Commentary

Lessig on “Corruption”

By Scott ⋅ June 26, 2008 ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

Larry Lessig explains how the U.S. democracy, dependent on “corrupt” campaign contributions, is deteriorating.

He quotes President Reagan describing how democracies fail—by voting themselves into bankruptcy.

A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury.—Unknown

This expression did not originate with Reagan, it provenance is unclear.

Tags: congress, lessig, politics, reform