Quote by Orson Scott Card
Government is all show when it isn't murder in the dark ... or soldiers in the open.
Summary
This quote suggests that the real power and nature of a government becomes evident when it is willing to resort to extreme actions, such as clandestine assassinations or open military force. It implies that governments may project an appearance of authority and control through symbolic gestures or public displays, but their true essence is revealed when they engage in acts of violence or intimidation. In essence, the quote suggests that the government's true character lies in its ability to exert power and suppress opposition, rather than in its outward portrayal.