“Perhaps the fact that we have seen millions voting themselves into complete dependence on a tyrant has made our generation understand that to choose one's government is not necessarily to secure freedom.”

Complete dependence on a tyrant? An odd possibility that seems unlikely. Perhaps complete subjugation is what he meant.

von Hayek has it right: I think he was talking about some foreign countries. In America we VOTED for an administration which wants very much to be tyrannical. I speak of the Cheney/Bush bunch. Today is Election day and I, a Republican, will vote a straight Democratic ticket to protest.

Governments can be tyrannical, too, and America is very much dependent on the establishment's iniquitous systems that indenture us further. The solution is simple -- take care of yourselves and stop depending on government to provide for us and to solve our problems.

Blessed Be A from Fl... would that "our generation" did understand this, but I fear that it does not...

As was understood by those creating the Constitution, Democracy has never brought about or supported liberty, is not bringing about or supporting liberty, nor will it ever bring about or support liberty. See Art. 4 Sec. 4. U.S. Constitution. Democracy's foundation and ultimate conclusion is/are anarchy and/or tyranny. Jefferson wanted a democratic process (not form of government), where the majority decided on how best to PROTECT the individual sovereign's right(s) (life, liberty, property, etc. etc. etc.) Collectivism, with its many forms and under its many names, was well known to the founders and was absolutely rejected based on principles found and supported in the bible, history, and philosophies of such men as Locke, Blackstone, etc.

I voted Libertarian in protest. Both republicans AND democrats are tyrannical. You delude yourself into thinking there is a difference between them. If you truly want to protest ... vote for anyone BUT democrats or republicans. Voting for the lesser of two evils allows the lesser evil to think you want them, when you simply didn't want the other evil. Vote them out of office, THEN they will get the message.

Democratic elections don't guarantee a democratic governmant, as in the last election of the Weimar Republic in German and the rise of the Third Reich, or, more recently, Hamas in Palestine, or Hesbolah in Lebanon, or our own elections of 2000 and 2004. Free elections are important, but an informed public is essential

Do we voters get what we want or do we get what we think we want? It makes no difference what we the voters believe and think it only matters what the politician, once in office, thinks in private. From which those private thoughts usually manifest themselves as public policies the voter would never have agree on if asked directly.

A , from Florida, unemplyment has doubled, The national debt has tripled, the economy is in the tank, are you happy with that straight Democrat vote now after 3 years of this mess.

Welcome to the New World Dis-Order!

As soon as the people realize they can vote themselves the money from the treasury, that will herald the end of the republic. (Franklin paraphrased). Americans not only have voted themselves all the money of the treasury but continue to vote for more and more debt. Yes, a vote for a Democrat or Republican is a vote for more debt -- period. That is who they really work for: the Federal Reserve. Vote Ron Paul no matter what.

Voting doesn't decide anything. The citizens need to speak out for justice.  Socialism is the challenge of socialized behavior to create.