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The real difficulty is with the vast wealth and power in the hands of the few and the unscrupulous who represent or control capital. Hundreds of laws of Congress and the state legislatures are in the interest of these men and against the interests of workingmen. These need to be exposed and repealed. All laws on corporations, on taxation, on trusts, wills, descent, and the like, need examination and extensive change. This is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people no longer. It is a government of corporations, by corporations, and for corporations. - How is this?

Rutherford B. Hayes#54

EqualityWealthWorkPowerCorruption

About this quote

What does it mean?
Hayes blames wealthy few and corporations for controlling laws against working people and calls for repeal.
In plain terms
Wealthy people and companies control laws against workers so we need to change them.
What can you take from it?
Corporate interests must not dominate government intended for the people.

Where it applies

  • labor rights
  • tax reform
  • legislative change

Putting it to work

  • lobby for worker laws
  • reform tax codes
  • expose corporate influence

Questions to consider

  • Who does the government serve?
  • How do you balance wealth and democracy?

Another view

Corporate control can provide economic stability even if it favors the few.

More from Rutherford B. Hayes

  1. Strikes and boycotting are akin to war, and can be justified only on grounds analogous to those which justify war, viz., intolerable injustice and oppression.

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  2. The sacred obligation to the Union soldiers must not - will not be forgotten nor neglected.... But those who fought against the Nation cannot and do not look t…

    Permalink to quote #55
  3. The [Loyal] legion has taken the place of the club - the famous Cincinnati Literary Club - in my affections.... The military circles are interested in the same…

    Permalink to quote #52

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