Remember the lyrics from Spirits in the material world by the Police - even back then the call went out but there was no bloody revolution.
It's not just the US but all of empire - it's looking like a global phenomenon that we need revolutions everywhere while none are forthcoming.
There's no unity it's all divide and concur - people are too busy competing against each other instead of forming a common front.
Overall I find that nations and their populations are far too large to be run by a minority the way they are now and even then catering to the corporate agenda.
The Revolution may come yet... But you're right about the need for unity. We've let the capitalists divide and conquer us far too easily. It we ever get the surprise on them, we'll be unstoppable. We can't let Big Brother get the upper-hand!
Best not to to let them know too much in advance, they don't tell us their plans.
Do you happen to read Winteroak, there some recent interesting material on how Blackrock and Vanguard are taking over certain areas of England in the same sense as the city of London.
I think the problem is the individualistic mindset. As a nation we are frightened and fragmented and hate-filled. Once we build up collective food, housing, and health resources and tear down the idea of, "I'm better than you because... I have more money" (or, fill in the blank), then there's a chance for revolutionary change.
Well said. I do think we're brainwashed from birth in the US to think, "I'm on my own. I can't trust anyone to be there for me. I have to out-compete everyone." It's a destructive mindset. The Revolution must change attitudes as well as living conditions (and perhaps that will be what will happen in that order).
Your article raises such great questions, which reminds me of one posed to me by a work colleague back in the 70s. I worked in a community health clinic with many social change oriented people who were politically sophisticated types (like those in the Venceremos Brigade). My colleague asked me whether I thought massive political change in our country would be brought about by outside forces or within. I answered that I thought from the outside. Now my answer was not well thought out. But I remembered the startled expression on his face, and I took it to mean that I answered incorrectly. Yes, it was a politically incorrect and naive response to a well-read Marxist.
I know you have already articulated what I’m saying in this paragraph but I’d like to think it’s because fine minds think alike (hee, hee). I would say that the dynamics we are faced with today in the U.S. are being catalyzed by those in the world who want a better life for their people and they are developing financial mechanisms to help make that a reality. Our elected leaders are funded by the capitalists who are having histrionics over the fact that the dollar is losing value and that they might also might not be militarily dominant. Some Americans see this, but it’s probably far short of a critical mass. Unfortunately, too many still believe the propaganda of their leaders who convince them that the “others” are evil. It will take a lot to get us out of our comfortable stupor. Yet, that could happen if we see our limited old age financial support vanish. Americans younger than retirement age will not like seeing their relatives without funds to survive on and they will deeply resent having to be their lone source of support, especially if they are struggling to make ends meet themselves. Then they will be unable to envision a decent future for themselves. This has already happened in Argentina, where their clown President has eliminated the safety net. I have to say that I’m surprised POTUS and his evil ilk have acted this rapidly. (I guess they think they have to meet that Project 2025 deadline). I would have thought he would have done things more gradually so that it wouldn’t appear so obvious. If they are successful, we could see an era much like the 1930s. However, we are living in a much different era technologically, and us regular people are subject to even more challenges that make it an more unequal playing field. I gather from my limited reading about Peter Thiel is that he believes in the dominance of a select few geniuses (of which he includes himself). Hopefully, among the many in our masses we can outwit them.
I'm sorry I didn't see your comment here until today. You have a very fine mind and you will be able to outwit the powers-that-currently-be. But the thing is, we'll have to bring along (drag along?) all the other not-so-fine-minds and folks who have fallen way down the rabbit hole of "America is GREAT and everyone else is our enemy!" This is where it's going to get tough. We need to get enough of those folks who aren't even sure what a Revolution would do to better their lives to come along with the leaders of the revolt. I really think it's going to happen once the Social Security/Medicaid/Medicare benefits are pulled out from under us all. No more checks, no more medicines, nothing. There will be nothing left to lose (literally) for so many millions of Americans at that point. You're right about how quickly Trump is working this time around and how little PR his lot is using to cover up the harshness of their actions. Perhaps they feel we've all fallen for the propaganda or they simply don't want to waste any more time and tax breaks for themselves?
This is your site and you are under no obligation to reply, and if you do, under no timetable. Nevertheless, it is rewarding to hear your thoughts in both your articles and in your responses to readers. It’s also really interesting to hear the thoughts of someone who lives in a different part of the country than I do, although I would probably agree with you more than many of the people in my state. I’m also amazed that you have been able to write while ill. I hope you are recovering well.
Thanks for your kind words. I'm slowly recovering. It's going to be a long haul. One thing about feeling so fatigued is that you're sort of forced to stay in your chair and write. (Come summer, I hope to be outside more in the garden.) I enjoy interacting with readers (it's just great to have readers!), and I like sharing ideas and bouncing off of others. There's not many people in my state who would agree with me either, so my goal is to keep working on them until they start to see the light and change their ways.... We can't give up. We've got a planet to save!
In a recent interview with Chris Hedges, Ralph Nader said that it's always been a small number of people who have initiated big changes through civil action. But this time, I think that only a major groundswell propelled by a justified fear of world war and climate collapse, defiance toward power and livid, righteous anger will move anything. What is needed is not only a political revolution to bring down the system and its current leaders, but a spiritual revolution in order to bring forth something entirely new. I don't expect to see that dream come true in my lifetime, but I do hope that time is on humanity's side. In the meantime, you and I and everyone else must keep on and not give in.
I've seen the percentage of 3% or so are needed to start a revolution, but it seems way too low for me. I think at a minimum it's gotta be 10% and up. I agree that we need both a political and spiritual revolution or else we're going to wind up in the same place eventually. The concepts of "money" and "artificial scarcity" have got to go if humankind is ever going to be able to live in peace with everyone having their basic needs met. I really would like to live long enough to see it at least get off to a good start, but you're probably right that it's going to take some time...and we must soldier on and keep our chins up while we help the next generation to take up the cause. Power to the people!
There's a line from the movie 'V for Vendetta' where the jaded copper says "Sooner or later someone's going to do something utterly bloody stupid. Then it'll all kick off." I'm just waiting for that someone to do something utterly bloody stupid in this country - and I don't think it'll be long before it happens.
I hope it's not a "stupid" thing that starts the Revolution, but it probably will be an impulsive act. Americans aren't known for their five year plans like socialist countries are. We should make long-range plans (or listen to those who do make them) but we don't and just act out and hope for the best. Like I say, "Revolution is messy."
The problem as I see it is that we cannot plan by conversing with one another online, as we know damned well that the likes of us are being monitored (by telephone as well.) My husband, though ill at this time, is ready to take part as well.
As I see it, we need a January 6 redux times ten thousand. Make the motherfuckers occupying our “hallowed halls” beg for their lives…I get dibs on Lindsay Graham.
The biggest advantage we could have is if Trump declares war on ( insert nation of your choice here) and the military turns on him.
We desperately need a plan: as I’ve said before, I need a book called How to Start a Revolution for Dummies. But we can’t do it online unless we all want to get arrested before we even start. Hopefully someone smarter than me can come up with one.
Start writing that "How to Start a Revolution for Dummies" now. I think it could be a best seller... And come in handy once things start falling apart rapidly. I see that happening if Trump and company really do start tearing down the Social Security/Medicaid/Medicare benefits. What have folks to lose at that point? Nothing! Raiding the Capitol sounds like fun, but I think this time around we need to be dispersed--we need to take out each of our individual states' capitals. The entire corrupt federal system of capitalism needs to go.
Revolutions have been known to start when people can no longer afford their daily bread, until then it looks to me that they're afraid of the bullies in uniform and I don't blame them they're nasty bunch indeed.
There are a lot more reasons why I think they're afraid, one of them is that there's no-one to unite the masses behind a common cause.
We're only three meals away from revolution somebody once said... And the bullies in uniform (police, military) and the ones in plain-clothes (ICE) are scary, but when you literally have nothing left to lose, no food, no housing, no Social Security/Medicaid/Medicare, then there's nothing to hold you back from taking them on. Do we really need "one savior" to unite behind, or do we unite behind one united cause--give the land back to the people, not the billionaires?
The truth is : we are in a planed crisis of confidence. The facts were always there. It's now being magnified because the folks in charge don't need us anymore.
So while our problems are manifest and growing there is no root to pull.
The enemy of freedom is like a fungus instead of a plant.
Very difficult to eradicate.
A good start would be a repeat of the French Revolution.
Greed was not removed thus we had the Rein of Terror.
I like the fungus analogy. I agree that the greed has to be removed for good this time. So our "French Revolution" really needs to make sure those hoarding all the wealth are taken out of play permanently.
Better defined as the Capitalocene. The massive devaluation of Nature and people. A hollowed out planet and the making of modern civilization. Whatever world is possible, will be one that is beyond this age, of the Capitalocene. Capitalism is just the total “organization” of Nature and people.
Interesting idea... Not sure I'd throw "nature" into anything dealing with capitalism. Nature is innocent and follows its natural instincts and doesn't foul its own nest. Humans are the ones who come in and muck things up with all this capitalism nonsensical destruction of the environment and each other.
I would argue that the revolution has already started. Not only am I seeing more liberals now understanding that both sides of the duopoly are not going to support the working class, but I am seeing movement like generalstrikeus.com and shutdown315.org gaining more members and putting together tactics and resources to combat the fascism we are seeing in the US
It's good to see these movements growing, but are they working to spark the Revolution to life or do they simply make people feel like they're "doing something" without getting out of their comfort zones? After you join, can you go back to your old life, not wishing anything will change radically in the country or the world? I hope not, but we're seeing lots of groups and people like Bernie Sanders who are working hard to keep the workers in their place, not rocking the boat for the billionaires/oligarchs. That's why I take a wait-and-see attitude toward so many things lately.
Part of the mission of these movements is to bring together like minded individuals who have recognized the need for change so that we can bring in other individuals who may be on the fence regarding the need for revolution. I think we can agree that our only potentially successful path forward is solidarity and if nothing else, these movements are, albeit slowly, forming the basis for the power in numbers and the eventual removal of Capitalism.
It took the Bolsheviks well over a decade to have enough momentum and backing to achieve their successful revolution and I'm going to hold onto the notion that with the growing recognition of fascism in the US, more and more individuals will join these and similar movements that will demonstrate the effectiveness in our solidarity.
We can debate all day about why movements will fail. I however, will continue to work towards how we can make them work and successful. My idealism may be unfounded, but taking a path of despair and inaction is IMHO an opportunity lost.
One would hope that not everyone has to suffer terribly for the revolution to begin, but I think Americans are stubborn and won't admit to themselves how much they've been fooled by the oligarchy. We've gotta bring up that level of suffering so it's unavoidable. Middle class people aren't going to be able to join the billionaire circle. They have to learn it the hard way it seems.
A lesson all Westerners really need to learn--you're not a "temporarily embarrassed millionaire" as John Steinbeck once said. (Or "temporarily embarrassed billionaires" either! )The billionaires don't want their inner circle to grow--they want to keep the lowbrow workers out of it. We've really got to educate folks into seeing they have more in common with the homeless on the streets than they do with the Muskrateers.
Who has the time or energy for a revolution, the social media rebel barely has time to review their conjoined AI enhanced advocacy writing for Substack`s echo chamber , that they have little time to make a jab on X any longer. Its beyond me how any rebel could afford to join a protest if it meant risking being without a means to charge their device.
Fortunately there are more "rebels" living in the real world than just online. (I've met them in person.) But this century has provided some really good means like the internet to communicate and share ideas with each other, so why not use them? People who would have never understood what the state of things are, because of only having access to gov't approved mainstream media, now have the chance to hear other voices from around the world via the internet. Use it wisely, but don't diss on the folks you meet online. You could be meeting them the next hour on the streets at a protest march.
You have my moral support for any protest, and I might even be willing to join your rebellion, but even a rebel army has to eat. I’m not convinced a meaningful revolution is possible. By definition, revolutions originate from within, but revolutionaries must have the means to sustain and propel themselves forward. How can they do this when the very soldiers they need are so integral to the empire’s industrial war machine? It’s difficult to imagine convincing many to rebel against the hand that feeds them.
With the fall of the USSR, the Anglo-American war machine became supercharged, marching forward on legs of war and debt. Now, tens of millions of Americans unknowingly lie to themselves every day as they work for insurance companies, investment firms, banks, military contractors, and logistics companies, any and all whose jobs sustain the war machine or serve the debt masters of the financial system. How do you stage a rebellion when it means being fired from your job, having your bank accounts frozen, your property seized, and your children’s futures destroyed?
Revolutions are messy and unforgiving. Rebel soldiers must have nothing to lose, driven by ideology and dreams, sustained by what they plunder. Sadly, I do not believe America or the collective West can transform themselves. One need only look at the mass cognitive dissonance of the vassal states, those same vassals who refused to acknowledge that their genocidal emperor had no brain, they are now gripped by hysteria, of Russophobia, Sinophobia, and Islamophobia, because the emperor who regained the throne wants to play peacemaker.
" How do you stage a rebellion when it means being fired from your job, having your bank accounts frozen, your property seized, and your children’s futures destroyed?"
Sounds like the optimum conditions to start a Revolution. What have you got to lose? And mutual aid can help feed and house you and yours. Cooperation is where it's at. Not materialism. We're rebelling against capitalism, right?
Have we learned nothing from Spartacus , You cannot bring about lasting change by force. Hard to say if you could even argue that rebellions help change take the hard step needed. Though many used force at times, ultimately the success of faiths such as Islam and Christianity won followers voluntarily, and idea is difficult to kill. The America of today might be failure interns of civilizations but the ideological (the dream) of its constitution remains and will outlive who ever becomes the next ruling animal of the farm
Who says it has to be a "violent force" to bring about Revolution? Why not a moral or spiritual force so irresistible that it cannot be stopped? Look at Gandhi and India. The violent force was the British military establishment, not the revolutionaries who peacefully protested. And the US Constitution isn't a "dream" unless you're a white slave-owning/land-owning male. That leaves the vast majority out of the picture. There's no need to wax poetic about an outdated document written to keep wealthy white males at the top of the heap with their boots on the necks of the workers. It's worthless and needs to be retired. Even Thomas Jefferson said periodic revolution was necessary to preserve democracy... And if you like wealthy white slave-owning males, Jefferson is the guy for you!
Good conversations follow Sin Function f(x), we rise up to point of agreement but then descend to a point of disagreement or perhaps one of misunderstanding, which may or may not be smoothed over with the next wave. Agree revolutions do not always adhere to the common dictionary definition, root is revolt; usually a sudden turn, as such need not be accompanied by violent upheavals.
Perhaps you mistake my meaning, the constitution is not perfect, but the ideas transcend their flawed individuals who wrote them. Man is a living contradiction, unable to observe himself, how can he be witness his own hypocrisy.
You cite Gandhi, a great example but let’s not forget his philosophy of non violence was also very practical, a very reasonable one especially when you have no weapons. Curious if you believe that the Palestinians should use non violent means to reject their occupiers? Personally I think the British left because there were simply too many Indians for them to slaughter. Whereas if you are Zionist, a couple of million is impossible, especially if there is no force to stop you, only forces assisting.
Revolution, if it must come, let it be one of conscience, not merely of destruction. A system overthrown simply because the emperor is not a likeable character will inevitably find itself with another idiot as its ruler.
Perhaps we are not so far apart in our thinking, f(x), but before anyone can revolt, they must be awaken, and this is the root of my pessimism, how do you awaken those who refuse the cave?
Brilliant. I am a Boomer who shares your world view. I live in Tennessee, where most are Christian Nationalists. The Revolution is not going to start here. Dammit to hell.
Thanks, Penelope. I hope that the Revolution starts in Tennessee (and everywhere) soon. And it could--because working people are suffering now and will suffer more as food prices continue to rise and lack of health care becomes more and more common. I forget who said it, but the quote goes something like "We're only three meals away from a revolution." Even the Nationalists have to eat... Keep reminding them they're not going to be saved by their "billionaire buddies" like Muskrat.
I’m troubled when I read statements like yours. If you support free speech, you must be cautious about making such demands. No matter how much we may disagree with the narrative they promote, they do so because it is profitable, there is no morality involved; it’s a business. If you want shut them down, you need to focus on their sponors
Are you supportive of the EU and America shutting RT America, and RT Europe, Do you support Russia shutting down the BBC and Voice of America in Russia? How about Brazil and France banning the Rumble platform? Your simplistic solution to simply shutdown a media outlet is flawed. Sadly, I haven`t the ability to explain succinctly why, but can you understand that the philosophy of freedom of speech is much more than an individual`s right to speak his mind.
There is in fact no such thing as free speech, because there is always a price to pay for what we say and write. One might say that we have freedom to think, but in fact what and how we think is influenced so it too is not free.
Perhaps someone might ask you, “and who are you to decide which Media outlets are to be shutdown?" Perhaps we need a Ministry of Information or a “Disinformation Governance Board "?
Go ahead protest in-front of NYT, FOX, CNN and MSNB offices, I might even join you, but in my opinion it would make greater impact if we simply stopped watching and buying the products of their sponsors, we all have that freedom.
True it's the MSM sponsors who are keeping these propagandists masquerading as journalists afloat. But I see no reason why we can't protest, strike and boycott both the mainstream media pundits AND their billionaire owners at the same time. In fact, that probably would bring about change faster if we did double-down our protest actions against both the puppets and their puppet masters.
I`m with you in spirit, but the realist in me is not optimistic, for the reasons I gave in my other reply, ..not easy to rebel against the hand that feeds you.
Agreed! The propagandists of the mainstream media should be shut down for good and replaced with independent journalists of all backgrounds. Our protests should be taken directly to the media--you're right. But can we persuade or guilt them to stop lying? The billionaires own and operate the biggest media outlets, so it's going to be an uphill battle, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't attempt to help them change their ways from within. If we could turn just one big name MSM pundit into a truth-teller... The domino effect might just turn the rest?
Well, some can afford bodyguards. Rachel Maddow ("Madcow" I call her) makes about $25 million a year at MSNBC. Some of the better known MSM pundits such as Anderson Cooper of CNN are almost in the billionaire circle, so they might have their own bodyguards who are willing to shoot back at protesters. We always have to watch out for our own safety wherever we protest, so nothing new there.
This might be interesting....
''There Will Never Be a Revolution in America'' | Shahid Bolsen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmFUcajDZCU
Thanks! It does look interesting. I hope we could prove Shahid wrong, but he's making some salient points.
Shahid makes some very astute observations.
Remember the lyrics from Spirits in the material world by the Police - even back then the call went out but there was no bloody revolution.
It's not just the US but all of empire - it's looking like a global phenomenon that we need revolutions everywhere while none are forthcoming.
There's no unity it's all divide and concur - people are too busy competing against each other instead of forming a common front.
Overall I find that nations and their populations are far too large to be run by a minority the way they are now and even then catering to the corporate agenda.
We're animal farm and 1984 rolled into one.
The Revolution may come yet... But you're right about the need for unity. We've let the capitalists divide and conquer us far too easily. It we ever get the surprise on them, we'll be unstoppable. We can't let Big Brother get the upper-hand!
Best not to to let them know too much in advance, they don't tell us their plans.
Do you happen to read Winteroak, there some recent interesting material on how Blackrock and Vanguard are taking over certain areas of England in the same sense as the city of London.
I think the problem is the individualistic mindset. As a nation we are frightened and fragmented and hate-filled. Once we build up collective food, housing, and health resources and tear down the idea of, "I'm better than you because... I have more money" (or, fill in the blank), then there's a chance for revolutionary change.
Well said. I do think we're brainwashed from birth in the US to think, "I'm on my own. I can't trust anyone to be there for me. I have to out-compete everyone." It's a destructive mindset. The Revolution must change attitudes as well as living conditions (and perhaps that will be what will happen in that order).
Your article raises such great questions, which reminds me of one posed to me by a work colleague back in the 70s. I worked in a community health clinic with many social change oriented people who were politically sophisticated types (like those in the Venceremos Brigade). My colleague asked me whether I thought massive political change in our country would be brought about by outside forces or within. I answered that I thought from the outside. Now my answer was not well thought out. But I remembered the startled expression on his face, and I took it to mean that I answered incorrectly. Yes, it was a politically incorrect and naive response to a well-read Marxist.
I know you have already articulated what I’m saying in this paragraph but I’d like to think it’s because fine minds think alike (hee, hee). I would say that the dynamics we are faced with today in the U.S. are being catalyzed by those in the world who want a better life for their people and they are developing financial mechanisms to help make that a reality. Our elected leaders are funded by the capitalists who are having histrionics over the fact that the dollar is losing value and that they might also might not be militarily dominant. Some Americans see this, but it’s probably far short of a critical mass. Unfortunately, too many still believe the propaganda of their leaders who convince them that the “others” are evil. It will take a lot to get us out of our comfortable stupor. Yet, that could happen if we see our limited old age financial support vanish. Americans younger than retirement age will not like seeing their relatives without funds to survive on and they will deeply resent having to be their lone source of support, especially if they are struggling to make ends meet themselves. Then they will be unable to envision a decent future for themselves. This has already happened in Argentina, where their clown President has eliminated the safety net. I have to say that I’m surprised POTUS and his evil ilk have acted this rapidly. (I guess they think they have to meet that Project 2025 deadline). I would have thought he would have done things more gradually so that it wouldn’t appear so obvious. If they are successful, we could see an era much like the 1930s. However, we are living in a much different era technologically, and us regular people are subject to even more challenges that make it an more unequal playing field. I gather from my limited reading about Peter Thiel is that he believes in the dominance of a select few geniuses (of which he includes himself). Hopefully, among the many in our masses we can outwit them.
I'm sorry I didn't see your comment here until today. You have a very fine mind and you will be able to outwit the powers-that-currently-be. But the thing is, we'll have to bring along (drag along?) all the other not-so-fine-minds and folks who have fallen way down the rabbit hole of "America is GREAT and everyone else is our enemy!" This is where it's going to get tough. We need to get enough of those folks who aren't even sure what a Revolution would do to better their lives to come along with the leaders of the revolt. I really think it's going to happen once the Social Security/Medicaid/Medicare benefits are pulled out from under us all. No more checks, no more medicines, nothing. There will be nothing left to lose (literally) for so many millions of Americans at that point. You're right about how quickly Trump is working this time around and how little PR his lot is using to cover up the harshness of their actions. Perhaps they feel we've all fallen for the propaganda or they simply don't want to waste any more time and tax breaks for themselves?
This is your site and you are under no obligation to reply, and if you do, under no timetable. Nevertheless, it is rewarding to hear your thoughts in both your articles and in your responses to readers. It’s also really interesting to hear the thoughts of someone who lives in a different part of the country than I do, although I would probably agree with you more than many of the people in my state. I’m also amazed that you have been able to write while ill. I hope you are recovering well.
Thanks for your kind words. I'm slowly recovering. It's going to be a long haul. One thing about feeling so fatigued is that you're sort of forced to stay in your chair and write. (Come summer, I hope to be outside more in the garden.) I enjoy interacting with readers (it's just great to have readers!), and I like sharing ideas and bouncing off of others. There's not many people in my state who would agree with me either, so my goal is to keep working on them until they start to see the light and change their ways.... We can't give up. We've got a planet to save!
In a recent interview with Chris Hedges, Ralph Nader said that it's always been a small number of people who have initiated big changes through civil action. But this time, I think that only a major groundswell propelled by a justified fear of world war and climate collapse, defiance toward power and livid, righteous anger will move anything. What is needed is not only a political revolution to bring down the system and its current leaders, but a spiritual revolution in order to bring forth something entirely new. I don't expect to see that dream come true in my lifetime, but I do hope that time is on humanity's side. In the meantime, you and I and everyone else must keep on and not give in.
I've seen the percentage of 3% or so are needed to start a revolution, but it seems way too low for me. I think at a minimum it's gotta be 10% and up. I agree that we need both a political and spiritual revolution or else we're going to wind up in the same place eventually. The concepts of "money" and "artificial scarcity" have got to go if humankind is ever going to be able to live in peace with everyone having their basic needs met. I really would like to live long enough to see it at least get off to a good start, but you're probably right that it's going to take some time...and we must soldier on and keep our chins up while we help the next generation to take up the cause. Power to the people!
✊🤞
There's a line from the movie 'V for Vendetta' where the jaded copper says "Sooner or later someone's going to do something utterly bloody stupid. Then it'll all kick off." I'm just waiting for that someone to do something utterly bloody stupid in this country - and I don't think it'll be long before it happens.
I hope it's not a "stupid" thing that starts the Revolution, but it probably will be an impulsive act. Americans aren't known for their five year plans like socialist countries are. We should make long-range plans (or listen to those who do make them) but we don't and just act out and hope for the best. Like I say, "Revolution is messy."
Almost forgot, Cindy: that very photo of Rachel Corrie is the one I used to reference my portrait of her.
Hi Cindy
I am ready, willing, able, and well-armed.
If I die, I want my death to COUNT for something.
The problem as I see it is that we cannot plan by conversing with one another online, as we know damned well that the likes of us are being monitored (by telephone as well.) My husband, though ill at this time, is ready to take part as well.
As I see it, we need a January 6 redux times ten thousand. Make the motherfuckers occupying our “hallowed halls” beg for their lives…I get dibs on Lindsay Graham.
The biggest advantage we could have is if Trump declares war on ( insert nation of your choice here) and the military turns on him.
We desperately need a plan: as I’ve said before, I need a book called How to Start a Revolution for Dummies. But we can’t do it online unless we all want to get arrested before we even start. Hopefully someone smarter than me can come up with one.
Start writing that "How to Start a Revolution for Dummies" now. I think it could be a best seller... And come in handy once things start falling apart rapidly. I see that happening if Trump and company really do start tearing down the Social Security/Medicaid/Medicare benefits. What have folks to lose at that point? Nothing! Raiding the Capitol sounds like fun, but I think this time around we need to be dispersed--we need to take out each of our individual states' capitals. The entire corrupt federal system of capitalism needs to go.
What will be the Revolution matchstick?
Revolutions have been known to start when people can no longer afford their daily bread, until then it looks to me that they're afraid of the bullies in uniform and I don't blame them they're nasty bunch indeed.
There are a lot more reasons why I think they're afraid, one of them is that there's no-one to unite the masses behind a common cause.
We're only three meals away from revolution somebody once said... And the bullies in uniform (police, military) and the ones in plain-clothes (ICE) are scary, but when you literally have nothing left to lose, no food, no housing, no Social Security/Medicaid/Medicare, then there's nothing to hold you back from taking them on. Do we really need "one savior" to unite behind, or do we unite behind one united cause--give the land back to the people, not the billionaires?
You are correct - it's not a matter of no-one as much as nothing to unite behind - my bad.
“Lo que separa la civilización de la anarquía son solo siete comidas.”
(Civilization and anarchy are only seven meals apart.) — Spanish proverb..."
The truth is : we are in a planed crisis of confidence. The facts were always there. It's now being magnified because the folks in charge don't need us anymore.
So while our problems are manifest and growing there is no root to pull.
The enemy of freedom is like a fungus instead of a plant.
Very difficult to eradicate.
A good start would be a repeat of the French Revolution.
Greed was not removed thus we had the Rein of Terror.
I like the fungus analogy. I agree that the greed has to be removed for good this time. So our "French Revolution" really needs to make sure those hoarding all the wealth are taken out of play permanently.
Better defined as the Capitalocene. The massive devaluation of Nature and people. A hollowed out planet and the making of modern civilization. Whatever world is possible, will be one that is beyond this age, of the Capitalocene. Capitalism is just the total “organization” of Nature and people.
Interesting idea... Not sure I'd throw "nature" into anything dealing with capitalism. Nature is innocent and follows its natural instincts and doesn't foul its own nest. Humans are the ones who come in and muck things up with all this capitalism nonsensical destruction of the environment and each other.
I would argue that the revolution has already started. Not only am I seeing more liberals now understanding that both sides of the duopoly are not going to support the working class, but I am seeing movement like generalstrikeus.com and shutdown315.org gaining more members and putting together tactics and resources to combat the fascism we are seeing in the US
It's good to see these movements growing, but are they working to spark the Revolution to life or do they simply make people feel like they're "doing something" without getting out of their comfort zones? After you join, can you go back to your old life, not wishing anything will change radically in the country or the world? I hope not, but we're seeing lots of groups and people like Bernie Sanders who are working hard to keep the workers in their place, not rocking the boat for the billionaires/oligarchs. That's why I take a wait-and-see attitude toward so many things lately.
Part of the mission of these movements is to bring together like minded individuals who have recognized the need for change so that we can bring in other individuals who may be on the fence regarding the need for revolution. I think we can agree that our only potentially successful path forward is solidarity and if nothing else, these movements are, albeit slowly, forming the basis for the power in numbers and the eventual removal of Capitalism.
It took the Bolsheviks well over a decade to have enough momentum and backing to achieve their successful revolution and I'm going to hold onto the notion that with the growing recognition of fascism in the US, more and more individuals will join these and similar movements that will demonstrate the effectiveness in our solidarity.
We can debate all day about why movements will fail. I however, will continue to work towards how we can make them work and successful. My idealism may be unfounded, but taking a path of despair and inaction is IMHO an opportunity lost.
One would hope that not everyone has to suffer terribly for the revolution to begin, but I think Americans are stubborn and won't admit to themselves how much they've been fooled by the oligarchy. We've gotta bring up that level of suffering so it's unavoidable. Middle class people aren't going to be able to join the billionaire circle. They have to learn it the hard way it seems.
A lesson all Westerners really need to learn--you're not a "temporarily embarrassed millionaire" as John Steinbeck once said. (Or "temporarily embarrassed billionaires" either! )The billionaires don't want their inner circle to grow--they want to keep the lowbrow workers out of it. We've really got to educate folks into seeing they have more in common with the homeless on the streets than they do with the Muskrateers.
Who has the time or energy for a revolution, the social media rebel barely has time to review their conjoined AI enhanced advocacy writing for Substack`s echo chamber , that they have little time to make a jab on X any longer. Its beyond me how any rebel could afford to join a protest if it meant risking being without a means to charge their device.
Fortunately there are more "rebels" living in the real world than just online. (I've met them in person.) But this century has provided some really good means like the internet to communicate and share ideas with each other, so why not use them? People who would have never understood what the state of things are, because of only having access to gov't approved mainstream media, now have the chance to hear other voices from around the world via the internet. Use it wisely, but don't diss on the folks you meet online. You could be meeting them the next hour on the streets at a protest march.
You have my moral support for any protest, and I might even be willing to join your rebellion, but even a rebel army has to eat. I’m not convinced a meaningful revolution is possible. By definition, revolutions originate from within, but revolutionaries must have the means to sustain and propel themselves forward. How can they do this when the very soldiers they need are so integral to the empire’s industrial war machine? It’s difficult to imagine convincing many to rebel against the hand that feeds them.
With the fall of the USSR, the Anglo-American war machine became supercharged, marching forward on legs of war and debt. Now, tens of millions of Americans unknowingly lie to themselves every day as they work for insurance companies, investment firms, banks, military contractors, and logistics companies, any and all whose jobs sustain the war machine or serve the debt masters of the financial system. How do you stage a rebellion when it means being fired from your job, having your bank accounts frozen, your property seized, and your children’s futures destroyed?
Revolutions are messy and unforgiving. Rebel soldiers must have nothing to lose, driven by ideology and dreams, sustained by what they plunder. Sadly, I do not believe America or the collective West can transform themselves. One need only look at the mass cognitive dissonance of the vassal states, those same vassals who refused to acknowledge that their genocidal emperor had no brain, they are now gripped by hysteria, of Russophobia, Sinophobia, and Islamophobia, because the emperor who regained the throne wants to play peacemaker.
" How do you stage a rebellion when it means being fired from your job, having your bank accounts frozen, your property seized, and your children’s futures destroyed?"
Sounds like the optimum conditions to start a Revolution. What have you got to lose? And mutual aid can help feed and house you and yours. Cooperation is where it's at. Not materialism. We're rebelling against capitalism, right?
Have we learned nothing from Spartacus , You cannot bring about lasting change by force. Hard to say if you could even argue that rebellions help change take the hard step needed. Though many used force at times, ultimately the success of faiths such as Islam and Christianity won followers voluntarily, and idea is difficult to kill. The America of today might be failure interns of civilizations but the ideological (the dream) of its constitution remains and will outlive who ever becomes the next ruling animal of the farm
Who says it has to be a "violent force" to bring about Revolution? Why not a moral or spiritual force so irresistible that it cannot be stopped? Look at Gandhi and India. The violent force was the British military establishment, not the revolutionaries who peacefully protested. And the US Constitution isn't a "dream" unless you're a white slave-owning/land-owning male. That leaves the vast majority out of the picture. There's no need to wax poetic about an outdated document written to keep wealthy white males at the top of the heap with their boots on the necks of the workers. It's worthless and needs to be retired. Even Thomas Jefferson said periodic revolution was necessary to preserve democracy... And if you like wealthy white slave-owning males, Jefferson is the guy for you!
Good conversations follow Sin Function f(x), we rise up to point of agreement but then descend to a point of disagreement or perhaps one of misunderstanding, which may or may not be smoothed over with the next wave. Agree revolutions do not always adhere to the common dictionary definition, root is revolt; usually a sudden turn, as such need not be accompanied by violent upheavals.
Perhaps you mistake my meaning, the constitution is not perfect, but the ideas transcend their flawed individuals who wrote them. Man is a living contradiction, unable to observe himself, how can he be witness his own hypocrisy.
You cite Gandhi, a great example but let’s not forget his philosophy of non violence was also very practical, a very reasonable one especially when you have no weapons. Curious if you believe that the Palestinians should use non violent means to reject their occupiers? Personally I think the British left because there were simply too many Indians for them to slaughter. Whereas if you are Zionist, a couple of million is impossible, especially if there is no force to stop you, only forces assisting.
Revolution, if it must come, let it be one of conscience, not merely of destruction. A system overthrown simply because the emperor is not a likeable character will inevitably find itself with another idiot as its ruler.
Perhaps we are not so far apart in our thinking, f(x), but before anyone can revolt, they must be awaken, and this is the root of my pessimism, how do you awaken those who refuse the cave?
Brilliant. I am a Boomer who shares your world view. I live in Tennessee, where most are Christian Nationalists. The Revolution is not going to start here. Dammit to hell.
Thanks, Penelope. I hope that the Revolution starts in Tennessee (and everywhere) soon. And it could--because working people are suffering now and will suffer more as food prices continue to rise and lack of health care becomes more and more common. I forget who said it, but the quote goes something like "We're only three meals away from a revolution." Even the Nationalists have to eat... Keep reminding them they're not going to be saved by their "billionaire buddies" like Muskrat.
Thank you. I am honored by your reply and I agree. If
My opinion is, as I have written countless times, is first shutdown the Mainstream Media.
You can protest in the street why not outside MSM/TV/Newspapers. They are lying and until people get truth there will be no revolution.
I’m troubled when I read statements like yours. If you support free speech, you must be cautious about making such demands. No matter how much we may disagree with the narrative they promote, they do so because it is profitable, there is no morality involved; it’s a business. If you want shut them down, you need to focus on their sponors
This is not 'free speech' these people are writing what their editors want.
Are you supportive of the EU and America shutting RT America, and RT Europe, Do you support Russia shutting down the BBC and Voice of America in Russia? How about Brazil and France banning the Rumble platform? Your simplistic solution to simply shutdown a media outlet is flawed. Sadly, I haven`t the ability to explain succinctly why, but can you understand that the philosophy of freedom of speech is much more than an individual`s right to speak his mind.
There is in fact no such thing as free speech, because there is always a price to pay for what we say and write. One might say that we have freedom to think, but in fact what and how we think is influenced so it too is not free.
Perhaps someone might ask you, “and who are you to decide which Media outlets are to be shutdown?" Perhaps we need a Ministry of Information or a “Disinformation Governance Board "?
Go ahead protest in-front of NYT, FOX, CNN and MSNB offices, I might even join you, but in my opinion it would make greater impact if we simply stopped watching and buying the products of their sponsors, we all have that freedom.
True it's the MSM sponsors who are keeping these propagandists masquerading as journalists afloat. But I see no reason why we can't protest, strike and boycott both the mainstream media pundits AND their billionaire owners at the same time. In fact, that probably would bring about change faster if we did double-down our protest actions against both the puppets and their puppet masters.
I`m with you in spirit, but the realist in me is not optimistic, for the reasons I gave in my other reply, ..not easy to rebel against the hand that feeds you.
Mutual aid. We share food with each other--we grow food for each other. Capitalism won't "feed" you forever--it must go.
wt ? are you a chat bot?
Agreed! The propagandists of the mainstream media should be shut down for good and replaced with independent journalists of all backgrounds. Our protests should be taken directly to the media--you're right. But can we persuade or guilt them to stop lying? The billionaires own and operate the biggest media outlets, so it's going to be an uphill battle, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't attempt to help them change their ways from within. If we could turn just one big name MSM pundit into a truth-teller... The domino effect might just turn the rest?
Thank you. The first person who has got the idea which I have been 'spouting' on Substack for at least a year.
Can we stop them: Yes.
Why: Simply put: IF you protest outside MSM AND name names. These 'yellow Journalists' cannot afford to retain bodyguards.
Well, some can afford bodyguards. Rachel Maddow ("Madcow" I call her) makes about $25 million a year at MSNBC. Some of the better known MSM pundits such as Anderson Cooper of CNN are almost in the billionaire circle, so they might have their own bodyguards who are willing to shoot back at protesters. We always have to watch out for our own safety wherever we protest, so nothing new there.
No one is going to be 'safe' soon!