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The Economist
Tocqueville Road Trip: 2. Against all obstacles
44 minutes Posted Jun 13, 2026 at 8:03 am.
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Show notes

Tocqueville saw America’s faith in its own democracy as a vital force. But these days the majority of Americans think the country is headed in the wrong direction. Can a group of maximum security prisoners in Sing Sing offer a vision of how to get back on track?


Guests and Hosts

  • John Prideaux, The Economist’s US Editor
  • Sean Pica, executive director of Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison 
  • Jean Frantz, prisoner at Sing Sing Correctional Facility 


Topics 

  • Alexis de Tocqueville’s views on voluntary associations
  • Sing Sing prison education programme
  • Prisoners’ views on the American dream 


Let us know what you think. Email [email protected]


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