We enter parliament in order to supply ourselves, in the arsenal of democracy, with its own weapons. If democracy is so stupid as to give us free tickets and salaries for this bear's work, that is its affair. We do not come as friends, nor even as neutrals. We come as enemies. As the wolf bursts into the flock, so we come.

Summary

This quote, often attributed to Karl Radek, suggests a cynical viewpoint on the nature of parliamentary participation. It implies that individuals enter parliament solely to exploit the benefits and privileges offered by democracy for their own advantage. The quote underscores the sentiment that politicians should not be seen as friends or impartial actors, but rather as adversaries who will seize opportunities to pursue their own interests, even if it means disrupting the established order. It reflects a critical perspective on the motivations and actions of politicians within a democratic system.

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