de Tocqueville on Democracy v Socialism

[CuteOldGuy]

That's it in a nutshell.

"Democracy extends the sphere of individual freedom; socialism restricts it. Democracy attaches all possible value to each man; socialism makes each man a mere agent, a mere number. Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word: equality. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude." -- Alexis de Tocqueville

[joe bloe]

A quotation, often attributed to de Tocqueville, was made popular because Dwight Eisenhower used it in a speech in 1952. Unfortunately, de Tocqueville never wrote or said the words. This quotation made the rounds for several decades before someone realized it was a false quote.

I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers - and it was not there . . . in her fertile fields and boundless forests and it was not there . . . in her rich mines and her vast world commerc - and it was not there . . . in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution - and it vas not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.

http://www.tocqueville.org/pitney.htm

[Whirlaway]

Whoever said it; the truth of the statement is timeless.

It raises an interesting poll question:

Would you rather have economic opportunity or economic security?

IMO Socialists/Marxists/Liberals/Obamazombies prefer security over opportunity. And that in a nutshell is the economic and cultural war that is being waged today.

When economic opportunities are lessened (by government); socialists win. That is why it is vital to soundly defeat the Utopian Statists who push bigger government on us.

[joe bloe]

Originally Posted by Whirlaway

Whoever said it; the truth of the statement is timeless.

It raises an interesting poll question:

Would you rather have economic opportunity or economic security?

IMO Socialists/Marxists/Liberals/Obamazombies prefer security over opportunity. And that in a nutshell is the economic and cultural war that is being waged today.

When economic opportunities are lessened (by government); socialists win. That is why it is vital to soundly defeat the Utopian Statists who push bigger government on us.

I agree. I love that quote. I think a lot of conservatives embrace the idea that America is great because America is good. I quoted that phrase to my stepmother, a flaming liberal, probably thirty years ago; she laughed. The idea that America was either good or great was a joke to her. I think that's typical for liberals.

Although the quote is not accurate, it is consistant with de Tocqueville's observations about America. It reads like something he would have written, which is why it took decades for the mistake to be discovered. De Tocqueville was in America during the forced relocation of native Indians. He actually witnessed Indians being force marched in the dead of winter. He knew that America was far from perfect, but he understood, that despite our imperfections, America was a great country.

[joe bloe]

Originally Posted by CuteOldGuy

That's it in a nutshell.

"Democracy extends the sphere of individual freedom; socialism restricts it. Democracy attaches all possible value to each man; socialism makes each man a mere agent, a mere number. Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word: equality. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude." -- Alexis de Tocqueville

I think the core difference between democracy and socialism is the difference between courage and cowardice. Democracy appeals to our better angel. It tells us that life can be wonderful. It tells us that we have enormous potential and can accomplish great things. Democracy provided the environment for Edison, Ford, Tesla, Gates, Jobs and countless other inventors and businessmen to accomplish what they could have never done in any other country.

Socialism exploits fear and rewards cowardice. Socialist politicians encourage the belief that life is hard and that you need the government's help to get by. Socialism rewards people for not doing their best. Socialism punishes those who do their best by confiscating the fruit of their labor and giving it to the cowards who never even tried.

“They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
Ben Franklin

[Jackie S]

It seems that Socialism is supported by two groups, those that think they will get something for nothing, and those that think they will be at the top of the pecking order by giving those people something for nothing.

The former Soviet Union, which in reality was more of a socialist state than communist, was a sweet deal for all of the Leaders who had the Dachas on the Volga.

I'll take my Dacha on the Potomac, just up river from Mt Vernon.

[JD Barleycorn]

That is how Alinsky played the game. You have to convince the common supporter that they are smarter and more deserving of being in charge than a non believer. It worked for the Nazis too and every other totalitarian system. I wonder how surprised Robespierre was when he went to the guillotine after he led the revolution?

How many Hollywood types would be so lefty and outspoken if they were held accountable for their statements. They are not known for their courage.