Thought For the Day!

"There are persons in France who look upon republican institutions as a temporary means of power, of wealth, and distinction; men who are the condottieri of liberty, and who fight for their own advantage, whatever be the colors they wear: it is not to these that I address myself. But there are others who look forward to the republican form of government as a tranquil and lasting state, towards which modern society is daily impelled by the ideas and manners of the time, and who sincerely desire to prepare men to be free. When these men attack religious opinions, they obey the dictates of their passions to the prejudice of their interests. Despotism may govern without faith, but liberty cannot. Religion is much more necessary in the republic which they set forth in glowing colors than in the monarchy which they attack; and it is more needed in democratic republics than in any others. How is it possible that society should escape destruction if the moral tie be not strengthened in proportion as the political tie is relaxed? and what can be done with a people which is its own master, if it be not submissive to the Divinity?" - Alexis De Tocqueville, Democracy in America, Chapter XVI Part II

My Take - It would appear people will always be people, and little in life changes over time. When a society abandons that which made them great they abandon everything in favor of nothing.  They have not only lost the moral foundations and touchstones for their existence, they soon lose their minds. After that they can be convinced to follow  ..........anything!