The vision that the founding fathers had of rule of law and equality before the law and no one above the law, that is a very viable vision, but instead of that, we have quasi mob rule.

James Bovard’s quote, “The vision that the founding fathers had of rule of law and equality before the law and no one above the law, that is a very viable vision, but instead of that, we have quasi mob rule,” critiques the current state of governance in relation to the ideals set forth by the founding fathers of the United States. Bovard argues that the rule of law—a principle that ensures that all individuals are subject to the law, regardless of their status—was a cornerstone of the nation's founding. However, he suggests that this ideal has been undermined, replaced by a system that often resembles mob rule, where power is influenced by public opinion, populist sentiment, or the manipulation of the law for political gain.

The quote emphasizes the equality before the law that was intended to be a fundamental aspect of the American legal system. James Bovard, an outspoken critic of government policies and a writer known for his libertarian views, contends that the vision of a nation where no one is above the law has been compromised. Instead of a system that upholds justice and fairness for all, he claims that mob rule—the influence of popular emotion, crowd mentality, and unchecked power—has taken precedence, leading to an erosion of the rule of law.

Bovard’s use of mob rule is particularly critical, implying that the actions of powerful individuals or groups can now be shaped by the volatile and sometimes irrational demands of the masses. This reflects his concern that democratic ideals have been replaced by a system in which decisions are made not on the basis of law and reason, but rather through manipulation or populist sentiment. By contrasting the vision of the founding fathers with the reality of modern governance, Bovard highlights what he sees as a significant departure from the core values that defined the United States.

Ultimately, this quote is a call for reflection on the state of American governance, particularly in relation to rule of law and equality. Bovard suggests that the country has strayed from the viable vision set forth by the founding fathers, and that true justice and fairness can only be achieved if mob rule is replaced with a commitment to upholding the law impartially and without bias.