Meaning: The quote "They work in secrecy. I can't get any information. You can't find out anything until they get out to the floor. And it's hard to lick em at that stage. They're a closed corporation. When they stick together, you can't lick em on the floor" by John McCormack, a politician, suggests the challenges of dealing with a group or organization that operates in secret and presents a unified front. McCormack's words reflect the frustration and difficulty in trying to challenge or uncover the actions of a cohesive and secretive entity. This quote can be interpreted in various contexts, including politics, business, or even social dynamics. Let's explore the implications of this quote and its relevance in different spheres.

In the political arena, the quote may allude to the challenges of dealing with a tightly-knit group of politicians or officials who operate covertly, making it difficult for outsiders to obtain information or influence their decisions. Political secrecy and closed-door dealings have long been a subject of criticism and suspicion, with concerns about transparency and accountability often coming to the forefront. McCormack's words capture the sentiment of being at a disadvantage when facing a united and secretive political force, highlighting the asymmetry of power and information.

Moreover, the concept of a "closed corporation" mentioned in the quote can also be applied to the business world. In this context, it refers to a company whose stock is held by a small number of shareholders and is not publicly traded. The secrecy and insularity of such corporations can create barriers for external stakeholders, including investors, regulators, and the public, in understanding their operations and decision-making processes. Dealing with a closed corporation presents challenges similar to those described by McCormack, as it can be difficult to penetrate their internal workings and hold them accountable for their actions.

Beyond politics and business, the quote resonates with the dynamics of group behavior and solidarity. Whether in social circles, community organizations, or professional associations, the concept of sticking together and operating in secrecy can create a formidable barrier for those outside the group. This phenomenon can manifest in various forms, such as exclusive cliques, secretive societies, or tightly-knit professional networks. McCormack's words capture the frustration of being unable to "lick" or overcome the unity and secrecy of such groups, emphasizing the formidable nature of their collective strength.

In contemporary society, the quote also holds relevance in the digital realm, particularly in relation to online communities and subcultures. With the proliferation of internet-based groups and forums, individuals can form close-knit communities that operate with a degree of secrecy and exclusivity. This can include private online forums, invite-only social groups, or anonymous networks that operate beyond the scrutiny of the public eye. The challenges of uncovering information and influencing the actions of these digital communities parallel the sentiments expressed in McCormack's quote, highlighting the enduring nature of the dynamics he describes.

In conclusion, John McCormack's quote encapsulates the challenges of dealing with secretive and cohesive entities, whether in the realms of politics, business, social dynamics, or digital communities. The frustration of being unable to obtain information or influence such groups due to their secrecy and unity resonates across different contexts, reflecting the enduring nature of power dynamics and the obstacles posed by closed, secretive entities. As society continues to grapple with issues of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, McCormack's words serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring challenges posed by closed corporations, both literal and figurative, in various aspects of human interaction and organization.