Listen "The Causes of Democratic Despotism"
Episode Synopsis
We reflect on the democratic tendency toward despotic, centralized government and several manifestations of that tendency today.
Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines.
Leading Off (0:55) - We discuss the pause in the administration of the Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccine. Links: CDC and FDA joint statement; Charles C. W. Cooke at National Review; Deseret News on Utah and other states; Charles C. W. Cooke at National Review, part 2. [45 seconds]
Required Reading (10:18) - We reflect on the democratic tendency toward despotic centralized government in light of Alexis de Tocqueville’s argument in the opening chapters of the last part of volume 2 of Democracy in America and Publius’s argument in Federalist essays 23-37. [10 min]
Headlines (35:45) - We look at two contemporary Progressive efforts to consolidate government power further. Links: Nikolai Wetzel at Law and Liberty; Peter Suderman at Reason; Reuters report on Janet Yellen proposal; Wall Street Journal on Yellen proposal.
Open the Gradebook (45:37) - We grade three modest proposals for reforming the national government. Links: Senator Ed Markey on expanding the Supreme Court; House of Representatives equal protection lawsuit.
Tocqueville's Crystal Ball (52:14) - After a good week picking the Masters, Dave is 19-13 on the season; Matt is 14-18. This week, we cast our eye across the pond to pick the two semifinal matches in Britain’s premier soccer cup competition.
Opening and closing music is from the beginning of "Happy Life" by Ryan Andersen from his 2018 album, Americana volume 1. Available here. Licensed by Creative Commons.
Instagram: @DemocracyinAmericaToday
Email: [email protected]
Matt Parks is an Associate Professor of Politics at The King’s College in New York City. David Corbin is a Professor of Politics and the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Providence Christian College in Pasadena, California. All views expressed in this podcast are their own.
Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines.
Leading Off (0:55) - We discuss the pause in the administration of the Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccine. Links: CDC and FDA joint statement; Charles C. W. Cooke at National Review; Deseret News on Utah and other states; Charles C. W. Cooke at National Review, part 2. [45 seconds]
Required Reading (10:18) - We reflect on the democratic tendency toward despotic centralized government in light of Alexis de Tocqueville’s argument in the opening chapters of the last part of volume 2 of Democracy in America and Publius’s argument in Federalist essays 23-37. [10 min]
Headlines (35:45) - We look at two contemporary Progressive efforts to consolidate government power further. Links: Nikolai Wetzel at Law and Liberty; Peter Suderman at Reason; Reuters report on Janet Yellen proposal; Wall Street Journal on Yellen proposal.
Open the Gradebook (45:37) - We grade three modest proposals for reforming the national government. Links: Senator Ed Markey on expanding the Supreme Court; House of Representatives equal protection lawsuit.
Tocqueville's Crystal Ball (52:14) - After a good week picking the Masters, Dave is 19-13 on the season; Matt is 14-18. This week, we cast our eye across the pond to pick the two semifinal matches in Britain’s premier soccer cup competition.
Opening and closing music is from the beginning of "Happy Life" by Ryan Andersen from his 2018 album, Americana volume 1. Available here. Licensed by Creative Commons.
Instagram: @DemocracyinAmericaToday
Email: [email protected]
Matt Parks is an Associate Professor of Politics at The King’s College in New York City. David Corbin is a Professor of Politics and the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Providence Christian College in Pasadena, California. All views expressed in this podcast are their own.
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