"In an effort to eliminate the possibility of any rival growing up, some monopolists would sacrifice democracy itself"

Henry A. Wallace, a prominent American politician and financial expert, served as Vice President under Franklin D. Roosevelt throughout a transformative period in world history. His quote highlights the possibly damaging propensities of monopolies and their capacity to undermine democratic concepts for self-preservation and profit.

The quote implies that monopolists, with substantial financial power and impact, can end up being so established in their dominance that they may do anything-- consisting of jeopardizing democratic values-- to preserve their position. A monopoly, by definition, is a market structure where a single firm controls most of the market, typically stifling competition and consumer option. Wallace recommends that in such scenarios, the length some monopolists may go to secure their interests includes sacrificing the wider societal and political structures that focus on competition, fairness, and the cumulative will of the people.

The concept of compromising democracy can be analyzed as the willingness to weaken democratic organizations and processes, controling guidelines and political systems to get rid of prospective competitors. This might manifest in lobbying for beneficial legislation, engaging in anti-competitive practices, or affecting public opinion to suppress emerging competition. These actions can develop barriers to entry for smaller sized firms and new competitors, eventually lowering innovation and consumer welfare.

Wallace's caution is particularly appropriate in today's context, where the concentration of power amongst big corporations in tech, financing, and other industries draws substantial analysis. The balance of power in between industry and democratic governance is fragile and laden with prospective disputes. Making sure that financial power does not translate into excessive political impact is important for keeping a healthy democracy.

In summary, Wallace's declaration functions as a cautionary tip about the fragile balance needed in democratic societies between maintaining healthy competition and curbing the excesses of concentrated financial power to ensure that democracy itself is not threatened.