Quote appearing widely on internet, but without reliable sourcing; variants and possible origins discussed at: The Big Apple (10 October 2012) https://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/new_york_city/entry/government_is_the_entertainment_division_of_the_military_industrial_complex Variants: I say politics is the entertainment branch of industry, and government is what we need. We have a diverse population in the United States, with all kinds of different needs that have to be taken care of. That is the righteous function of government. Politics is bullshit, basically. Politics is involved with statesmanship. And I do make a distinction between those things. If you are making a political statement, remember, you are not addressing the real needs of government. You are just talking about the Madison Avenue aspect. So think about that difference. Interview in Keyboard magazine, Vol. 13 (1987), p. 74; later published in Keyboard Presents the Best of the '80s : The Artists, Instruments, and Techniques of an Era (2008) edited by Ernie Rideout, Stephen Fortner, Michael Gallant, p. 125 https://books.google.com/books?id=liknOblq79YC&pg=PA125 I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Politics Is the Entertainment Branch of Industry. C-SPAN’s coverage of governmental proceedings is wonderful. Caution! Buffoons on the Hill! Wallowing in blabber and spew, regiments of ex-lawyers and used-car salesmen attempt to distract us from the naughty little surprises served up by deregulated corporate America. The Real Frank Zappa Book (1989), co-written with Peter Occhiogrosso, p. 322 Government is the entertainment division of the military-industrial complex. We Are All Normal (and we want our freedom): A Collection of Contemporary Nordic Artists Writings (2002) edited by Kaye Sander and Simon Sheikh, p. 365
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