Wednesday 2 October 2013

Quote of the Day: Why Democracies Fail

“A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until a majority of voters discover that they can vote themselves largess out of the public treasury. From that moment on the majority always vote for the candidate promising the most benefits from the treasury…”
- Attributed to Alexander Tytler (unverified)

NB: For the latest data point on the above, being played out in the US as we speak, see the US Debt Clock—especially the Liability Per Taxpayer at bottom right.

1 comment:

Mr Lineberry said...

I have always been opposed to democracy.

Democracy means the majority deciding what the minority will and won't do (whether they like it or not), and it gives voting power to stupid, ignorant Charlene and Kevin types and other little men - which is why I never voted until 2008.

I wonder if there is any way to remove the function of taxation and appropriations from Parliament - now there is an idea!