In Sinclair Lewis's "It Can't Happen Here," the character critiques the broader societal issues that lead to the rise of authoritarian figures like Windrip, describing him as a foul product of a deeper societal malaise. This metaphor suggests that Windrip is merely a symptom of a larger problem, akin to something unpleasant that the body expels. The true concern lies with the root causes of discontent and instability within society, rather than focusing solely on the individual figure of Windrip.
The character points to the alarming rate of unemployment, which exceeds 30 percent, highlighting that this ongoing crisis is the real sickness afflicting society. In this context, addressing the fundamental economic issues and instability is crucial to prevent more harmful figures from emerging. The emphasis is on the need for a societal cure to restore health, suggesting that merely reacting to symptoms without tackling the underlying issues will not lead to meaningful change.