Alexis de Tocqueville Quote 

"All those who seek to destroy the liberties of a democratic nation
ought to know that war is the surest and shortest means to accomplish it."

by:
Alexis de Tocqueville
(1805-1859) French historian
Source:
Democracy in America, 1835
Categories:
 
Bookmark and Share

Reader comments about this quote:
Democracies ultimately destroy liberties. Many of the early communist leaders of the Soviet Union were successful at destroying the liberties of the US, not by war, but by promoting immorality in its many forms, destruction of the traditional family, Christian values, etc., etc. Now a debased nation means to accomplish war in designated areas around the world.
 -- Mike, Norwalk
 
Archer may say: "ultimate Budhist values" and thats good too.
 -- Mike, Norwalk
 
And King George, our Christian anti-equality anti-family ex-drunk lie telling draft dodging citizen killing war criminal Armageddon worshipping "leader", is the best example that exists today of the truth of this quote. That Mike from Norwalk can blame the commies for the likes of King George really shows the balls of the radical religious right... right up there with ex-Rep Foley's two faced leadership.
 -- Anonymous, Reston, VA US
 
As much as our leaders claim they are doing the right thing, it's not what the people want, and it is destroying our Republic.
 -- Joe, Rochester, MI
 
You're right Joe, but I guess the American people are getting what they ask for. Politicians hear the cry "there oughta be a law" or "they should do something about ...", and they react in order to get re-elected. Everybody wants activist politicians. There doesn't seem to be a market for politicians who simply want to "support and defend the Constitution" and protect the liberties of it's citizens. That's not too glamorous.
 -- Mike, Mount Holly, NC
 
LOL A from Reston. By way of explanation: I didn't mean to imply communists, or for that matter all atheists, were the sole cause for America's problems; I was simply saying there were/are more ways than war to accomplish a short and/or secure destruction of liberty.
 -- Mike, Norwalk
 
Right on Reston and Joe, and well done Mike from Norwalk for a polite retort.
 -- Robert, Sarasota
 
War is a destroyer of nearly all things, so what else is new?
 -- Jack, Stanley
 
I do not think it has anything to do with Buddhist values. It is simple: in times of 'war', the citizens' rights are the first to go in an effort to increase 'security.' After the emergency is over however those rights are rarely retrieved and people get used to being taken care of instead of taking care of themselves. War always centralizes power into fewer and fewer hands -- thus a democratic republic becomes weaker and weaker.
 -- E Archer, NYC
 
I would say the surest way to destroy the liberties of a democratic nation is to allow true democracy to work its natural course. Allow the majority to vote itself a free living from a minority and take the free goodies offered by government The only price you have to pay is your self-determination.
 -- Ken, Allyn, WA
 
True but not quite true, Ken hit it on the nail head. Let us remember, however, that the US is "supposed" to be a Republic, I say "supposed" because we are not. Even so war is still very dangerous to personal freedom. However, the opposite is also very true, resistance that grows into a war is one of the surest ways to secure a free Republic.
 -- P.M.
 
Bookmark and Share
Rate this quote!
How many stars?
0
1
2
3
4
5

 
What do YOU think?
Your name:
Your town:
    CLICK JUST ONCE!

 
Get a Quote-A-Day! Free!
Liberty Quotes sent to your mail box.
Email:
 
This site is supported
by donors like you!

More Quotations

Read the Bills Act Coalition



Quotes & Quotations - Send This Quote to a Friend

© 1998-2008 Liberty-Tree.ca