...eventually all democracies will fail because the voters will realize they can vote themselves "gifts" from the public treasury.
We know these gifts in modern times as "public assitance, public housing, welfare, foodstamps, etc.".
He also wrote that these "gifts" cause apathy and complacency which leads to comfort and the eventual fall or takeover of the government by tyrants who will enslave the people.
Agree or disagree?
2006-09-12 06:51:14 · 9 answers · asked by El Pistolero Negra 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
Sorry, but I've forgotten his name and will have to look it up. College was so long ago!
2006-09-12 06:52:08 · update #1
It was Alexander Tyler at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
Citizens indirectly vote themselves "gifts" through electing politicians who promise to give them and follow through.
And it is a democratic republic, thus qualifying as a democracy.
2006-09-12 07:19:21 · update #2
I agree, to a point. Evidence that it is true can be seen just by looking at our own culture. The "Entitlement Society" is a direct result of our democracy.
I believe a democratic system can be constructed that would eliminate, or at least severly limit this. It would be virtually identical to our existing system (a democratic republic), but ALL laws and policies would require a 95% approval vote to pass.
This way, only the incredibly important things that almost everyone can agree on would be passed. Everything else (pet projects, social programs, etc.) could not get the required votes. This way, people can't just vote themselves whatever they want as long as they have a 51% majority.
2006-09-12 07:10:19 · answer #1 · answered by Aegis of Freedom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the current US political system there is no way to directly vote for a gift to the people. So - disagree.
2006-09-12 13:57:47 · answer #2 · answered by Isaac H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is why the US is a Republic, with three levels. It provides for a little more checks and balances.
2006-09-12 13:54:01 · answer #3 · answered by Spirit Walker 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
AGREE I do
Add Political Correctness
2006-09-12 13:53:41 · answer #4 · answered by buzzy360comecme 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes Sir, but now I want to know who said it.
2006-09-12 13:58:12 · answer #5 · answered by Mightymo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chill man, buy a chili dog or something.
2006-09-12 14:23:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that analogy was attributed to Plato.
2006-09-12 13:59:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
is it gifts that are promised or is it just words,
2006-09-12 14:01:52 · answer #8 · answered by cluelesskat maria 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
marx? what did this person suggest instead? communism? yeah, we've seen how well that works. (and thanks for the republic comment. america is a republic, or is meant to be. thanks.)
2006-09-12 13:56:58 · answer #9 · answered by practicalwizard 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋