Meaning: The quote "The FBI has always supported big business and big government" by Leonard Peltier, an American Indian activist, reflects a sentiment of mistrust and criticism toward the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Leonard Peltier is a prominent figure in the American Indian Movement (AIM) and has been a vocal critic of the U.S. government's treatment of Native American communities. His quote suggests that the FBI has historically aligned itself with powerful entities such as big business and government, potentially at the expense of marginalized and oppressed groups.

To understand the context of Peltier's quote, it is essential to examine the historical relationship between the FBI and various groups, including Native Americans, activists, and marginalized communities. The FBI has a complex and controversial history, which includes instances of surveillance, infiltration, and suppression of dissenting voices and social movements. During the mid-20th century, the FBI's Counterintelligence Program (COINTELPRO) targeted civil rights leaders, political activists, and organizations deemed subversive by the U.S. government. This program aimed to disrupt and discredit these groups, often through illegal and unethical means.

In the case of Native American activism, the FBI's involvement in events such as the occupation of Wounded Knee in 1973 and the subsequent persecution of AIM members has been a subject of intense scrutiny and criticism. Leonard Peltier's quote can be seen as a reflection of the deep-seated distrust and animosity that many within the Native American community harbor toward the FBI due to its role in these and other events.

Furthermore, Peltier's quote may also be interpreted in the broader context of the FBI's relationship with big business and government. Throughout its history, the FBI has been accused of prioritizing the interests of powerful corporations and political establishments over the rights and well-being of ordinary citizens. This perception is often fueled by instances of collusion between the FBI and corporate interests, as well as the agency's involvement in cases of government corruption and misconduct.

In recent years, controversies surrounding the FBI's handling of high-profile cases, its surveillance practices, and its interactions with political figures have further contributed to a climate of suspicion and skepticism. These developments have led to widespread public debate about the role and accountability of law enforcement agencies such as the FBI in relation to corporate influence and government power.

It is important to note that Leonard Peltier's quote represents a perspective rooted in his personal experiences as an activist and a member of the Native American community. While his words convey a deep-seated distrust of the FBI, it is essential to approach this quote with a critical and nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics between law enforcement agencies, powerful institutions, and marginalized communities.

In conclusion, Leonard Peltier's quote encapsulates a sentiment of skepticism and criticism toward the FBI's historical relationship with big business and government. It serves as a reminder of the enduring tensions between law enforcement agencies and marginalized communities, as well as the ongoing debates about the role of the FBI in upholding justice and accountability. Understanding the context and implications of Peltier's quote requires a nuanced examination of the FBI's complex history and its impact on various social and political movements.