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I think the most successful way to overthrow any government is through infiltration. It's been proven for years. The dream, of course, is that there is going to be a fantastic cataclysm, and that tomorrow we have Adlai Stevenson in the White House. That's not going to happen, and not because Adlai Stevenson is dead. The reason it's not going to happen is that kind of overthrow is not possible. So I will work in the only way I know how, and that is within the establishment - because that is the only existing program. Let someone come up with another one and if it's good I'd do it in a second.

Cass Elliot#17

PoliticsChangePowerReformSystem

About this quote

What does it mean?
She argues that changing government requires working within the system rather than waiting for a sudden collapse.
In plain terms
She says to change government, you must work inside it, not expect a sudden revolution.
What can you take from it?
Effective change happens by working within existing systems.

Where it applies

  • political engagement
  • policy work

Putting it to work

  • joining political parties
  • lobbying

Questions to consider

  • What is the best way to change politics?
  • Is compromise necessary?

Another view

Working within the system can feel slow or compromised.

More from Cass Elliot

  1. My philosophy is I'm gonna fight as hard as I can to keep all the bad things from happening. But if they are gonna happen and I happen to be in the city where …

    Permalink to quote #16
  2. I know very few who are willing to die for their convictions. I wouldn't be hit on the head with a billy club or have mace squirted in my face. When I was youn…

    Permalink to quote #18
  3. I think everybody who has a brain should get involved in politics. Working within. Not criticizing it from the outside. Become an active participant, no matter…

    Permalink to quote #15

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