Revolution may mean different things to different people. Some speak of "peaceful" revolutions; others speak of "violent" revolutions; others think of them as something in between.
Regardless, in light of the fast-spreading realization that our entire system of government, as well as our economic system, have been taken over by ruthless corporatist cartels, those who acquiesce to this takeover are voluntarily choosing to live on their knees, subjugated, brutalized, manipulated, and exploited.
As always (in history), there are those who look at their own situation and seeing no immediate threat to their livelihoods, don't understand what all the fuss is all about. But even for them, as they choose to look the other way, to focus on their jobs, their businesses, their favorite TV shows, their entertainment, their favorite sports, their families and friends, the time is fast-approaching when they will no longer be able to ignore the fast-spreading horror of massive poverty, destruction of the environment, and social upheaval.
In one of the most succinctly powerful indictments of our corrupt system of government, award-winning journalist, intellectual, and social justice activist Chris Hedges pulls no punches in his call for rebellion, "Rise Up or Die," published by truthdig.
Corporations write our legislation. They control our systems of information. They manage the political theater of electoral politics and impose our educational curriculum. They have turned the judiciary into one of their wholly owned subsidiaries. They have decimated labor unions and other independent mass organizations, as well as having bought off the Democratic Party, which once defended the rights of workers. With the evisceration of piecemeal and incremental reform—the primary role of liberal, democratic institutions—we are left defenseless against corporate power.
The emphasis is mine
There is something truly liberating in being able to speak truth to power with such clarity. Corporations write our legislation; they manipulate us through the corporate-owned media. They have bought off both, the Republican and Democratic party establishments. Those who don't come to this basic and clear realization at this point may be choosing willful ignorance instead of facing reality, IMHO.
A handful of corporate oligarchs around the globe have everything—wealth, power and privilege—and the rest of us struggle as part of a vast underclass, increasingly impoverished and ruthlessly repressed. There is one set of laws and regulations for us; there is another set of laws and regulations for a power elite that functions as a global mafia.
The emphasis is mine
This is reality; this is what we face. Once we run out of excuses in trying to deny this reality, what options do we have? This has been the question people have been forced to answer throughout history, in the face of the suffering caused by ruthless tyrants.
We have to say enough! We have to realize that the government has been hijacked by this global corporate mafia. We have to revolt, to rise up in opposition, to push back--hard.
Now, in my case, I'm on the "peaceful" revolution side, as I think we're still in a type of "historical space," where it is still possible for people to garner enough revolutionary strength and power to be able to overturn this corporate mafia that has taken over the country.
Unfortunately that window may be closing fast, as the depravity and predation of the corporatocracy continues unabatted.
We stand helpless before the corporate onslaught. There is no way to vote against corporate power. Citizens have no way to bring about the prosecution of Wall Street bankers and financiers for fraud, military and intelligence officials for torture and war crimes, or security and surveillance officers for human rights abuses. The Federal Reserve is reduced to printing money for banks and financiers and lending it to them at almost zero percent interest; corporate officers then lend it to us at usurious rates as high as 30 percent. I do not know what to call this system. It is certainly not capitalism. Extortion might be a better word. The fossil fuel industry, meanwhile, relentlessly trashes the ecosystem for profit. The melting of 40 percent of the summer Arctic sea ice is, to corporations, a business opportunity.
The emphasis is mine
Here's what I mean by peaceful revolution: Recognizing that the entire government system has been taken over by corporatist cartels is a revolutionary step (it focuses your mind as to the actual state of affairs). Coming to the realization that in the face of this reality we the people have no other option than to unite in opposition of this criminal oligarchy is a revolutionary step. Through clear goals, unity of purpose, and relentless commitment to the rule of law and to justice and equality for all, we must garner the power necessary to take down the oligarchy--peacefully.
Either way, in the face of such brutality, of such predation, of such greed, of such suffering, it is inevitable that a revolution will happen.
Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what a people will submit to, and you have found out the exact amount of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them; and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blows, or with both.
The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress. Men may not get all they pay for in this world; but they must pay for all they get. If we ever get free from all the oppressions and wrongs heaped upon us, we must pay for their removal...
- Frederick Douglass
We cannot longer ignore the moral imperative of standing up against this dystopian world the corporate oligarchy is imposing on the citizenry.
It is time to build radical mass movements that defy all formal centers of power and make concessions to none. It is time to employ the harsh language of open rebellion and class warfare. It is time to march to the beat of our own drum.
- Chris Heges
Let's stand up, fully on our feet, unite, stop making concession to this brutal and criminal system, and march forward to the beat of our own drum!
There is still time to do this peacefully, but with determination.
Each blue dot on the map below represents a member of a growing nation-wide network of social justice and anti-corruption activists committed to finding the best way forward. Join us in the effort!
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Ray Pensador |
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