would not be doomed from the start because of the attitude of those women workers who are not organized.
When the men are silent, it is our duty to raise our voices in behalf of our ideals.
For reforms ameliorate the situation of the working class, they lighten the weight of the chains labour is burdened with by capitalism, but they are not sufficient to crush capitalism and to emancipate the workers from their tyranny.
When the men kill, it is up to us women to fight for the preservation of life.
Each reform, therefore, improving the economical and political situation of the workers proves to be an arm that increases the energy with which the proletarian struggle of classes is fought.
The socialist parties of all countries are duty bound to fight energetically for the implementation of universal women's suffrage which is to be vigorously advocated both by agitation and by parliamentary means. When a battle for suffrage is conducted, it should only be conducted according to socialist principles, and therefore with the demand of universal suffrage for women and men.
Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.
The press is supposed to serve as a check on government.
Politics is the art of the possible; creativity is the art of the impossible.
Religious factions will go on imposing their will on others unless the decent people connected to them recognize that religion has no place in public policy. They must learn to make their views known without trying to make their views the only alternatives.
Democracies have been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property; and in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their death.
If American women would increase their voting turnout by ten percent, I think we would see an end to all of the budget cuts in programs benefiting women and children.
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