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.
Now you have people in Washington who have no interest in the country at all. They're interested in their companies, their corporations grabbing Caspian oil.
The founding fathers, in their wisdom, devised a method by which our republic can take one hundred of its most prominent numbskulls and keep them out of the private sector where they might do actual harm.
Party and ideology routinely trump institutional interests and responsibilities. Regular order - the set of rules, norms and traditions designed to ensure a fair and transparent process - was the first casualty. The results: No serious deliberation. No meaningful oversight of the executive. A culture of corruption.
Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who posses it; and this I know, my lords: that where law ends, tyranny begins.
Like a cyclone, imperialism spins across the globe; militarism crushes peoples and sucks their blood like a vampire.
It's hard to overstate the lasting harm Mr. Tillerson's tenure will do to America's diplomacy.
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