In the America that Tocqueville observed, citizens relied on themselves, not the government. Today? Vast government handouts have become a fixed and expected part of American life. How did we go from Tocqueville’s America to Obama’s? Today on Uncommon Knowledge, Paul Rahe, author of Soft Despotism.
Human beings are a fierce lot. They can stand up to anything but temptation. The trouble is that, during the 150 years between Tocqueville and Obama, the temptations [of big government] have grown.