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.
Democracy cannot consist solely of elections that are nearly always fictitious and managed by rich landowners and professional politicians.
Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin are sowing the seeds of hatred and division, and there is no need for this hostility in our political discourse.
The Sudanese government has been playing games with the world, with the Africa Union, in particular, have been playing for time in order to conclude its mission of ethnic cleansing in the Sudan.
Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made.
No, Governor Romney, corporations are not people. People have hearts, they have kids, they get jobs, they get sick, they cry, they dance. They live, they love, and they die. And that matters. That matters because we don't run this country for corporations, we run it for people.
An informed citizenry is at the heart of a dynamic democracy.
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