The Declaration of Independence states that governments derive “their just powers from the consent of the governed.”
The American understanding of democracy does not envision voters as slaves who enjoy the privilege of voting for a new master every few years. When the Declaration speaks of the right – and, later the duty– of the people to abolish tyrannical governments, it renders the notion of “mandates” to impose radical change on unwilling citizens absurd.
The vital role of consent in the structure of a just government is one of the most powerful ideas ever advanced by the human race.
On the other hand, the belief that consent can be manufactured by democratic majorities is one of the most cherished illusions of activist government.
The dissent of a minority is not rendered irrelevant by victory in a popular vote…
but the health-care debate in the Senate proceeds on the assumption that victory in a parliamentary struggle between a hundred elected officials will compel the consent of the millions of citizens – now a sizable majority of the population, based on the latest polls – who strenuously object to ObamaCare.
If Senate Democrats win this debate, huge amounts of our liberty will be destroyed, and vast sums of money will be seized from taxpayers… and we will not be allowed to object.
Any attempt to withhold your consent from this economy-shattering, life-changing radical legislation will end with you sitting in a prison cell.
The American understanding of democracy does not envision voters as slaves who enjoy the privilege of voting for a new master every few years. When the Declaration speaks of the right – and, later the duty– of the people to abolish tyrannical governments, it renders the notion of “mandates” to impose radical change on unwilling citizens absurd.
The vital role of consent in the structure of a just government is one of the most powerful ideas ever advanced by the human race.
On the other hand, the belief that consent can be manufactured by democratic majorities is one of the most cherished illusions of activist government.
The dissent of a minority is not rendered irrelevant by victory in a popular vote…
but the health-care debate in the Senate proceeds on the assumption that victory in a parliamentary struggle between a hundred elected officials will compel the consent of the millions of citizens – now a sizable majority of the population, based on the latest polls – who strenuously object to ObamaCare.
If Senate Democrats win this debate, huge amounts of our liberty will be destroyed, and vast sums of money will be seized from taxpayers… and we will not be allowed to object.
Any attempt to withhold your consent from this economy-shattering, life-changing radical legislation will end with you sitting in a prison cell.
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