Quote by Garrison Keillor, Homegrown Demo

This is Democratic bedrock: we don't let people lie in the ditch and drive past and pretend not to see them dying. Here on the frozen tundra of Minnesota, if your neighbor's car won't start, you put on your parka and get the jumper cables out and deliver the Sacred Spark that starts their car. Everybody knows this. The logical extension of this spirit is social welfare and the myriad government programs with long dry names all very uninteresting to you until you suddenly need one...

Summary

This quote emphasizes the importance of empathy and responsibility within a democratic society. It suggests that democracies do not ignore the suffering of their citizens, but instead actively engage in helping those in need. By highlighting the idea of individuals helping their neighbors in times of trouble, the quote suggests that this principle should be extended to government welfare programs. It implies that these programs may not seem significant or interesting until individuals find themselves in situations where they rely on them. Ultimately, the quote emphasizes the notion that democratic societies should prioritize the well-being and support of their citizens.