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Politics : Dutch Central Bank Sale Announcement Imminent? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: mcg404 who wrote (18263)	5/11/2003 3:54:40 PM
From: sea_urchin	Respond to of 81419

Thanks, John, very interesting, especially for a plebeian, like myself, who has never learned anything of ancient political philosophy. > but who is going to believe a guy named Polybius? It seems the American "founding fathers" did. And it also seems, because they did, that is why the US Constitution, in fact the US itself, has been so successful. I found the extract you posted absolutely fascinating. I did not realize that there is a dynamic to political systems and that they rise and fall within themselves. Stupidly, I believed we were on a straight road to a democratic Utopia and if we fell of the road we were damned. Now I am enlightened. Indeed, this bit, which you have highlighted has the quality of an "ultimate truth". >>>...as future generations inherit the same privileges of democracy as their ancestors, yet without effort, they cease to cherish those benefits. Eventually individuals arise among them who, seeking pre-eminence, cater to the creature comforts of the masses, thereby hoping to win their favor. People sell cheap those liberties that have cost them nothing personally.* Once the masses accept these demagogues, the cycle of tyranny begins again...<<< * In fact, anything which people get without a personal struggle they don't appreciate and are quick to throw away. Hence, the disposable inheritance, stockmarket windfall, wife, family, children, society etc. Thanks again.