Active Users:619 Time:09/06/2026 04:58:36 PM
But it isn't true. It's patently false. Tom Send a noteboard - 30/04/2013 10:38:12 PM

Yes, there are dangers to the Republic, and yes, I would agree with you that they are of a socialist or "social democratic" nature primarily, but the underlying quotation is just bullshit. We have had a democracy for over 200 years, and in all that time voters have been aware that they may vote themselves gifts out of the public treasury. That by itself does not determine the vitality of a democracy, and anyone who thinks that is against free societies and advocating dictatorships of one sort or another. While there is a trend that more and more people are expecting something from the government, it's not a natural or inevitable consequence of the power to do so, and its causes are probably more complex than a simple response could delve into. It does, thankfully, have simple solutions (like Welfare Reform showed us). We just need to convince a simple majority that they are good and fair solutions. I think that can be done. It might not be easy, but it can be done.

More disturbingly, however, the quotes in the original post are defeatist quotes. They imply an inexorable decline, one that no amount of civic virtue, patriotism, American ingenuity or determinism can overcome. That is in and of itself bullshit. Democracy is a feeble flame, yes, but it is one that each generation can find the strength to preserve. If it fails, it fails because of our failures, not because of a preordained decline.

So no, it's not true.

Political correctness is the pettiest form of casuistry.

ἡ δὲ κἀκ τριῶν τρυπημάτων ἐργαζομένη ἐνεκάλει τῇ φύσει, δυσφορουμένη, ὅτι δὴ μὴ καὶ τοὺς τιτθοὺς αὐτῇ εὐρύτερον ἢ νῦν εἰσι τρυπώη, ὅπως καὶ ἄλλην ἐνταῦθα μίξιν ἐπιτεχνᾶσθαι δυνατὴ εἴη. – Procopius

Ummaka qinnassa nīk!

*MySmiley*
Reply to message
Evolution of Democracy - Where is the US right now? - - 24/04/2013 12:53:55 AM 819 Views
Somewhere between apathy and dependance. *NM* - 24/04/2013 03:59:19 AM 241 Views
Edinburgh. - 24/04/2013 11:28:05 AM 560 Views
Didn't know that, what's sad is that it won't stick - 24/04/2013 11:56:36 AM 573 Views
I know. We keep giving rights to more people. It's awful. *NM* - 26/04/2013 10:46:07 AM 228 Views
Well, you can argue it all you want, but Tytler never said any of it as far as we can tell. - 29/04/2013 02:16:22 PM 630 Views
Don't care.....if it's true it's true. And the US is heading down a dangerous path. - 30/04/2013 09:32:40 PM 498 Views
But it isn't true. It's patently false. - 30/04/2013 10:38:12 PM 526 Views
I'm not saying this is preordained..... - 01/05/2013 01:29:13 AM 515 Views
I'm not sure that makes sense to me. - 30/04/2013 11:45:35 PM 506 Views
Re: I'm not sure that makes sense to me. - 01/05/2013 01:27:47 AM 566 Views
I have to agree with Tom - 01/05/2013 12:05:41 AM 520 Views

Reply to Message