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Thursday, March 01, 2012

This has never been more true than it is right now

A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the majority discovers it can vote itself largess out of the public treasury. After that, the majority always votes for the candidate promising the most benefits with the result the democracy collapses because of the loose fiscal policy ensuing, always to be followed by a dictatorship, then a monarchy.

Alexander Fraser Tytler

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Suuure. Because there's tons of examples of this happening in history.

Anonymous said...

So take advantage of these benefits at your peril and that of our nation. I know many "conservatives" who currently take advantage of food stamps, WIC, welfare, etc. They justify it by saying "Everyone else is taking it. Why shouldn't I?" or "If I don't take it someone else will". Sort of sounds like those on our county council, doesn't it? They are part of the problem not part of the solurion. As long as we continue to take advantage of these programs we become more and more dependent upon them. After we become totally dependent upon them, the money will dry up. Then we will have to riot in the streets to protest the fact that we have no food. Just like Greece.

Anonymous said...

8:28 Greece and the remainser of the EU are perfect examples

Anonymous said...

There are many examples throughout history. The ignorant will always look past these examples and deny they exist in order to continue the unobstructed flow of free money to the public.

Anonymous said...

8:28 is a perfect example of someone who will justify this fiscal policy to get free stuff. You friend are part of the problem.

Anonymous said...

8:28 here - just one example would be nice.

Greece is still a democracy, last time I checked.

Tytler died in 1813...just sayin'

Anonymous said...

8:28 check your history. Does this sound familiar?

"From November 1918 to January 1919, Germany was governed by the Council of People's Commissioners, under the leadership of Ebert and Haase. It issued a large number of decrees that radically shifted German policies. It introduced the eight-hour workday, domestic labour reform, works councils, agricultural labour reform, right of civil-service associations, local municipality social welfare relief (split between Reich and States) and important national health insurance, re-instatement of demobilised workers, protection from arbitrary dismissal with appeal as a right, regulated wage agreement, and universal suffrage from 20 years of age in all types of elections — local and national."
Wiki

This is what unfolded in the Weimar Republic just prior to it's economic collapse due to hyperinflation. Yes these are the types of "measures" taken in the U.S. and are still being taken. Hyperinflation now has a firm hold on the U.S. and the world. Remember the definition of insanity....doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

Anonymous said...

Yes Greece is still a democracy. A democracy in decline due to failed fiscal policy.

Anonymous said...

8:40 is right that Tytler died in 1813. It just goes to show that he was aware of what would happen as it had happened in the past. Have you forgotten the Roman Empire?

Anonymous said...

This is why our founding fathers established our country as a FREE REPUBLIC in order to avoid the pitfalls of a democracy.

Confused? Yes, I was too and the difference is subtle. Perhaps a teacher of history or political science is out who can explain it better than I could.