Chronicles of Atlantis: Soft Despotism

Saturday, June 27, 2009

In democracy, soft despotism “does not break wills,” says Tocqueville, “ it softens them, bends them, and directs them” … more >>

David Nybakke said...: WOW, what an article, I think, and that said if I understand 1/4 of what was in it. It seems to me that the article is about SO MUCH MORE than simply the discussion on 'soft despotism'.

We have many great teaching tools from Tocqueville don't you think?

Interesting video video on this topic.; June 27, 2009 at 9:52 AM
Athos said...: What the New Testament knows better than most sociologists is that all forms of conventional governments (and which one isn't conventional?) are efforts to appease "the crowd."

It is little wonder that the leaders of Iran are attempting to squelch those on the street - and let us remember that this isn't about "freedom". It is about two rival groups within the Islamic State of Iran.

Herman Wouk summed this all up succintly in the words of a German general:

"All forms of politics are dirty, my friend. Democracies, dictatorships are variations on a theme: Please the mob."

- General von Roon in Herman Wouk's "Winds of War"; June 27, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Athos said...: (The street protesting) is about two rival groups within the Islamic State of Iran.

Diane West says the same thing.; June 27, 2009 at 11:27 AM

Chronicles of Atlantis