Demagogues cannot gain a foothold unless there are a sufficient number of people who cannot or will not take care of themselves. Add to that those who are just "making it" and those who, if offered an easier way out, could be enticed to stop trying. These are the red meat of demagogues.
This highlights the importance of a strong economy where people can, with reasonable effort, at least provide for a tolerable existence. This is why, for a demagogue, it is important to weaken the economy, create high unemployment and the need for government help. Then the cycle begins. Sound familiar?
Demagogues sometimes begin with good intentions, but even these, when they begin to "feel" their power, turn into tyrants. It becomes an irresistible appetite for more power. To maintain the power, they must find resources to distribute to their dependent, now demanding, supporters, in order to retain power. They turn to anyone from whom they can extort what they need which, of course, are those who have it, the rich. But always in past history, that well runs dry and there is no one left to produce the resources they need.
Now, unable to give the people what they need and want, demagogues must resort to force to control the anger of the people and tyranny begins. As Paul Harvey used to say, "And now, you know the rest of the story".
This highlights the importance of a strong economy where people can, with reasonable effort, at least provide for a tolerable existence. This is why, for a demagogue, it is important to weaken the economy, create high unemployment and the need for government help. Then the cycle begins. Sound familiar?
Demagogues sometimes begin with good intentions, but even these, when they begin to "feel" their power, turn into tyrants. It becomes an irresistible appetite for more power. To maintain the power, they must find resources to distribute to their dependent, now demanding, supporters, in order to retain power. They turn to anyone from whom they can extort what they need which, of course, are those who have it, the rich. But always in past history, that well runs dry and there is no one left to produce the resources they need.
Now, unable to give the people what they need and want, demagogues must resort to force to control the anger of the people and tyranny begins. As Paul Harvey used to say, "And now, you know the rest of the story".
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