With the people, for the people, by the people. I crack up when I hear it; I say, with the handful, for the handful, by the handful, cause that’s what really happens.
Meaning of the quote
This quote suggests that even though our government claims to represent the whole population, in reality, it often serves only a small group of people. The speaker is saying that the actions of the government are really done "with the handful, for the handful, by the handful," rather than "with the people, for the people, by the people." This means that the government may not be truly acting in the best interests of the majority of citizens.
About Fannie Lou Hamer
Fannie Lou Hamer was a trailblazing civil rights activist who fought tirelessly for voting rights and racial equality in Mississippi. Despite facing threats, violence, and imprisonment, she remained resilient and helped thousands of African-Americans register to vote and gain a voice in their government.
More quotes from Fannie Lou Hamer
I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.
American civil rights activist (1917-1977)
With the people, for the people, by the people. I crack up when I hear it; I say, with the handful, for the handful, by the handful, cause that’s what really happens.
American civil rights activist (1917-1977)
White Americans today don’t know what in the world to do because when they put us behind them, that’s where they made their mistake… they put us behind them, and we watched every move they made.
American civil rights activist (1917-1977)
Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.
American civil rights activist (1917-1977)
If the white man gives you anything – just remember when he gets ready he will take it right back. We have to take for ourselves.
American civil rights activist (1917-1977)
There is one thing you have got to learn about our movement. Three people are better than no people.
American civil rights activist (1917-1977)
People have got to get together and work together. I’m tired of the kind of oppression that white people have inflicted on us and are still trying to inflict.
American civil rights activist (1917-1977)