Alexis de TocquevilleAlexis de Tocqueville, [Alexis Charles Henri Maurice Clerel, le Comte de Tocqueville] (1805-1859) French historian

Alexis de Tocqueville Quote

“The American Republic will endure, until politicians realize they can bribe the people with their own money.”

Alexis de TocquevilleAlexis de Tocqueville
~ Alexis de Tocqueville


Ratings and Comments


Mike, Norwalk

We hold this truth to be self evident. What ever the government subsidizes grows, thus explaining the nation's de-industrialization, the nanny-state, despotism and tyranny, communism and fascism, ignorance and slavery, and recession and depression..

G Enright, Weston, MO

If de Tocqueville knew nearly two centuries ago, how come we still haven't figured this out?

jim k, Austin,Tx

This quote is so obviously true that even Waffler can get it. But then, maybe not.

Anonymous
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Anonymous    8/18/10

We have passed that point - the wealthy one percent will hold on until they have totally liquidated the other 99 percent's assets, then they will run as fast as possible down the mooring lines and leave the cargo bins empty. Where the hell do you think they are stashing their ill-gotten wealth? not in America investing in new job creation but in tax havens abroad. Perhaps when they are all gone we can start to get our country back again. I have three words for America that will save you from the future onslaught of deprivation: local, local, and local. We know the problem, we now need solutions...

Mike, Norwalk

Anonymous, the solution is exceedingly simple and clear. Return to a representative republic of laws (fiscal and otherwise), replacing the alien, unconstitutional, and statist theocracy of men that now infests this land, as the founders and Constitution intended. Remove all aspects of socialism (communism to corporatism - as the quote addresses a portion thereof). Stop all income tax (local, state, federal, etc.) and implement a precious metal backed monetary system possessed and controlled within constitutional limits by We The People. Anonymous, your local, local, local is exactly right on with the rest of my stated solutions being general also, the implementation (with more detail) is beyond this blogs purpose and ability (that's what legislators are hired for :-)

E Archer, NYC

It's a racket carried on by those with designs on the nation's treasury, land, and people. Every trick in the book has been used to put it all under the control of a few cunning men and their heirs. The only real question is when will the People rise up? How far down the pit will we allow ourselves to be forced to dig? Unfortunately, every ignorant coward that has been trained since childhood helps keep our yokes upon us. The pharaohs of ancient Egypt were able to keep a hold on their people for THOUSANDS of years. Of course the conditions of slavery have been vastly improved enough that millions would fight to keep it...

Jamie, Nelson

That it was not long, before it was realized?

quisno, caldwell

there is a point at which time a citizenry lose their country. for first they lose their energy, next they play with their money, and then they find others to lead their way.

the thinker, Phoenix

6 stars--Alexis 2010 and you could never be more correct--have to say "the truth hurts".

Unknown, Atlanta

Those that state they are Progressives need to be removed from power. Those that state they are Progressives and are their followers of the Progressives in power need to all be moved to California. I am tired of their defense of this administration. What angers me is their You Tube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53EuoMd5t40 This shows you the plans they have for the American people. But it seems no one will pay attention to it.

Anonymous
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    Anonymous    8/18/10

    Unknown, you obviously has no idea what conservative progressives belive - you have been listening to Glen Beck and that is the problem with America - ignorance abounds.... If it wasn't for progressives we would still be in the dark ages, that's of course if America would still exist. Mike and Archer have the right idea though they miss one important argument and that is one of compassion. Without compassion life is still and meaningless.

    Ken, Allyn, WA

    If it weren't for "progressives" we might actually still be free. We wouldn't be slaves to a fiat currency, a "progressive" tax on work and talent, a social security Ponzi scheme that is on the verge of collapse, and professional beggars who take government handouts made up of stolen goods. Be very afraid of government "compassion" because it's compassion comes from the barrel of a gun.

    Ron, Salem

    When men or women refuse to be withholding agents for the government, fed and state then you begin to get the picture. Gold and silver will get the job done. Barter is now the deal among the poor. Each community will face different opsticals. military based communities will thrive with oppression, and traders. Aleigance will be demanded. The most rural will have to fend for themselves. The cost of fuel will sore and travel between states will grined to a slow pace for boarder checks. Hydrogen generaters will be the norm for cars and trucks. Loyalty to the Constitution or current administration will be demanded in the ranks. The fight will be on and lines will be drawn. Just as in WW II marshall law will be declared nation wide as was in Europe and other countries. Where there is the most resistance will be penched the hardest. Are you ready to take a stand ? Are you ready for the fight ? Or will you be passive and luled into the cattle car when they come ? Just some food for thought.

    E Archer, NYC

    Only individuals can express compassion. Socialism is not compassionate at all -- it is thievery and permanent dependence and debilitation of the noble sovereign. Where is the charity when we are forced to 'give' to causes we find unjust? Compassion is best left to the common man to dispense as he sees fit in the course of his humble life -- government compassion consists in making war on the people and weaker nations 'for their own good.' A corporation or collective has no soul, no conscience -- only individual people have that, and I agree that honorable and charitable people are the only true protectors of Liberty. To be 'compassionate' with other people's money is elitist and narcissistic. There can be no legislated morality, for voluntary choice delineates virtue from obligation to the state/church.

    GunntCee, Durham

    Alexis de Tocqueville toured America from 1830 to 1840. That's 180 years ago. He must have been a prophet because everything he predicted has come true. We have just screwed ourselves out of our own country by listening to and following this pied piper Obama. We have sold our souls for quick-fix solutions that have raped the country's treasury. It will take a few years for this horrible truth to sink in, but when it does, Obama will have escaped to Saudi Arabia or Iran where he'll live off the billions he has bilked this country out of.

    bruski, naples FL

    Says it ALL!

    Ronw13, Yachats Or

    Passion without compassion is nothing more than lust. To defend and try to justify one with inordinate affection and a reprobate mind concerning the truth is self defeating to say the least. Progressive, I think not, but old right conservative republicanism in reestablishing the Free Republic, yes. Miss use of the word creates confusion. It was the progressive party that helped to institutionalize socialism by the government at hand. Lincoln started and FDR continued to perpetuate the current debacle . Brands of liberality need to be defined to understand the ancient doctrines of liberty and freedom. We, our founding fathers fought for Chophshiy and Eleutheria Liberty which as individuals try to maintain and now are on the brink of fighting to reestablish as a whole for all born free sovereigns again. Freedom from bondage and tax, also manumission from slavery. This is Brakah liberality which is blessed by the God of nature and natures God so stated by our founding fathers. This knowledge comes forth by way of the Rock upon which the Republic rest. So swore President Washington with his oath of office. Drowr liberty, so clear, so pure.

    cal, Lewisville, TX

    The only difference between a welfare state and a totalitarian state is a matter of time-Ayn Rand

    Bruski, Naples FL

    Oh boy!

    He nailed it.

    Thank you for reminding us.

    Jim k, Austin

    cal, thanks for the Ayn Rand quote.

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