February 7, 2025

I will govern according to the common weal [meaning welfare], but not according to the common will. 

James I (1566-1625), king of England, in J. R. Green, History of the English People, vol.3 (1879), Jay p.190

When was the last time you encountered a proposed solution to some controversial issue that, according to the experts, was absolutely appropriate in the circumstances and decidedly popular with the voters? A solution that was acceptable to the people and to the “experts” at the same time?

A most succinct distinction between monarchy (as best practiced over most of human history) and democracy. Representative democracy aims for good proposals, unless a foot is put wrong and the people begin to complain.