"Remember, democracy never lasts long.
It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself.
There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide."
by:
John Adams
(1735-1826) Founding Father, 2nd US President
Source:
letter to John Taylor, April 15, 1814
Rating:
Categories:
 
Bookmark and Share  
Reader comments about this quote:
I guess the school books missed this one, eh? Does anyone remember that America is a Republic, not a democracy? There is a world of difference!
 -- J. Liberty, Oregon		 
Supposed to be a Republic. We aren't anymore.
 -- P.M.		 
There was never a Democracy yet that has not commit suicide. That's worth repeating. Sounds like a contemporary statement.
 -- KS, Queensbury,NY.		 
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the REPUBLIC for which it stands..." Yes, let's return to being a Republic, starting by getting the Socialists (Democrats) out of office. Get rid of the Republicans too. That leaves Libertarians, Constitutionalists, etc.
 -- Joe, Rochester, MI		 
When one percent of the population possesses 98% of the wealth, that isn't a democracy. When 33% of qualified voters vote, that isn't a democracy. When 3 wolves and a sheep decide who is going to be lunch, that isn't a democracy. You can't have a democracy without the requisite number of citizens, and we don't have the space to go into that here.
 -- Ken, Charleston, WV		 
 -- Mike Bromberg, The Sera Ranch, CA 
I think he was referring to a direct democracy (or pure democracy). It would be best to say the United States is a constitutional republic with a representative democracy rather than simply a republic or a democracy.
 -- Steven, Pennsylvania		 
Democacy is little more than mob rule and I believe Winston Churchill nailed it with his comment "The best argument against democracy is a five minute talk with the average voter." Our experiment with being a Constitutional Republic is rapidly coming to an end and our 'democracy' is indeed committing suicide.
 -- BondiHarry, Orlando, FL		 
Let it be said that when man is given the reigns hopelessness is not far behind
 -- Katie		 
Long live the Republic!
 -- Logan, Memphis, TN		 
Democracy is a matter of convincing the majority that evil is good and that those who resist evil shall be ridiculed and punished. Democratic process got Jesus crucified. God forbids democracy Ex.23:2
 -- Dave Wilber, St. Louis		 
I am sure that is why he helped make this country a republic. If we can keep it as Franklin said.
 -- warren, olathe		 
While people are busy mentioning those republican principles the country was founded upon, let's not forget that republicans used to be democrats.
 -- beefy, atlanta		 
John Adams' dread of the two-party system in America could have not been more prophetic relative to what we see today in our politics. His dislike for Democracy was also right on target given the populist Democratic platforms that resemble similar platforms in Cuba, Venezuela and other Socialist systems. J. A. would recognize immediately what our "Democracy" is experiencing today. Called it suicide!
 -- Anonymous, everett, w		 
pure and simple from a straight, white,southern man,liberalism and socilaism are taking us down,me,i am staying bitter about it and clinging to my guns and my religion.
 -- greg, concord,nc		 
Coming from a straight, white, southern young man. Good for you Greg, you're not alone.
 -- Marshall Spruill		 
Henceforth, we must protect and defend our republic! God knows our illustrious leaders are not.
 -- Nancy, OH		 
I think that I am tired of right-wing people misunderstanding and misrepresenting everything. The Democratic Party is nothing but a collection of individuals banded together to fight Republican greed and fascism. We really only have one party and then all of those who oppose that one party.
 -- Anonymous, York, PA		 
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the REPUBLIC for which it stands..." Yes, let's return to being a Republic, starting by getting the Socialists (Democrats) out of office. Get rid of the Republicans too. That leaves Libertarians, Constitutionalists, etc." yes, because control of who can be in office is a VERY American ideal, also America is technicaly a Democratic-Republic, a Republic because we have people who represent groups as leaders, a democratic part because we vote for them, one man, one vote.
 -- Jaque Doe, tulsa, ok		 
Simple minded theories for simple minded people. John Adams was smart, he knew that a democracy can't survive unless the majority of people are educated and intelligent. He knew that was never going to happen. That's why Jefferson opened a University and promoted schools, but Adams knew he was wasting his time, people prefer to be simple minded dupes. He always said it's only a matter of time and the aristocratic few will have all the power again, and they do. The Revolution was just a bump on the road for them.
 -- Ben Dover, St. Louis		 
Gee York PA what about Democratic hypocrisy, greed and desire to reduce everyone but themselves to poverty?
 -- Neva, Boston Ma		 
The Democratic Party is made up of rich, power hungry leaders who use the ignorant and envious to get the power they crave.
 -- Sher, Lewisville		 
I like these insights they are interesting. I am doing a report on democracy. and they give alot of info on this stuff!!!!! I give this site 4 stars.
 -- destiny, perez, Albuquerque, new mexico		 
What the deal is, is that this is going to have to go to a "might is right" "democracy" type of situation for a while so that it can be explained to the "democracy" "socialists" Just how this is NOT a "democracy"and that we will not live in a socialistic democratic society, and we will no longer tolerate them attempting to force us to do so. Then we can return to a REPUBLIC
 -- Rowdy, SW Colorado		 
Re: Anonymous, York, PA -. What PLANET are YOU living on?? I am a Republican and I am neither 'rich' or a fascist, or 'powerful'; I am an American who is deeply troubled by the Socialist leanings of today's Dem party. Their agenda is to 'Divide and Conquer'. And it appears they are successing by Anonymous comments. I don't ENVY or HATE people who SUCCEED, they give me hope that I and/or my children can also succeed. The Dems want to DIVIDE the people in this country...it is the sole source of their POWER over the citizens. Lincoln said: "A House Divided Can Not Stand'...Don;t let the far-left destroy this incredible country. If we go 'down', their will be no coming back...That should scare the hell out of any informed (with the TRUTH) and free-thinking person! The Dems want 'SHEEP'...
 -- GWAP, Florida		 
Very fitting for today.
 -- Kevin, Windber		 
I'm with GWAP and Sher, both made good comments. After last night, the nightmare continues.
 -- jim k, Austin, Tx		 
With such voter fraud as exists, the public induced Stockholm Syndrome as exists, and a lack of knowledge of what freedom, liberty, individual rights, and law are - as exists, the majority sheeple go along to the slaughter in gross goose step harmony, satisfying their wolf overloards. Mob rule (by Dem, GOP, Independent me too's, etc.) is in full swing in the good ole Unified Socialists of Amerika (USA)
 -- Mike, Norwalk		 
And America showed its colors again last night...well apparently "most" of America did...and voted to continue the march towards Globalism under the banner of a false leader who shouldn't even be on the ballot. There's your "democracy" in action. Disgusting...
 -- J Carlton, Calgary		 
True. In fact it is the Communists who used democracy as the stepping stone to communist totalitarianism. Once in power, of course, there was just one party (kind of like today in America except with two competing sides of thieves). Pure democracy does not limit itself to respecting the lives, liberty and property of each individual -- all are up to vote as to whether who shall keep what is his and who shall have it taken away for 'the common good.' Democracy furthers socialism, and socialism furthers Totalitarianism whether communist, fascist, or imperialist.
 -- E Archer, NYC		 
When all of our U.S. representatives swear their sacred oath and thus CONTRACT to abide, uphold and adhere to this nation's ONLY Supreme Rule of Law - the U.S. Constitution they are making a vow to stand steadfast to our founding Limited Government Republic.
 -- Mary - Michigan		 
 -- Fool for the City 
 
Rate this quote!
How many stars?
0
1
2
3
4
5
 
What do YOU think?
Your name:
 Your town:
    CLICK JUST ONCE!

Today's Quotes
More Quotations
Most Popular
Recent Comments
Get a Quote-A-Day! Free!
Liberty Quotes sent to your mail box.
Read the Bills Act Coalition
Quotes & Quotations - Send This Quote to a Friend

© 1998-2013 Liberty-Tree.ca