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Sovereignty of the people

In the year 1830, Alexis de Tocqueville came from France to take the measure of our American democracy: "I was surprised to find so much distinguished talent among the subjects, and so little among the heads of government."

After crediting our inheritance laws and our educational systems, he concluded: "They have been allowed by their origin, by their intelligence, and especially by their moral feeling, to establish and maintain the sovereignty of the people."

Is it any wonder that President Trump admires Vladimir Putin, the most successful tribal chieftain of the day?

De Tocqueville published his findings under: Democracy In America, in 1830.

Arthur Petersen

Barrington

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