Revolutions take vigilance to survive and prosper
KOZY KOZÁ…
Ruminations by John Kozy
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[print_link] Suggested with intro by Diane G IMAGE: Russian propaganda poster (1905) urging the people to sustain the revolutionary momentum. History shows this is far easier said than done.
Of course, there are people everywhere who are genuinely revolted by what a few persons have done to the many. Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill would surely wonder what ever happened to the principle they both advocated-the greatest happiness for the greatest number. Their Utilitarianism has been pulled inside out. Now it seems that the principle is the greatest happiness for the fewest people. They would indeed wonder what have human beings become. This revulsion is now leading many in many lands into demonstrating against their governments. Some claim that people everywhere are revolting and that a worldwide revolution is imminent. Revolution is everywhere in the air. Even the orthodox and heterodox presses are all atwitter. Is a new world awakening? Is the eternal spring of hope to be actualized? Would that it were so. If history is any guide, not likely! |
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Ever heard of the French revolution? What ever happened to it? It took place between 1789 and 1799 during which radical social and political changes took place. The absolute monarchy collapsed, and French society underwent an epic transformation. Feudal, aristocratic, and religious privileges were abandoned because of pressure from liberal political groups and the masses on the streets. Old ideas succumbed to Enlightenment principles of citizenship and inalienable rights. Republican principles were the liberal songs of the day. But one need not look elsewhere to expose the actions of reaction. Look at the United States of America instead. In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was promulgated. It says,
only [emphasis mine] levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort.” Violent revolution was fine in 1776, but not after 1789. Revolutionaries themselves become reactionaries! Is Baron Acton right? Does power corrupt? Does absolute power corrupt absolutely?
Who in America today would say that all Americans are created equal? Who in America today would say that the Union has been perfected, that Justice has been established, that domestic Tranquility has been established, that the general Welfare is being promoted, and that the Blessings of Liberty have been secured for ourselves and our Posterity? The American Revolution, like all revolutions in history, has been undone. More than peaceful street demonstrations, it appears, is needed to resuscitate it. A Revolting World | 1 comments COMMENT SELECT: John Kozy ROCKS! (6.00 / 1) I love this guy, he seriously GETS it and is never afraid to say it aloud. Of course, those who hold the power will NEVER relinquish it by choice, and they have so many ways to regain it. If they lose a revolution, they have the assets to wait it out until they can buy out a person or persons allegiance and slowly influence a counter revolution by stealth, by writ or by amassing the opposition of their counter-part Elites in other Nations to push economic stress. Embargoes anyone? Revolutions just take critical mass. Change takes VIGILANCE. Once minor concessions are gained, people lose that vigilance and go back about trying to survive, if not thrive. It can never be successful unless the People unite, and put set-in-stone safeguards against anyone owning any assets above the average, and enforcing them with utter due diligence. Is that likely? No. Is it within the realm of remote possibility? Gahd, I hope so. |
