Edward Ryan on Corporate Political Power

Edward Ryan Money Quotation saying as Wisconson Supreme Court Chief Justice that American business is aiming directly for political control via lobbyists and campaign contributions. Edward Ryan said:
 

 

“Enterprises … aggregating vast corporate combinations of unexampled capital, boldly marching, not for economic conquests only but for political power” — Edward Ryan

In this quote, Edward Ryan is describing large corporations that amass enormous wealth (“vast corporate combinations of unexampled capital”). He notes they pursue profit aggressively by “boldly marching” to expand their business interests. However, Ryan observes their quest for dominance goes beyond just “economic conquests” – he asserts these corporations also seek greater “political power”.

The quote suggests Ryan believed corporations were increasingly trying to influence government and policymaking in a way that extended beyond their economic role. He appears to see this pursuit of political influence as a threat to democracy.

Overall, Ryan is voicing concern about the growing ambition of big businesses to exert control over both economic and political spheres of society.

Christopher Weyant, The Hill

Edward Ryan on Corporate Capital Serfs

Edward Ryan Money Quotation saying elected officials need to choose who they will serve – those who elect them or those who pay for their election. Edward Ryan said:
 

 

“Who shall fill public stations, educated and patriotic freemen or the feudal serfs of corporate capital?” — Edward Ryan

In this quote, Edward Ryan is posing another rhetorical question that challenges whether corporations have too much power and influence over society. He asks whether elected and public-serving positions will be filled by “educated and patriotic freemen”, meaning independent thinkers who act in the public interest, or by “feudal serfs of corporate capital”.

In other words, Ryan questions if corporate money and power will effectively dictate who governs. The “feudal serfs” reference suggests Ryan saw corporations amassing wealth and influence in a way that compromised democratic values and self-rule.

Overall, the quote conveys Ryan’s concern that concentrated economic dominance by corporations risked undermining political independence and replacing it with indirect rule by business interests.

Edward Ryan on Rule of Wealth

Edward Ryan Money Quotation saying (as Chief Justice of Wisconsin Supreme Court) that money is an alternate source of power that many are choosing by ignoring campaign finance. Edward Ryan said:
 

 

“Which shall rule, wealth or man; which shall lead, money or intellect” — Edward Ryan

In this quote, Edward Ryan appears to be posing a rhetorical question that challenges society’s priorities. He asks whether wealth, in the form of money, will dominate over human intellect and moral reasoning (“man”). Ryan also questions whether financial gain (“money”) will outweigh wisdom and knowledge (“intellect”) as the guiding force.

The overall interpretation is that the quote conveys Ryan’s view that a just world is one led by human qualities like intellect and conscience, not single-minded pursuit of profits. He seems to believe society functions best when people and principles, not wealth accumulation alone, take precedence in decision making. Ryan is advocating that intellect and human values should rule over the influence of money and economic interests.