By their subjugation of the press, the political powers in America have conferred on themselves the greatest of political blessings -- Gyges' ring of invisibility. And they have left the American people more deeply baffled by their own country's politics than any people on earth. Our public realm lies steeped in twilight, and we call that twilight news.'
Interpretation
The quote highlights how political powers manipulate the press for their own benefit, leading to public confusion about politics.
Walter Karp's quote emphasizes the idea that political authorities in America use their control over the media to obscure the truth and keep the public in a state of confusion, akin to the mythical Gyges' ring that rendered its wearer invisible. He suggests that this manipulation is a significant advantage for those in power, as it allows them to operate with less scrutiny while the citizenry remains bewildered about the realities of their governance.
In practice
During a political rally, this quote can be used to illustrate the importance of a free press.
It will take time to eradicate a cancer like Isil. And any time we take military action, there are risks involved - especially to the servicemen and women who carry out these missions. But I want the American people to understand how this effort will be different from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It will not involve American combat troops fighting on foreign soil.
In so strong a light, nevertheless, do they appear to the Secretary, that, on their due observance, at the present critical juncture, materially depend, in his judgment, the individual and aggregate prosperity of the citizens of the United States; their relief from the embarrassments they now experience; their character as a people; the cause of good government.
The first thing I'd do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act.
All politics takes place on a slippery slope. The most important four words in politics are up to a point.
Even were the workers able to have their own representatives, for which our good Socialist politicians are clamoring, what chances are there for their honesty and good faith?
'Do you pray for the senators, Dr. Hale?' No, I look at the senators and I pray for the country.
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