What I Think I Know

— The Lessons of History P. 79

All deductions having been made, democracy has done less harm, and more good, than any other form of government. It gave to human existence a zest and camaraderie that outweighed its pitfalls and defects. It gave to thought and science and enterprise the freedom essential to other operation and growth. It broke down the walls of privilege and class, and in each generation it raised up ability from every rank and place. Under its stimulus Athens and Rome became the most creative cities in history, and America in two centuries has provided abundance for an unprecedentedly large proportion of its population. Democracy has now dedicated itself resolutely to the spread and lengthening of education, and to the maintenance of public health. If equality of educational opportunity can be established, democracy will be real and justified. For this is the vital truth beneath its catchwords: that though men cannot be equal, their access to education and opportunity can be made more nearly equal. The rights of man are not rights to office and power, but the rights of entry into every avenue that may nourish and test a man’s fitness for office and power. A right is not a gift of God or nature but a privilege which it is good for the group that the individual should have.”

— Bill Bonner Diary 9/1/2016

Americans know how it works, too. A politician plays to the masses to get votes. But he plays to the Establishment to get money.

Their pockets full of nearly-free money provided by the Fed, rich and powerful insiders line up behind Ms. Clinton.

That’s because they know she is someone they can work with. She is an honest politician: When she is bought, she stays bought.”