how to start a revolution
 

So I'm talking with a friend last night and she's ready to revolt. I think the blank check for Katrina was the last straw (that and the no-bid contracts that go with it). It is obvious that govt is seriously out of touch with reality (as are too many people), and its time to change things. And at this point I think there actually is some common ground between the left and right - govt is too big and is spending waaay too much. And the process is so twisted that smart problem solvers who could help come up with solutions (like me ;) ) are scared off from participating...instead clueless megalomaniacs are drawn to the offices.

So how to start the revolution? She wanted to march on DC and "shut down the govt" but I don't think that 60's tactics will fly these days. So how to effect real change? And no, Hillary in '08 does NOT count.

Well, New Orleans - or some semblance of it - has to be rebuilt. So why's she up-in-arms? Is $200 billion too much?

Revolt against what, exactly? Imagine...

Well if you have Hillary in '08 you can count on even bigger govt. Can you say socialized medicine. So the iron curtain falls and incrementally we are picking up where they left off.

Well this is the age of entitlement. Lets all quit work and let the govt. take care of us. That will be one helluva revolt.

When the oil companies are placing billions of dollars in their corporate bank accounts while the average working family gets hosed with taxes and fees, then there's something fundamentally wrong.
perhaps we will see some kind of revolution in our lifetime.

jesus h. christ....I'm not suggesting Hillary. I'm not suggesting entitlement. Instead I'm suggesting ACTION. People actually getting informed and getting involved.

And the revolt is against a government that is out of control in its size and scope. Then again if you guys see no problem with the way things are going (under Clinton or Bush), then I'm tilting at windmills, at least in here.

You say you want a revolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world

But when you talk about destruction
Don't you know that you can count me out
Don't you know it's gonna be all right
Don't you know it's gonna be all right
Don't you know it's gonna be all right

You say you got a real solution
Well, you know
We'd all love to see the plan
You ask me for a contribution
Well, you know
We're doing what we can

But when you want money for people with minds that hate
All I can tell is brother you have to wait / Don't you know...

You say you'll change the constitution
Well, you know
We all want to change your head
You tell me it's the institution
Well, you know
You better free you mind instead

But if you go carrying pictures of chairman Mao
You ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow / Don't you know...
All right, all right...

Yeah I hear ya nostatic. I used to think the conservatives wanted smaller govt. Turns out they grow it as well. Just not at quite the pace of the libs.

There is no such thing as personal responsibility for anything in this world anymore. Maybe if we start another federal program to look into that....

I'm with you 100%, static. The Republicans are on a whirlwind spending campaign, and Democrats have offered no solutions to Republican missteps.

Unfortunately, the American populace is on a similiar sprending spree, so the desire to reign spending is a weak. The savings rate hit -0.6% this past month. The negative rate has only occured twice since 1959.

As far as changes, I honestly don't know. I think the only meaningful changes will be seen on a local level. Nationwide, I feel my only option is voting Libertarian. The powerful national policitians are as crooked and dishonest as you can get.

Geez, start a revolution by participating in the electoral process. If you think there is a better way, then revolt. People getting involved means voting at all levels...does your friend know who her town council members are, School Board members, perhaps her county commisioners?
Whiners.

There is sometimes a HUGE difference between "Republican" & "Conservative". see McCain)

revolutions are overrated.

My friend runs a non-profit targeted at getting under-represented people politically involved. She knows all the local politicos and is running a conference next weekend involving civic leaders.

Not a whiner.

This is the problem. Both sides are blowing chunks and sniping at each other. I have yet to see any reasonable plan come out of the democratic party. And the republicans are spending like there is no tomorrow.

Maybe resurrect the whig party...

One other thing...run for office. I did. I managed the affairs of a small Maryland town council because I choose to get involved rather that *****. All you smart guys pony up, commit your time and talents to a revolution. Swing a velvet hammer, use it wisely.
But you won't...much easier to blame.

Seahawk, I think you're missing the point of this thread.

geez, who peed in your cornflakes?

I'm not blaming, I'm trying to figure out the best course of action. Getting involved in a small Maryland town council will not make a dent in this. I would gladly run for office...but I'm going to say things that won't get me elected (ie the truth). All they'll want to focus on is whether I inhaled back in '83 (yes, and snorted too). There has got to be another way...because the system is broken.

Nope..."how to start a revolution" was the topic. I suggest you either get involved with the political process has delineated in the Constitution or start your revolution. Your choice.

The tipping point for any revolution is the general public's realization that they have more to gain through change than they have to lose either through change or with the status quo. If you agree with this statement, you'll see that there can't be a real revolution in this country for some time. Most people make too much money and/or have too much freedom, but even worse than that, critical thought is lost on a majority of the country. Without it, we're just dumb, fat, lazy Americans who complain now again but accept the status quo with a shrug and, "I can't do anything about it." as they head over to Walmart. Additionally, we've been conditioned through Corp. America and advertising that the "quick fix" is a viable solution to any problem. Basically, there are very few willing to sweat or suffer pain for anything anymore. Also, when someone tries to do something about anything, they are immediately politicized and shouted down my the media.

I don't necessarily agree with Cindy Sheehan, but I give her a lot of credit for trying to start a revolution around "her" topic. We've all seen the Right Wing Media Machine attempt at destroying her.

Same thing will happen to anyone willing to take a stand.

If I wanted to start a revolution I'd figure out what I could realistically promise the masses in exchange for their energy, loyalty and pain. People will follow a vision if they can see it, embrace it and their payback for any discomfort in achieving it is quick and tangible.

Not really following my own advice, but my revolution would begin with public overview of Congretional bills. that is, before any bill is voted on, it is not only read by the Congress (most are not) but the public can review it online for one week prior to a vote. I would make it absolutely mandatory that Congress read every bill they vote on, their voting record be readily available online and that each and every bill be available to the public for review.

My $.02, wish it were a bit more cohesive.

It does make a dent...it is in the grass roots where all revolutions start. I don't have much truck with your arguements, by the way: as a fiscal conservative, I am appalled by Bush's budget.
The key is action, meaningful action.
I inhaled too, but I wasn't afraid of the consequences.