Democracy vs. a Constitutional Republic: Ayn Rand's Case

[@michaelbourassa4284]

Thank you, I am so sick of explaining that America is NOT a democracy!!

[@JohnHankins-n6p]

I'm right there with you.

[@ralphbernhard1757]

It is a "divide and rule"-system.

[@XSR_RUGGER]

I don't know how many times I have had to explain this to people in the last few months. 🤦‍♂️. It's as if they take offense to being told the United States isn't a democracy.

[@JohnHankins-n6p]

@@XSR_RUGGER I been trying to for years and they become fighting mad. Then I ask them if they remember the pledge of allegiance. "And the Republic for which it stands" and then they just go Storming off.

[@jackhollands6581]

I also refer to the pledge and get that "Deer in the headlight" stare on their face. Then silence. @@JohnHankins-n6p

[@Inspired2Teach]

That's why, in our Republic, our Founders sought very clearly to preserve our RIGHT to defend ourselves, our families, our communities, our States and our Republic. And they similarly provided for the preservation of our other Rights to make it worthwhile. If you have to ask permission to exercise a Right, it isn't a Right.

[@tehbakedpotato]

The Constitution does not grant people rights, it prohibits the government from infringing on the people's God-given rights.

[@jthemagicrobot3960]

Psst you still have to ask for permission in a republic see licenses, regulations, taxes etc...etc... If you have to ask for permission or have your labor or the fruit of your labor taxed you don't own yourself and if you don't own yourself you are a slave 😊

[@c.galindo9639]

Yes. They did their due diligence to impose a Rule of Law that doesn’t infringe nor persecute Its’ People based off of what they morally and intellectually understand about law, governance, people, land, and so on. They really setup a foundation to build greater strives to a better society of people, IF we can maintain such a system for Ourselves

[@markwarnberg9504]

And that is were the 2nd amendment comes in. The tool they left us so that we may form a better goverment when and if needed.

[@VictorAvera]

@@c.galindo9639 A Republic, but only if you can keep it that way.

[@ronaldkemp3952]

And thus why in the pledge of allegiance to our country it says "and to the republic, for which it stands, one nation".

[@martyhayes5070]

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the Unitd States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[@ronaldkemp3952]

@@martyhayes5070 ♥

[@elizabethpeterson455]

We are a constitutional self governing republic.

[@khankrum1]

A pity Joe Biden has forgotten that! I fear that he will be the Republic's last POTUS at the rate he is going!

[@Normandy1944]

@@khankrum1 Joe is a pathetic excuse for a human being. He is misleading, a liar, corrupt and has only done for himself his whole fake career.

[@3Pillers]

God bless America, long live the Republic.

[@carlgibbons5777]

Donald Trump and this GOP is neither. Trump has called for terminating the Constitution OUT LOUD multiple times so he can be a dictator. Anybody that says otherwise does not live in reality. They live in a CULT.

[@khankrum1]

It is not going to last much longer if you let the left morons keep the vote

[@barry1fitzgerald]

America was indeed blessed but a perverse democratic ideology might limit how long it will live.

[@voiceofreason-ct1nm]

All forms of government, including democracies, theocracies, and monarchies can be controlled by an oligarchy. The presence of a constitution or similar formative charter does not preclude the possibility of an oligarchy holding actual control. Under the theoretical “iron law of oligarchy,” all political systems eventually evolve into oligarchies. In democracies, oligarchs use their wealth to influence elected officials. In monarchies, oligarchs use their military power or wealth to influence the king or queen. In general, leaders of oligarchies work to build their own power with little or no regard for the needs of society.

[@jamesfmarquess6466]

A Constitutional Republic is worth saving. Democracy is fed to the people.

[@AgainstDemocracy]

Neither is worth saving. America is $31T in debt, with countless laws and regulations, inflation through the roof, and government overreach in every aspect of Americans' lives. And somehow, people still defend their form of government. Wake up and snort the coffee; your constitution has failed you.

[@jasonrobbins4227]

Benjamin Franklin said when asked what government we have. "A Constitutional Republic if you can keep it."

[@raymondready7496]

​@@jasonrobbins4227 we can keep it but the divide and conquer tactic used on us must be seen.

[@MythsScamsLies]

The US is a democracy. You're being lied to and you're stupid enough to believe the lies. That said, it's a failed democracy. The people that are being elected are not being elected by the voters but by large, wealthy interests.

[@archiehendricks6093]

What are you going to do to get it back. Cause my guy Trump even speaks of it as democracy. Benjimen franklin said no to question is it a democracy no! It is (was) a Republic of constitutional law. Which includes bill of rights Under pure democracy mob rule could constinately erode guaranteed rights.

[@mikemarkowski7609]

The tragedy is that so many of our current population could not understand, could not comprehend her explanation. Or care to do so for that matter!

[@septembersurprise5178]

"It is of children like this that voters are made. And such is the primal source of our government! A man hardly knows whether to swear or cry over it." - Mark Twain

[@jfangm]

​​@@septembersurprise5178 ¿Por que no los dos? "FUU-HUHUHUHu-UCK" *angry sobbing noises*

[@septembersurprise5178]

@@jfangm "Can a man who's warm understand one who's freezing?" - Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

[@katfishkobain8809]

It’s not a tragedy, it’s a plan. Make no mistake, stupid is good for politicians……

[@markaxworthy2508]

She is talking in abstracts, not reality. A Republic without Democracy has never existed and never will. They are mutually dependent for legitimacy and functionality.

[@hanavi8517]

I am in my 40's, I like history and have a Bachelors Degree. But I don't ever remember learning in school or it wasn't emphasized enough that America is a republic or the difference between democracy and a republic. This needs to be taught in schools from elementary all the way up.

[@otpyrcralphpierre1742]

That was a DELIBERATE act by the "Education" system. The Government controls ALL "Education" in America, and the LESS you know about YOUR rights and YOUR history, the easier it is to CONTROL you. They STILL don't teach it.

[@patriot6285]

YES! YES!! YES!!!

[@bgbgbg123]

There isn't really a difference. A constitutional republic is a version of democracy. We don't directly vote on every issue but elect representatives to vote on our behalf. That's still democracy. When someone says "The US isn't a democracy," what they're really trying to say is "even though the majority want X to happen, because we're not a democracy the minority gets to decide and they don't support X so it isn't going to happen."

[@angelamartin7885]

I'm in my 50's and I was taught that we are a Constitutional Republic. We said the pledge every morning following prayer. Those were the days when our flag and Creator was respected in our school system. We had people who believed differently, but no one protested or was forced to participate.

[@otpyrcralphpierre1742]

@@angelamartin7885 When the Liberals kicked God out of schools, the Devil just marched right in!

[@alanploetz7100]

She spoke with a clarity of thought that is lacking in our politicians today. Although, it seems some of the word salads we hear are simply meant to obfuscate their actual intentions.

[@SpryteintheAndes]

I believe RFKJr speaks with this exact same clarity.

[@silent1967]

​@@SpryteintheAndesNo he doesn't.

[@Dobberjones]

He a truthful liberal. That’s all he is !

[@alanploetz7100]

@@Dobberjones yes, because he is a liberal Democrat and not a leftist, Marxist wannabe like those who dominate the DNC today.

[@timhuson4800]

Except her definition of "democracy" is not accurate. She can stipulate that definition, as Madison did, but to claim that is the meaning of the word is not sound. Check the meaning of "democracy" either today or in 1570s, when it was first introduced into English, it means "government by the people, system of government in which the sovereign power is vested in the people as a whole exercising power directly or by elected officials." The US is absolutely a democracy under this definition.

[@cakincaid4415]

Getting people to realize our Founders rejected democracy and, instead, created a Constitutional Republic is exceedingly difficult. It's even more difficult than convincing people that the Founders entitled the first ten amendments to the Constitution "The Bill of Inalienable Rights".

[@jsand3494]

God given and self evident. 😁

[@hifinsword]

@@jsand3494 From the Declaration of Independence - "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

[@darktimesatrockymountainhi4046]

It continues to be difficult to assert our constitutional republic & deny that we are a democracy because we have too many idiot, speculative lawyers - who understand nothing of our history, laws, and government - in positions of power & influence.

[@ahwhite2022]

Our founders did not “reject” Democracy as much as try to rein it in. They were soaking in it and trying to identify the best way to manage it.

[@marianlucas2947]

Democracy people choose their own Representative. With the real threat of Trump, and his AUTHORIAIN Tendency. Perhaps we should remember the words of Ben Franklin "A republic if you can keep it.

[@therealbahamut]

"A democracy is two wolves and a sheep arguing on what to have for lunch. A republic is a sheep with a gun contesting the vote."

[@anonymouslegion4928]

Brilliant

[@AgainstDemocracy]

The Constitution has failed to protect Americans from the government. The only just system is one based on private property. A government is a criminal organization.

[@mattyb7607]

That sounds very much like something Andrew Wilkow has said over and over.

[@MsMaria990]

Well said!

[@patwhocares7009]

Unless you convince the sheep that it is in his best interest to give up his means of protection. Funny how the colonies started a war over 2% taxes and now nobody cares that they have to pay 50% (that you can see) in taxes and nobody is like, this is what the 2nd amendment was written for.

[@depuyjd]

Such a wise human and we are so blessed to hear her in her own words. America, hell the world needs an Ayn Rand for the 21st century.

[@ANDROLOMA]

"...conservatives are advocates of a mixed economy and of a welfare state. Their difference from the liberals is only one of degree, not of principle." -Ayn Rand, Playboy interview, March 1964

[@adenwellsmith6908]

Add the right of explicit informed consent as a basic human right. Anyone who says no to that right, needs to be investigated for obvious reasons. So what changes? The state can't screw you unless you want it. If it didn't tell you all the information, you can change your mind to no [or yes] Explicit? They can't assume anything and sign you up by default. They can't remove the right, because you would simply say no to losing the right, even if you never used it. It's one way only

[@francisdashwood1760]

We had our Ann...Ann Coulter, however, she's pretty much been blackballed from mainstream media.

[@PopCornSheffield-ow4vm]

@@francisdashwood1760She blackballed herself from conservatism. Broke my heart.

[@PopCornSheffield-ow4vm]

Vivek Ramaswamy

[@bipolarvortex]

Ayn was was both brilliant and eloquent with simplistically explained clarity of thought. Not many among us can do that.

[@ljprep6250]

I thought of Jordan Peterson when you said that. They are two people who can explain things so properly, and so clearly, that you have no doubt about what they said or meant. It is an absolutely marvelous thing to witness.

[@JacksonHoulihan]

She was also a hypocrite who used government assistance because she failed to have anything left when she got old.

[@prodigalpriest]

Ayn would've been cancelled today.

[@markaxworthy2508]

Being "simplistic" is not a merit. Look it up. She is talking in abstracts, not reality. A Republic without Democracy has never existed and never will. They are mutually dependent for legitimacy and functionality.

[@richarddaugherty8583]

The more I learn about Ayn Rand, the more impressed I am with her.

[@williamtetrault1300]

Read the woman’s novels, beginning with “Anthem,” a very short story, quickly read, that encapsulates her philosophy, briefly.

[@rickbernagozzi2277]

Atlas Shrugged is the single best book I have ever read...I've read it 3 times and I never do that...but read the book, the movie fails to do it justice

[@gregb6469]

@@rickbernagozzi2277-- The movies were jokes, but the book itself is one overly-long narcissistic screed.

[@ghostsniper2099]

@@gregb6469 Says a person that very obviously never read it. Be careful of people like this for they are disingenuous.

[@gregb6469]

@@ghostsniper2099-- I have read ATLAS SHRUGGED, the entire thing, back when I was young (in my 20s) and immature. I've grown up since then, gotten right with God, and now see life from the Biblical perspective, not from some humanist (Rand's Objectivism was one) perspective.

[@karzee358]

When I explain to people that our country (the united States of America) is a republic it is very simple: In a Republic, if 99 out of 100 people vote to have eggs for breakfast, but you want oatmeal, you can have your oatmeal. In a democratic society, if 51 out of 100 people vote to have eggs for breakfast, but the other 49 want oatmeal...EVERYBODY HAS to have eggs! If people stop and really think about it, the majority of our "laws" are completely unconstitutional, and when our, ahem, "representatives" keep pounding into everyone's brains to "SAVE OUR DEMOCRACY" they know darn well what they're doing.

[@tier5956]

You are so right

[@jamesshriver4822]

Man…I’m going to use your example! Maybe then I’ll get some of my family and friends back.

[@antiglobalist8229]

Semi-direct participatory democracy also has a constitution to eliminate the same problem. Your constitutional republic is not working. Your system failed because of oligarchism, elitism and corruption (lobbying). The United States is not a constitutional republic, but a plutocracy, i.e. the rule of the wealthy elite. Everything is flooded with corruption and elitism! The Swiss system is much better!! The constitutional semi-direct participatory democracy! It has been working perfectly for hundreds of years!! For hundreds of years, Switzerland has continuously demonstrated harmonious and unbroken development! It's funny that you keep saying that direct democracy doesn't work! Yet the living example has been in front of your nose for hundreds of years. It would be best for you Americans to adopt the Swiss system. It would be a solution to all the current problems.

[@perspectiveiseverything1694]

My example is always slavery. Similar set-up to yours. People's faces go blank.

[@chrisdavis8368]

Bad analogy, as most elections are 49% to 51% and we get the one with 51% of the vote making decisions for the 100% who voted. As an independent, I never get to have my oatmeal

[@thomaskingsbury6560]

What she expounds so eloquently makes you want to preserve and protect it at all costs. And that is also why this was taken out of the educational system.

[@markaxworthy2508]

She is talking in abstracts, not reality. A Republic without Democracy has never existed and never will. They are mutually dependent for legitimacy and functionality.

[@JohnLove-q3j]

The fact that this lady has to explain this is proof positive of our poor education system.

[@1202jazzman]

Ayn Rand died in 1982, over 40 years ago, it's not a comment on current education...The better question to ask is why hasn't her views and ideals been a fundamental element of American Education? This

[@mikenixon2401]

I don't know about you, but I learned this (in public school) during the 1960s. It's wild to me that so many younger than me adults have no concept.

[@vancitybc3215]

They took civics out and put social studies on

[@sodacan1415]

@@mikenixon2401 american education has been declining since the 70s if not the late 60s.

[@dennisrhowellsr7825]

I embraced Rand's Objectivism way back in college. I am exposing my age, but nonetheless, back when I was in college we were assigned reading for history and political science, unlike today.

[@elizabethpeterson455]

Does anyone know or hear about Ann Coulter ? I hear nothing of her anymore...

[@markaxworthy2508]

She is talking in abstracts, not reality. A Republic without Democracy has never existed and never will. They are mutually dependent for legitimacy and functionality.

[@hmmmmmmminteresting]

Beautifully and so eloquently stated by Ayn Rand. We really need Ayn Rand today. There are so many issues I would want to ask her opinion of. Brilliant woman.

[@markaxworthy2508]

She is talking in abstracts, not reality. A Republic without Democracy has never existed and never will. They are mutually dependent for legitimacy and functionality.

[@hmmmmmmminteresting]

@@markaxworthy2508 some form of democracy but there are principles that are more important. Not direct democracy, and not pure democracy. The US Constitution got it right.

[@markaxworthy2508]

@@hmmmmmmminteresting Principles and popular representation are both necessary for legitimacy. There is a false dichotomy between the two being drawn by some. It is nor "either/or", it is "both/and". The "founding fathers" knew the US Constitution hadn't necessarily "got it right". That was why the Bill of Rights was added immediately and provision included for further Amendments. The US Constitution was the work of fallible men who knew they were fallible. If set in stone, the US Constitution is in danger of going the way of the Koran and becoming anachronistic and obsolete. Fortunately, unlike the Koran, the US Constitution has its own self-righting mechanisms. However, those who over invest too literally in the sanctity of the Constitution (i.e. so-called "originalists") are in danger of becoming fundamentalists after the manner of some Islamists and may seek to fossilize a work that needs some freedom to evolve. In short, the US Constitution was no more handed down by a god on a mountain top than was the Koran.

[@hmmmmmmminteresting]

@@markaxworthy2508 no it wasn't handed by God. Ayn obviously would never even contemplate such an idea. But it was a work of very genius people and it's very well written and built. There is too much exaggeration over the will of the people. In a country that values the individual and capitalism and liberty, absent external and internal security threats, there is little for elected officials to decide anyway so elections don't and shouldn't mean that much.

[@markaxworthy2508]

@@hmmmmmmminteresting I was using "handed down by god" as a turn of phrase, not to be taken literally, as some "Christian nationalist" seem to do. The US Constitution is a creditable and solid piece of work of its sort, but it would be a mistake to worship it as perfect or immutable. Times change. While a handful of its signatories were arguably "men of genius", most were not. The same men messed up with the Articles of Confederation. The US Constitution was itself a compromise between interest groups that was beaten out between self interested politicians. They debated all sorts of alternatives, including a monarchy, and came to some dubious decisions, such as perpetuating slavery far beyond any of their lifetimes. Capitalism (a concept not then invented) is not written into the Constitution, though it is permissive of it. The Constitution is not based purely on the absence or otherwise of internal or external security threats. There is not a country in the world, including North Korea, that spends most of its GDP on security. There seems to be a worldwide consensus that other matters than security are the primary concerns Government everywhere.

[@c.galindo9639]

An intelligently outspoken lovely lady Ayn Rand is. It seems that she fully understands the faults in certain political ideas and the realistic dangers they will have and can impose against people. What a great lady she is

[@Cynthia-rt2mz]

An amazing woman! Her books give a greater insight into WHY democracy becomes the tyrannical society. Read them if knowledge is dear to you.

[@jonnjones8263]

Which book?

[@Cynthia-rt2mz]

@@jonnjones8263The book Atlas Shrugged. She has several to choose from.

[@martyhayes5070]

​@@jonnjones8263 Atlas Shrugged is one

[@thorstambaugh1520]

Try Anthem first@@jonnjones8263

[@elizabethpeterson455]

If Atlas shrugged today....Well, let's just hope Trump stays the course.

[@golgothagarage]

My favorite explanation of democracy is two wolves and a chicken voting on what’s for lunch.

[@johntiggleman4686]

@golgothagarage I heard it was two wolves and a sheep. But the point is showing how bad democracy is.

[@MegaTurkeylips]

Whereas a republic is two wolves and a fully armed chicken (or sheep) with rights which the government cannot take away.

[@AlphaCitizen]

In a Republic, they vote on what's for lunch, yet agree they don't eat each other, as a basic right to life.

[@laaaliiiluuu]

​@@MegaTurkeylipsBut the government can always pass laws that can give exceptions to those rights e.g. during a crisis. Maybe even create the crisis in order to undermine the constitution with "emergency laws" that will grant the government more power.

[@francisdashwood1760]

However, if there were only a government of 3, as in this case, a republic would not do the chicken any good because even though they may have a constitution that protects the chicken on paper, there would be no one to enforce the laws and rights of the chicken. The wolves would still get their chicken dinner without penalty.

[@francisbusa1074]

This should be taught in every school. There may have been a day when it was, but I'm not really sure. I'm so sick of politicians of both parties parroting "our democracy".

[@jameshanson536]

Exactly my sentiments! I feel like retching every time I see or hear some sanctimonious know-it-all say such and such a person or movement is a threat to "our democracy". I certainly would not want to be a part of "their democracy."

[@markaxworthy2508]

She is talking in abstracts, not reality. A Republic without Democracy has never existed and never will. They are mutually dependent for legitimacy and functionality.

[@ccountryclarke6223]

​@@markaxworthy2508she's not look into history

[@markaxworthy2508]

@@ccountryclarke6223 Explain? In current usage the two words are almost interchangeable. One is Latin, meaning "things of the people" and the other is Greek, meaning "rule of the people".

[@mellowrebel4618]

BASIC EXPLANATION!!!! A DEMOCRACY PROTECTS THE MOB!!! A REPUBLIC PROTECTS THE PEOPLE!!!

[@carlgibbons5777]

Donald Trump and this GOP is neither. Trump has called for terminating the Constitution OUT LOUD multiple times so he can be a dictator. Anybody that says otherwise does not live in reality. They live in a CULT.

[@simongross3122]

In some republics, the republic protects the leader and his cronies to the detriment of the rest of the population.

[@markaxworthy2508]

She is talking in abstracts, not reality. A Republic without Democracy has never existed and never will. They are mutually dependent for legitimacy and functionality.

[@sar4x474]

And California has become a stellar example of what she expressed as a concern.

[@michaelbetsch9700]

That was the very best description of either or that I've been privileged to hear thank you for this productions

[@edwardson-vq6wd]

...and to the Republic for which we stand... We live in a Republic. A lynch mob is a democracy, and that's not what our founding fathers wanted! As far as I know, the term democracy was not used in the USA until the 1830s when a young Frenchman erroneously called us one. In the words of Madison: "Hence it is that such democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property; and have in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths." We are taught that we live in a democracy but this is a lie. We live in a "Constitutional Republic". Will democrats try to kill me for speaking the truth. How about my right to free speech.

[@stormrider9831]

Why Jefferson despised democracy. I sent Tucker Carlson an admonishment about the use of the word “democracy.” We are, or were, a Constitutional Republic. Trying to explain the importance of the distinction to most Americans is like trying to teach baboon to play chess.

[@mason4354]

I don't think most people are confused about what kind of democracy we have.

[@stormrider9831]

@@mason4354 we will agree to disagree. As a former professor, Most of my students (at a major University that required good SAT scores for admission) had no clue until it was explained to them.

[@acdii]

@@mason4354 Yes, they are. The fact Democracy is even MENTIONED is clue they have no understanding of what the United States is. The fact they want to eliminate the Electoral College shows fully they do not know we are a Republic. The politicians lie so much every time the say Democracy. They WANT Democracy, they don't HAVE Democracy.

[@battalion151R]

I think most baboons are smarter than a lot of voters.

[@angelamartin7885]

We are being fed that we are a Democracy because people desperately want to rule over us. Man was never meant to rule over man. When that happens, then it will eventually become a dictatorship. If a politician doesn't know the difference between the two, then they should not be in their position.

[@FredrickWendroff-um2kn]

This is so relevant right now , Listening to these folks use the Terms Freedom and Democracy today makes me shake my head. How exactly does Democracy guarantee your freedoms ?? Your Freedoms are guaranteed you by law , not some form of government , I like the mention of Socrates she made , Indeed be nice to ask Socrates how well Democracy protected his right to free speech.

[@stuart6478]

This is why democracy is the worst public policy ever.

[@mason4354]

But it makes for good Western civilization

[@Timbolic]

Not for the politicians.

[@therealBocaStudios]

No democracy has ever survived, but the USA is the longest running government in the history of the world

[@billrab1890]

No totalitarian communist rule is much worse. The United States of America that I grew up in was a Republic but what's happening now is that the democrat party is trying to destroy our great country by subverting and using democracy to turn us into a totalitarian socialist communist hell on earth.

[@livingwater7580]

Democracy is universal equality, a constitutional Republic is individual freedom.. Democracy is Marxism

[@WILDJaeger]

I like how she said, “alleged majority.” As in if they want you to think they are the majority, and feed you that line, but are not really… What CNN does every day basically.

[@brotherbruns2989]

Ayn Rand is one of my favorites, will always be!

[@BushidoBasher]

This NEEDS to be put in schools across the country!!!!

[@aakaashaak]

What she feared is exactly what's happening in India today..

[@muddypawsadventurer7775]

I listened to Lenard Pekoff every Saturday while working on my farm and became a believer in the application of "Objectivism". A system that applies logic to life for the best possible outcome.

[@jeffbroders9781]

I find it interesting that she states that the government cannot "infringe " on the citizens rights. Look at the bill of rights and the 2nd amendment is the only one that states "shall not be infringed ". And yet this is the inalienable right that is infringed on the most, followed by the freedom of speech. There's a reason our founding fathers made these the 1st two amendments in the constitution.

[@happyuniverseman2564]

The United States (which is different than the United States of America) can infringe on the Citizens because of the ignorance of what it means to be a Citizen. Read the 14th Amendment, which states that Citizens are subject to the United States. This is why every government form asks you if you are a Citizen, and a resident. When you affirm those 2 questions, you are contracting yourself as a subject of the United States. Therefore, the democratic federal government, restricted to Wash. D. C. and its territories and enclaves now has legislative authority over you, irrespective of the Constitution. In other words, you don’t have the guarantees of the Bill of Rights as a Citizen (unless Congress chooses to “selectively incorporate” each or any of the Rights therein). The Constitution guarantees a republican form of government; and it contains a clause which states that the government cannot interfere with contracts. There is the loophole. By denying Citizenship and residency, and declaring/affirming yourself as a national, you can confirm your standing with the United States of America, with the God given inalienable rights protected by the Unanimous Declaration… and the Bill of Rights. And relate with the republican union of the 50 states under compact of the Constitution. By the way, if you read the Statutes at Large, where each state beyond the original 13 are admitted into the union (U. S. A. ), Congress vetted that each respective state had a constitution creating a republican government before said state was admitted. Therefore, a democracy and republic(s) exist on this land; and you choose which one you relate to, whether ignorantly or consciously.

[@analogkid4557]

​@@happyuniverseman2564 I was going to explain this, but you beat me to it. I am guessing you are a State National?

[@happyuniverseman2564]

@@analogkid4557 Why do you use the term “State National?” What is that? I ask because I cannot find use of any such term in statutes, case law, or official documents. Whereas, “national” is found on the inside of a U.S.A. Passport, Title 8 of U.S.C., I-9 Form, and other places.

[@analogkid4557]

@@happyuniverseman2564 When you change your status from citizen, person, resident, you are a free man. State National is a free man. The status we had before the 14th amendment.

[@happyuniverseman2564]

@@analogkid4557 Thanks for responding. Yes, I comprehend everything you said in your response, except that, as I said perviously, I cannot find any official use of the term “State National” or “state national.” I am familiar with certain people teaching the process for changing your status, such as David Straight, whom use “State National” ; and I’m familiar with others, such as Roger Sayles, who simply use the term “national”, and uses an affidavit that is essentially one line when noticing the Secretary of State : I declare, under penalty of perjury of the laws of the United States of America, of my intention to be a national but not a citizen of the United States. The reason for my inquiry, and the point of my statements, is that I cannot find any evidence that the state(s) or the federal gov’t use the term “State National” ; whereas, as I stated, the term “national” is readily used, and therefore recognized. All my studies and research indicate to me that “national” today means what “citizen” (of any of the original 13 states) meant at the time of the Constitution (1791), before “citizen” was changed by the 14th Amendment to a subject to the United States (Wash. D.C.).

[@IanMcFerran]

A genuine democracy is when the masses are educated and objectively informed about matters - then and only then do the masses vote to instruct their servants on what to do. Therefore, as the masses are (in reality) kept in ignorance and the 'public servants' are, in fact, 'rulers', the notion of democracy has never once been fulfilled in real life, anywhere, ever!

[@robertfranklin8881]

Everyone should hear this.

[@isatousarr7044]

The terms "democracy" and "constitutional republic" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that shape how political power is distributed and exercised in a society. Democracy, in its purest form, is a system of government in which the power to make decisions is vested directly in the people. This can be through direct participation where citizens vote on laws and policies themselves, or through a representative system where elected officials act on behalf of the people. However, direct democracy is challenging to implement on a large scale, especially in populous nations, which is why representative democracy is more common. A constitutional republic, on the other hand, is a type of government where the power is held by elected representatives and is guided by a constitution that sets legal limits on government authority and protects individual rights. In this system, the rule of law is paramount, ensuring that both the government and the governed are subject to the same laws. The constitution acts as a safeguard, preventing the "tyranny of the majority" where majority rule could potentially infringe on the rights of minority groups. The main difference between the two lies in how power is constrained. In a pure democracy, majority rule can lead to policies that may disregard the rights and interests of minorities. A constitutional republic addresses this concern by creating a legal framework that enshrines rights and limits governmental power, ensuring that the rights of individuals and minority groups are protected regardless of majority opinion. In practice, the United States is a constitutional republic with democratic principles. The Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches to prevent the abuse of power. It also enshrines individual rights through the Bill of Rights, protecting freedoms such as speech, religion, and assembly, which are not subject to the whims of popular vote. This structure aims to balance the will of the majority with the protection of fundamental rights, creating a government that is both responsive and just. Understanding the distinction helps clarify debates about governance, individual freedoms, and the balance of power in modern democratic societies.

[@JustMe-gw3eo]

Never heard it explained any better. Wish more people understood that.

[@markaxworthy2508]

She is talking in abstracts, not reality. A Republic without Democracy has never existed and never will. They are mutually dependent for legitimacy and functionality.

[@mydogharlee]

I don’t have a collage degree but I’ve had to explain the difference between a Democracy and a Republic to people including college graduates. I told them that a Democracy creates minorities (as well as how it happens) thus is what our forefathers fought against. I’m always surprised when people don’t know this but I am not surprised that a certain political party (Democrats mostly) continue to say on national tv that Democracy is under threat or other things of that nature because it shouldn’t even exist in the USA (but it does). However, I am well aware of how corrupt our Government has become on both sides of the isle. One example that we are a Democracy or quickly becoming one is that our Government is the largest employer in our country (not good my friends, not a good sign at all). Semper Fi

[@carlgibbons5777]

Donald Trump and this GOP is neither. Trump has called for terminating the Constitution OUT LOUD multiple times so he can be a dictator. Anybody that says otherwise does not live in reality. They live in a CULT.

[@markaxworthy2508]

She is talking in abstracts, not reality. A Republic without Democracy has never existed and never will. They are mutually dependent for legitimacy and functionality.

[@artvandelay1099]

Very good to hear. I've never heard Ayn Rand speak before.

[@jimmywilliamson8540]

Really beautiful and to the point. Democracy sounds good, but it never has been good and it never will be good. A republic is the only way that an individual can ever actually be free. It's amazing that people that were formerly hippies have fallen into a system that hates everything that actual freedom allows for. People said that they wanted total freedom and they ended up with total bondage in the name of total safety.

[@carlgibbons5777]

Donald Trump and this GOP is neither. Trump has called for terminating the Constitution OUT LOUD multiple times so he can be a dictator. Anybody that says otherwise does not live in reality. They live in a CULT.

[@markaxworthy2508]

She is talking in abstracts, not reality. A Republic without Democracy has never existed and never will. They are mutually dependent for legitimacy and functionality.

[@corrysmith]

This needs to be taught in every school in the world.

[@dennisbailey6067]

As long as a system can be corrupted,it is not perfect.And all systems can be corrupted.

[@lumberpilot]

The majority of any group of people are dull-witted and easily swayed by appeals to emotion. The best form of governance is the age old council of elders appointed by peers to be consulted only when necessary to settle disputes or prepare defenses.

[@eduardorpg64]

Awesome and eductational Thank you for uploading this, ARI!

[@donadeavera9608]

Ayn was brilliant. I recommend people read her books. Start with "Atlas Shrugged"

[@julianneh.1768]

I somehow found her books when I was in elementary school, and I loved them so much. I wasn't a "cool kid" , but I read some really great books! We must have had a librarian that pulled for some thinker books.

[@IpsissimusPrime]

Ever wonder why they stopped teaching civics in high school? No wonder most people have no idea about government. Her key word being “proper” when discussing a republic. And we’re an oligarchy, to be clear, controlled by minority interests. But there’s a problem with that too imo. Unfortunately our elected officials are bought out by the lobbyists and other wealthy interests. Which is why we have a massive military and medical industrial complex. This explains why we are at constant war abroad but don’t have real healthcare access, or a stable infrastructure. And we haven’t ever been able to solve our poverty problem or provide a real education for our youth. And for any patriots out there, our veterans are forgotten after their service and God forbid they should come back injured given the pathetic healthcare they’ll receive. We’re basically a lot of sheep with crooked shepherds.

[@lstanich1]

Thanks!

[@markburton5292]

This is why we are a constitutional democratic republic. The constitution protects our rights, we democratically vote for your representatives, and it takes a super majority to amend the constitution. This is why the 1st through the 5th amendments are so important and are individuals' rights. Not that the other amendments are not also important but really the constitution and the first 5 amendments are the most important document of how our government should behave. Unfortunately, many of our congress have forgotten this, same with our judicial branch. They should be working for the people and not themselves.

[@ArsacioJJulioJr]

WOW, this needs to be advertised in all platforms, net, and channels. This gives a better understanding of democracy and REPUBLIC.

[@KaosandRiot]

Atlas Shrugged was the best book I could have read in my 20s. It shaped my view of government and pissed off a lot of people on both sides of the aisle. Still read it often

[@realamerican1555]

Ayn Rand should be required reading in Jr. High School

[@ToIsleOfView]

I agree! As long as we have government run education we will see less and less of Rand. The interest of our present government is to collectivize common people into obedient worker bees. Even our school teachers are brainwashed to support DEI.

[@MythsScamsLies]

Why would you want children to read gibberish written by a raving lunatic?

[@Normandy1944]

Oh, wouldn't that drive the liberal progressive mentality insane.

[@jjhoughton2812]

Did in the 60's. ✌

[@ralphgizzip4408]

Start them with Anthem or We The Living, then progress through Fountainhead to Atlas Shrugged. Objectivism tempered with Christian charity is a pretty good way to approach life.

[@thomasficorilli259]

Very well spoken, bravo !

[@beinquisitive]

She lays it out perfectly.

[@BKCash]

Thus we have a constitution AND the separation of powers. Sadly, both are ignored by politicians on both sides of the aisle.

[@simongross3122]

Other "democracies" that are not republics also have a constitution and the separation of powers. Many even have a bill of rights of a sort. Separation of powers came from England, a monarchy and not a republic. It was not invented in America.

[@holacomoestas_imERICA.520]

I love Ayn Rand. She is such a huge part of the education system ❤

[@GeorgeDoughty-m8e]

She SHOULD be a huge part of the education system. She is, unfortunately, not.

[@tuckerbugeater]

we should force people to read her beautiful work!@@GeorgeDoughty-m8e

[@dumbdems]

If only! Thomas Sowell as well imo

[@mikeb5372]

What? Exactly how?

[@AndSendMe]

@@dumbdems Yes if only Sowell had understood her, we'd be years ahead.

[@peterlewellyn2389]

Explained so clearly.

[@robertlyon8876]

Everyone should read Atlas Shrugged period. Unfortunately so many have absolutely no idea what the hell that means .

[@williamtetrault1300]

But they should start with “Anthem”! It’s more clearly stated(in a nutshell!).

[@Leslie-es5ij]

The constitution needs to be followed as it's written !

[@markaxworthy2508]

Yes, but it needs interpreting because it is a short document that necessarily doesn't cover every eventuality. That is why we have Amendments and a Supreme Court.

[@Patrick-k9q]

Brilliant woman. Such clarity in both her grasp of the reality of politics, and being able to articulate it.

[@Malibu1515]

She's 2112 to me. I love that Neil Peart exposed an entire generation to the genius of Ayn Rand. We got some Priests in the Temples that need removing.

[@johnmohanmusic]

Simplified, a pure democracy can be illustrated by two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for dinner.

[@hardtruth4459]

Interesting view. It seems she is addressing the extreme left and the extreme right in this interview and why either is dangerous.

[@DavidWood-cz4sl]

In essence America has been fooled and we’re currently being pissed on and told it’s rain! Very good explanation of why democracy was not used in the United States

[@lukeherdaii9528]

Great books. She’s describing our current situation.

[@SandraByers-u5q]

I am so sick of them saying we are a democracy. It’s not right.

[@markaxworthy2508]

She is talking in abstracts, not reality. A Republic without Democracy has never existed and never will. They are mutually dependent for legitimacy and functionality.

[@RoobieRhoo]

The key words here are, "unguided and unlimited by any restricting principles." A constitutional republic and its elected representatives are guided by principles written in the constitution, supported by legislative congress, interpreted by the judiciary, and enforced by the executive.

[@rickintexas1584]

Thankfully the US Founding Fathers understood what Ms. Rand was describing. The US is a Constitutional Republic, not a pure Democracy.

[@yodaiam1000]

Can you name a single pure democracy in the world? All current democracies have basic human rights entrenched into law.

[@rc3754]

Do you mean Direct Democracy? So what, The US is still a democracy. You do get to vote, don't you? Splitting hairs I'd say.

[@rc3754]

A Constitutional Republic is a mechanism, one of many, to execute a Democracy.

[@drwhatson]

And how's that working out for ya? The US has exported most of the bullshit that the West is dealing with today.l, from massive drug use to crime rates and gender nonsense.

[@gregmaslak7037]

Democracy is mob rule. Our constitutionally limited republic protects individual rights,for those who still don't get it.

[@jeriatrix4526]

I attended all of the Nathaniel Branden institute lectures on Rand's objectivist philosophy when they were still on speaking terms. Their breakup was very distressing and I thought, unnecessary. I still have two copies of "Atlas Shrugged" dedicated to her husband Frank O'Connor and Nathaniel Branden. She was, without question, the most eloquent and articulate defender of freedom in all its forms I've ever read.

[@ronnyvonallmen6892]

“Civics” should be a Required Course in All Schools….

[@carlgibbons5777]

Especially for Donald Trump. He literally knows nothing about everything. One big con to become a dictator.

[@ziusthefirst5387]

Amongst the most beautiful words I ever heard.

[@josephloughrey3434]

Here in the state of Colorado we have a state constitution that says the citizens can bring any issue or law up for a vote by doing a petition to hold that vote. Once enough signatures are obtained the issue goes on the next ballot. It is crazy. Every special interest attempts to get things on the ballot. It was how Colorado became the first legal maryjane state.

[@yodaiam1000]

In that case, it seems to have worked. AR was a libertarian and probably would have approved of letting people decide for themselves what they put into their body. I don't think that it is a pure democracy. You can not vote away rights. I don't think there is a form of any practicing democracy that does that.

[@michaelshapiro1543]

NOBODY is FORCING you to smoke it or bake brownies.

[@TalkingGIJoe]

It isn't crazy, it is how it should be. You can bypass the government control to get the peoples input and then force the government to follow what the people want, not the other way around.

[@mikeb5372]

What you're referring to is not quite the same thing. Referendums are for a redress of laws but the laws themselves still must adhere to the constitution, that is, if done properly

[@ronaldkemp3952]

Here in Michigan too.

[@FranciscoSmirsley]

The saddest thing is that I suspect most people would not grasp at what she's saying for they have been fed with the idea that "Democracy is the worst of all systems, not counting the others".

[@Jeremy-Two]

Elected leaders. The Constitution. Fire Traitors. Is this enough to say? Is the Constitution too complicated to use as a means to prosecute traitors? Go, President Trump, Good people will have a leader. It happens to be President Trump. Bad people will hate that leader, no matter who it is. A leader who stands for the Constitutional Republic nation will be loved and hated.

[@steveborkowski4330]

You seriously support Trump, who despises the rule of law?

[@obewon241]

People ought to hear this

[@JohnSmith-oh6id]

Please read the essay "Republics and Democracies" by Robert Welch. Fantastic, eye opening and gives historical reasons why democracies should be utterly despised and the very use of the word is an intentional slow attack.

[@duaneronan8199]

The best damn definition of a Republic I've heard. I can't believe I missed this in all of her works that I have read. I had the idea right all along, but she put it in the most succinct manner. I have to memorize this.

[@SouthernArcher1962]

She is an excellent writer. Atlas Shrugged is my favorite book.

[@Affiliates-Corners]

This review provides an excellent comparison between democracy and republic.

[@Stubbari]

It's a horrible comparison. Does very poor job of it.

[@colinyoung7836]

In Australia we have privileges which can be taken at the whim of authority, which acts and treats citizens like the inmates of a penal colony 😢. It seems American authority has a similar opinion of it's citizens, regardless of there constitution.😢

[@simongross3122]

It's true that in Australia we don't actually have "rights" in the sense that Americans do. We do have duties as citizens, which I'm sure that Americans would think are fascist in nature. But we do have a working society that generally does ok. I might not be happy with all of it, but I still think it's better than many other countries in the world, including America.

[@Trump145]

I loved this video I wish more people would understand that. There is a difference between a democracy and a republic, I would much rather live in a republic.

[@jogendron6320]

Lots of things people wish you understood. Keep trying youll get there. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@juergenbachmann9089]

You are a wise person and so very right Ayn Rand. You are one of my heros Ayn Rand.❤

[@SPR_NAPALM]

Calling this hairsplitting might be considered juvenile or trolling, however, let's look at some countries that call themselves republics. China: People's Republic of China Vietnam: Socialist Republic North Korea: Democratic People's Republic Iran: Islamic Republic There are more, but I think I've made my point. A republic has representatives. Whether they are voted on or appointed matters.

[@simongross3122]

I don't think it's hairsplitting. But I think that many would say that those places are not "proper" republics. Just as there are no "proper" democracies. I reckon that so long as there is a democratic process that is well understood and the rules of which are followed scrupulously with respect to voting, separation of powers, and so on, a society can be free and thrive. Arguing about which form of democracy is "better" is probably hairsplitting. In a free country, you always have the right to leave if you don't like it.

[@ogChaaka]

The second part of this video perfectly describes Canada

[@danr5704]

The Bill of Rights is not negotiable

[@simongross3122]

Who decides what rights go into it?

[@danr5704]

@@simongross3122 Our rights are God given.

[@simongross3122]

@@danr5704I don't think God wrote the Bill of Rights.

[@danr5704]

Men who were inspired by God and determined to limit government from trying to play God wrote it. Moses wrote the Ten Commandments.

[@simongross3122]

@@danr5704I really don't believe that. Moses came face-to-face with God. The guys who wrote the Bill of Rights did not. Anyone can claim to be inspired by God. It's created all kinds of problems throughout history.

[@mcyclonegt]

My friends get so mad when I tell them we don't live in a democracy in the us. I show them these videos that explain it and their head explodes

[@sambolimbo]

Finally!!!! A clear concise understanding of the differences between a Democracy and a Republic. And coming from none other than the late great Ayn Rand. Who is John Galt???

[@williamtetrault1300]

With respect, that should be John [Galt]! (Without the letter u).

[@sambolimbo]

@@williamtetrault1300 Edited. Thank you for the tap on the shoulder.

[@Southeast_Asian_Devil]

The real problem with the Americans has become clear recently as the division between the left and the right is no longer a line in the sand; it is a tectonic fault. One group thought they fought for Democracy while the other group claimed they fought for the Constitution. Although both sides cited the Amendments their differences lie in the intent. The first group wanted to change while the other group wanted to retain.

[@simongross3122]

America has the best democracy that money can buy

[@SpryteintheAndes]

Thank you for sharing. I've shared it. Now more than ever we need to help.people realize the current administration is reducing rights thru their "majority collective" consciousness narrative. I used to buy into that. Thank God I woke up.

[@jackhollands6581]

If we can only get more people to wake up.

[@jogendron6320]

When you do, you will be called woke. Have fun!

[@redtomcat1725]

A well-spoken individual !!!!

[@markaxworthy2508]

She is talking in abstracts, not reality. A Republic without Democracy has never existed and never will. They are mutually dependent for legitimacy and functionality.

[@motrock93b]

What a great explanation.

[@AlanB-h3j]

I see us as a democratic republic with a constitution that can change through a process.

[@michaelmckeon2892]

Read Atlas Shrugged, perfect for what we are living thru right now.

[@ricksmith4736]

And 1984

[@chrisolmsted5678]

It doesn't matter what name you give to the type of government we have. It matters little if it's a republic, constitutional or democracy when the people who run it do not try to be as virtuous (Socratic) as they can. Which means due process, best process, ethical process with equal rights. Picking your preferred result and making government do that is despotism no matter how you describe the structure. You would not hire a jerk who doesn't try, don't vote them back in for a bauble in your district.

[@Mr.Witness]

First for the algorithm!!!!!! Keep these coming

[@tomblain2529]

Simple and well stated

[@hopelessnerd6677]

Every person who goes to vote should have to watch this before voting.

[@Hot-Tamale]

"And to the Republic, for which it stands..."

[@springinfialta106]

An oligarchy masquerading as a democracy or an oligarchy masquerading as a republic? Choices, choices!