… is from page 2 of my former teacher – and newly elected president of the Mont Pelerin Society – Randy Holcombe’s superb 1985 book, An Economic Analysis of Democracy:
Democracy in America, originally established as a means to limit the power of government, has evolved into an end in itself. Rather than being viewed as a tool for safeguarding the rights of its citizens, democracy has become a mechanism for furthering the will of the majority.
DBx: Yes, unfortunately.
Too many people believe that, as long as there are regular and fair elections, the rights of individuals in electoral minorities cannot be violated. This belief is not one that was held by America’s founders. Even more importantly, this belief is one that does not take rights seriously.
