"One must bear in mind that the expansion of federal activity is a form of eating for politicians"

This quote by William F. Buckley, Jr. is a commentary on the propensity of political leaders to use the growth of federal activity as a method of getting power and impact. Buckley is suggesting that politicians use the growth of federal activity as a way to increase their own power and impact, similar to a person would use food to please their hunger. He is implying that politicians are encouraged by their own self-interest, rather than the general public interest, when it pertains to broadening federal activity. This quote functions as a suggestion that politicians must be held liable for their actions which the public need to be aware of the potential for politicians to use the growth of federal activity as a means of getting power and influence.