I have never had a vote, and I have raised hell all over this country. You don't need a vote to raise hell! You need convictions and a voice!
Mary Harris JonesRead
The miners lost because they had only the constitution. The other side had bayonets. In the end, bayonets always win.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Power and force often overpower legal rights and principles.
This quote by Mary Harris Jones highlights the harsh reality that, in conflicts, sheer force and might can triumph over lawful and constitutional rights. It reflects on the struggles faced by miners in their fight for justice, suggesting that without the power to enforce their rights, they remain vulnerable to oppression.
Themes
PowerForceJusticeRightsConflictOppression
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about labor rights, I would use this quote to illustrate the struggles workers face.
More from Mary Harris Jones
All quotes βSimilar quotes
I'd learned a lot in the Army. I knew that above all things in the world I had to become so big, so strong that people and their hatred could never touch me.
Sammy Davis, Jr.Read
Once we know of atrocities we cannot remain silent, and knowledge inevitably leads to an urge to protect the innocent.
Azar NafisiRead
When we scratch the wound and give into our addictions we do not allow the wound to heal.
Pema ChodronRead
Speak, speak, speak, & remember that whenever anyone's liberty to speak is denied, your liberty is denied also, & your place is where the attack is.
Voltairine De CleyreRead
If you win non-violently, then you have a double victory, you have not only won your fight, but you remain free.
Cesar ChavezRead
Sometimes I hear the crowd cheering, and most of the time your body's on auto pilot, so sometimes even after I do a floor routine, I'm like, 'Did I really just do that?'
Simone BilesRead