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A Revolutionary Thought

On 11.07.09, In Opinion, By LiberateUS

“Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, make violent revolution inevitable.”
— John Fitzgerald Kennedy

 
 

On Nov. 7, 1917, Russia’s Bolshevik Revolution took place as forces led by Vladimir Ilyich Lenin overthrew the provisional government of Alexander Kerensky. On the 92nd anniversary of that Revolution, it is worth pondering the events that lead men towards violent overthrow of governing authority.

With regard to the Bolshevik Revolution, Wikipedia states the following:

A nationwide crisis had developed in Russia affecting social, economic, and political relations. The policies of the Provisional Government had brought the country to the brink of catastrophe. Disorder in industry and transport had intensified, and difficulties in obtaining provisions had increased. Gross industrial production in 1917 had decreased by over 36 percent from what it had been in 1916. In the autumn, as much as 50 percent of all enterprises were closed down in the Urals, the Donbas, and other industrial centers, leading to mass unemployment. At the same time, the cost of living increased sharply. The real wages of the workers fell about 50 percent from what they had been in 1913. Russia’s national debt in October 1917 had risen to 50 billion rubles. Of this, debts to foreign governments constituted more than 11 billion rubles. The country faced the threat of financial bankruptcy.

 

Let’s see: nationwide crisis, decreasing industrial output, businesses closing down, rising unemployment, increased cost of living, skyrocketing national debt, and threat of bankruptcy. That about sums it up … now where have I heard these before?

I would never draw a parallel between the current situation here in the U.S. and the situation in Russia prior to the Revolution, but one must admit that there are certain aspects that are strikingly similar.

Perhaps the French Revolution provides a better illustration regarding the causes of violent overthrow of governing authority. Wikipedia has this to say of the French Revolution:

Louis XV fought many wars, bringing France to the verge of bankruptcy, and Louis XVI supported the colonists during the American Revolution, exacerbating the precarious financial condition of the government. The national debt amounted to almost two billion livres. The social burdens caused by war included the huge war debt, made worse by the monarchy’s military failures and ineptitude, and the lack of social services for war veterans. The inefficient and antiquated financial system was unable to manage the national debt, something which was both caused and exacerbated by the burden of a grossly inequitable system of taxation.

Wow. Multiple costly wars, military failures, lack of social services for war veterans, inability to manage the National Debt, and an inequitable system of taxation. No wonder the French People got up in arms over the situation! Again, I’m sure it’s pure coincidence that some of these aspects resemble (albeit vaguely) the current situation here in America, and it is not my intent to draw any sort of parallel, still, it does make one think.
 

“Those that fail to learn from history, are doomed to repeat it.”
— Winston Churchill
 

If I were a member of the governing authority, I might be just the tiniest bit concerned right about now. Today our elected leadership sits in session debating healthcare. They are playing out a grand charade of concern for the American People, having already sold us out to corporate interests. One cannot help but wonder if they have learned anything from the lessons of the past. Certainly healthcare is a pressing issue, but it is not the only issue, nor is it the biggest issue facing our nation today.

The time is past for our elected leadership to begin representing the interests of We the People. The bottom line is simple; the American Government is bankrupt, and the American People are tapped out. We can no longer afford to engage in wars without end; we must reduce and refocus our defense spending to effectively protect U.S. soil, while rebuilding a strong economy based on U.S. produced goods and services.

Let us hope that somewhere in the back of their minds, our elected representatives hear the rumble of the masses as they gather outside the palace walls …
 

 

The opinions expressed are entirely my own, and I take full responsibility for them. If you are offended or disagree with my opinions, thoughtful commentary or criticism are welcome. — David A. Hester
 

Portions of the above article excerpted from Wikipedia.org, and republished here under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.

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LiberateUS

In keeping with our goals, LiberateUS provides original content in the form of articles, op-ed pieces, and general commentary. We also republish articles, links, and other content of interest to our readers, in compliance with copyright law, and fair use doctrine.

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LiberateUS Mission: LiberateUS seeks to enable and encourage individual, proactive and positive actions that have the potential to change the Status Quo in American Government. Popular wisdom has it that an individual acting alone cannot change the world — but if each of us does our part, together we can shape the future. LiberateUS Goals: Visualize a Positive Future for America. Provide links and resources to help Educate the Public. Encourage informed, open, honest, and fearless dialogue regarding our Nation. Promote Volunterism and Activism towards Positive Change. Promote ongoing dialogue with our elected representatives.