“The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public’s money.” — Alexis de Tocqueville“When the people find they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.” But yes, the “poorer” person might truly obtain something he needs (“wants”) more than the “richer” person he robs. Government, of course, does forcefully take money from its citizens, and occasionally for good causes. AdvertisementAnd voluntary, virtuous charity doesn’t buy votes, does it?