Harry S. Truman in his inaugural address on 20 January 1949:

Communism is based on the belief that man is so weak and inadequate that he is unable to govern himself, and therefore requires the rule of strong masters.

Democracy is based on the conviction that man has the moral and intellectual capacity, as well as the inalienable right, to govern himself with reason and fairness.

Communism subjects the individual to arrest without lawful cause, punishment without trial, and forced labour as the chattel of state. It decrees what information he shall receive, what art he shall produce, what leaders he shall follow, and what thoughts he shall think.

Democracy maintains that government is established for the benefit of the individual, and is charged with the responsibility of protecting the rights of the individual and his freedom in the exercise of those abilities.

It’s brilliant and spot-on. Anyone who claims that communism is anything but an elitist ideology with no respect for people knows nothing about it.

(Seen in picture is Truman’s official presidential portrait painted by Greta Kempton.)