The idea of revolution is treated as outdated in the very country that provided a revolutionary example just a little over 200 years ago. The American Revolution has provided the context for many other revolutions. People suffering under tyranny all over the globe have cited the concepts made popular by the American revolution again and again. Inalienable human rights and democratic values have become the language of progress for humanity.
Yet the idea of revolution seems outdated in the modern American context. I think most Americans have little love for the 2 parties that now "govern" our nation nor for the direction that the Bush administration has taken us in. So why do we sit idly? All over the world people have peacefully demonstrated against inept, corrupt, and tyrannical regimes and won. Don't we deserve the same?
My question is, would you join in a peaceful revolution? I do not expect such an event to happen nor am I am I calling people to engage in such an activity. But it is important to know where the idea of revolution as the means for political change lies in terms of popular opinion, given our history.
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Comments: 7
1) enfranchisement of 18 year olds
2) the end of conscription
I suggest that your participation here in Gather, your postings on other websites, and casting your votes as you did 2 weeks ago are FAR more effective examples of peaceful revolution than anything that we witnessed during the turbulent 60s/70s.
We can and will defeat the treasonous, hate filled, warmongering neo-KKKons and their unAmerican allies. There are numerous things we can do in order to bring about their defeat. Let it start here.
Those with high numbers kept their grade-points up; those with low numbers volunteered for the servie of their choice, sought a deferement for other reasons, or dodged.
Thats why I dislike the term draft dodger - it is rather sanctimonious from anybody of my generation. There was a system, and it was maniputlated. Even by those that went into the service.
You had to live those times to understand.
Forresst Gump really aint history.