Benjamin Franklin: Financial Votes
on Saturday, January 29, 2011Benjamin Franklin Money Quotation saying he is worried about a time when the public can vote extra cash for themselves, but neglects to worry over politicians doing the same. Benjamin Franklin said:
“When the people find they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic” — Benjamin Franklin
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Benjamin Franklin was warning that if citizens realize they can vote to directly spend taxpayer money on themselves rather than for the common good, it could undermine a democratic republic.
His quote suggests that widespread voting purely for short-term financial gain, without regard to fiscal responsibility or long-term consequences, could threaten the foundations of a democratic system of government.
Franklin appears to be cautioning that direct democracy and populism could displace the principles of representative government if voters see it as a way to enrich themselves at the expense of others.
Birthday: January 17, 1706 – Death: April 17, 1790