America is just the country that how all the written guarantees in the world for freedom are no protection against tyranny and oppression of the worst kind. There the politician has come to be looked upon as the very scum of society.

The quote "America is just the country that how all the written guarantees in the world for freedom are no protection against tyranny and oppression of the worst kind. There the politician has come to be looked upon as the very scum of society" by Peter Kropotkin critiques the contradiction between the theoretical ideals of freedom in the United States and the practical realities of tyranny and oppression. Kropotkin, a prominent anarchist thinker, argues that despite the written guarantees of freedom in American law and the Constitution, these protections are ineffective against the systemic power structures that perpetuate tyranny and oppression.

The origin of this quote lies in Kropotkin’s deep skepticism about state power and its ability to ensure true freedom. Although America prides itself on its democratic principles and legal protections, Kropotkin points out the dissonance between these ideals and the reality of political corruption, inequality, and exploitation. He suggests that the politician in this system, who should theoretically work to uphold the people’s rights, has instead become viewed as the scum of society due to their perceived role in perpetuating injustice and inequality.

Kropotkin’s words reflect his broader critique of state systems and his advocacy for anarchism, where he believed that true freedom could only be achieved by dismantling hierarchical structures, such as government and political authority. His reference to politicians as scum speaks to his disdain for those in power, who he saw as corrupt and disconnected from the needs of the people. This perspective challenges the notion that democratic systems, including the U.S. model, are inherently capable of protecting individual liberties.

Ultimately, Kropotkin’s quote is a stark reminder of the difference between the ideals of freedom and justice and the lived experiences of many citizens under political systems. It critiques the institutionalized power of politicians and warns that without active accountability, even the most well-intentioned laws can be easily subverted, leaving people vulnerable to oppression.