A tiny and closed fraternity of privileged men, elected by no one, and enjoying a monopoly sanctioned and licensed by government.

Spiro T. Agnew’s quote, "A tiny and closed fraternity of privileged men, elected by no one, and enjoying a monopoly sanctioned and licensed by government," critiques the concentration of power and privilege within a small group of individuals who operate outside the democratic process. Agnew is addressing an elite class, likely referring to bureaucrats, politicians, or corporate elites, who hold significant power and influence but are not directly accountable to the public. This quote highlights his concerns about the lack of true representation and the ways in which government-sanctioned monopolies allow such groups to thrive without public scrutiny or election.

The origin of this quote comes from Agnew's tenure as the Vice President of the United States under President Richard Nixon in the 1960s and 1970s. Agnew, known for his sharp criticism of the media and the political establishment, was an outspoken figure who often challenged the power structures in America. In this quote, he refers to the elite few who, through government policies, gain unchecked power and influence, undermining the democratic process and creating a closed system that limits access to opportunity and fairness.

Agnew’s reference to a "monopoly" sanctioned and licensed by government points to the idea that certain industries or sectors gain a disproportionate level of control with the backing of government policies, often resulting in corruption or injustice. This concentration of power, according to Agnew, prevents a truly open society where individuals have equal opportunities, and it exacerbates the disconnection between the public and the political or economic systems that govern them.

In essence, Agnew is warning about the dangers of elitism and monopolistic control within a government that allows a select few to make decisions for the many. The quote reflects his critique of a system where power becomes concentrated in the hands of those who are not elected by the people, which he believes undermines democracy and leads to inequality.