Said Doremus, "Hm. Yes, I agree it's a serious time. With all the discontent there is in the country to wash him into office, Senator Windrip has got an excellent chance to be elected President, next November, and if he is, probably his gang of buzzards will get us into some war, just to grease their insane vanity and show the world that we're the huskiest nation going. And then I, the Liberal and you, the Plutocrat, the bogus Tory, will be led out and shot at 3 A.M. Serious? Huh!"
In Sinclair Lewis's "It Can't Happen Here," the character Doremus expresses his concern about the political climate in the country. He acknowledges the rising discontent that could propel Senator Windrip to the presidency. Doremus foresees that Windrip's administration is likely to instigate a war, motivated by a desire to enhance their status and power on the global stage. This reflects a fear of how political ambition can lead to conflict and suffering.
Doremus's statement highlights the tension between different societal roles, as he identifies himself as a Liberal and the opposing character as a Plutocrat. His grim prediction of being executed at dawn underscores the dire consequences of unchecked political power. This commentary illustrates the fragility of democracy and the potential for authoritarianism to emerge in times of social unrest, reminding readers of the importance of vigilance in protecting their freedoms.
