Quote:
Originally posted by Section 8@10-11-2003 02:58 AM
What about revolution? How would you propose, because slowly easing anyone isn't going to be the clincher. |
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Revolution takes many forms. As I said, persuasion is the way to go here and that is the lesson the right wing learned. Like it or not, the Limbaughs, Gallaghers and the rest are as we speak practicing their own form of revolution, and their audiences reflect a LOT of people who agree with them. I think the numbers for Limbaugh are around 20 million listeners. Of course, not all of them necessarily believe every word the man says. A lot of his audience is made up of people who hate him, but that's fine with him as numbers equal ratings, which equal money. Keep in mind even 20 mil is not everyone. I believe there are a lot of dissatisfied Americans who would love to support a more moderate government. I believe that group is made up of two main groups. One is the sheep who are worse than useless as they support whoever is popular or vote for party X because they always have even though most can't name their own senators. The other group is made up of moderates who ARE concerned and DO vote and vote for people they actually know something about. They need their own version of Limbaugh, where he'll say something and the moderates out there go "hey, he's got a good point" but they don't have one because they are too splintered.
Now, the OTHER form of revolution, which I think you are talking about, is the kind that WILL get you shot! There are a lot of people who think this country should be "taken over" or "taken back" and want some kind of social upheaval, which I don't think most of America wants, at least not to that large a degree. There are plenty of people who would love to see that kind of revolution, but I also see no Patrick Henry's among them who are willing to die (or even be the least bit inconvenienced) for whatever their cause.
Anytime I talk to someone who talks about revolution (the radical kind), I'm willing to listen but always ask the same question. Whatever you're overthrowing, what would you replace it with? I haven't gotten a straight answer yet.
Personally, I am for change and I don't like where the U.S. is headed, but I see the answer as replacing the people taking us in that wrong direction. Revolution? Hell, I'd be happy if these people got off their lazy asses and VOTED! That's why I support independent candidates.
Go out and get yourself shot or arrested if you want to, but I believe if I can change a few minds with words and ideas I've done my job and hopefully a lot of people like me will change a few minds too. Remember, it took decades to get us in this mess and it will take decades, maybe generations, to get us out.