alexis de tocquiville

Let’s look at America in the mirror, the first step to reform

By / 18 Comments / 1 February 2014

These are unconnected but related observations about America.  Subjective observations, one man’s views.  I am confident you will find them of interest.  Comments are welcomed!  After 200 years of success — even more counting the years as a colony, during which the uniquely American character evolved — America has developed some disturbing characteristics. The American …

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de Tocqueville warns us not to become weak and servile

By / 2 Comments / 10 November 2012

In “Americans, the subservient” I speculated that our regime — with the Constitution as its foundation — may be dying because of changes in the character of the American people.  In his letter to Harper’s Magazine (August 2008, subscribers only) Fred Nollan, elaborated on Mark Slouka’s June 2008 article, “Democracy and Deference,”  describing how “Americans have become comfortable with the undemocratic qualities …

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Americans, now a subservient people (listen to the Founders sigh in disappointment)

By / 12 Comments / 23 August 2008

Why is the Constitution — that is, the political regime based on this document — dying?  It has not changed.  Perhaps we have changed.  For a perspective on this, read this letter to Harper’s Magazine by Fred Nollan, August 2008 — Subscribers only (Harper’s is well-worth the cost of subscribing): In his June Notebook, “Democracy and …

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Consequences of a long, deep recession – part III

By / 2 Comments / 22 February 2016

Summary:  this series speculates about the consequences of a deep and long recession over the next few years.  How might we react?  How might this change America?  The first post examined our alternatives.  The second discussed possible changes in our financial system.  This chapter looks at the effect on Americans, and America.  Our next President will face these challenges, so your vote …

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