"I do not think that it is possible to combine several principles in the same government, so as at the same time to maintain freedom, and really to oppose them to one another. The form of government which is usually termed as mixed has always appeared to me to be a mere chimera."
Alexis de Tocqueville...is an interesting guy, it must be said. The idea of calling mixed government to be a delusional, grotesque fantasy is something that really strikes a chord in me. I dunno, I guess I can see what he's saying about the whole idea of mixing forms of government and opposing freedoms against one another, but it's a bit of a tough pill to swallow.
I feel as though it is possible to have opposing freedoms. Mayhaps not on a federal level, but honestly, with the different interpretations on our freedoms, is that not nearly the same thing? We have an opposing value system and while not perfect, it's not delusional and grotesque. It's a very clear reality. Again, this addresses the fact that Democracy in America, at least from my cultural context, has not aged very well. It's good with some themes, but it is not the definitive tome.
No comments:
Post a Comment