>>With apologies to Alexis de Tocqueville, it has been said that:
>>A democracy ... can only exist until the majority discovers it can vote itself largess out of the public treasury
>
>That's where you get into the concept of a free republic.
>
>You're right, 60% shouldn't have the power to vote away the rights of 40%. That is essentially why the Bill of Rights and Constitution exist, but the problem is that an increasingly collectivist tone in this country has led to slow erosion of rights (and a bastardization of property/economic rights)

The Bill of Rights and Constitution do exist, but are not being honored.
Somehow the politicians have slipped free of the 10th amendment.

I think the phrase "Living breathing constitution" was explained to Alice:
"When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less."

Maybe you could explain the constitutional basis for government as somehow akin to a charity?
I don't understand it.