When we "throw around" terms like "revolution" we have to understand the gravity of their meanings. "Revolution" is not a word to be used lightly -- because "revolution" inevitably becomes violent, particularly when an increasingly tyrannical and "entitled" central government has for so long run roughshod over the People and the Law [Constitution] itself. A "revolution" in the real sense would NOT be pretty, neat, or amicable, and even the mention of that term could in current circumstances draw unwanted attention from Federal "law enforcement."
Okay, do I sound too "conspiritorial?" Well, that's because I am. Big Government is too big, has access to too much technology, and wants all that power (& money) to RULE us, not to SERVE us. My view is that a "revolution" is not going to be planned, or organized, or even foreseen. Sure, there will be small groups of "tax protesters" here and there, and maybe the ocassional "gun rights" fanatics or "religious zealots" who dare speak out for their faith, and even some so-called "militias" that will cause trouble... But they will immediately be labelled "racistsexisthomophobes," "hate groups," "cults" and so forth, and the Feds will take them out in short order.
No, it's going to take something major -- REALLY major -- to be the catalyst of a real "revolution." If the economy actually DID crash -- THAT might do it. If there was a nuclear strike on American soil, that would probably provoke it. Something heavy like that, and "We the People" would simply lose it. We would have a collective "psychotic break," and we would take it out on anything remotely related to "the government." Marches/riots on Washington, resistance to Federal authority and "law enforcement" by individuals, communities, political and/or religious groups -- maybe even cities or States... Martial Law would lead to gun confiscation and shootouts/battles, the National Guard would be called out... Would they fire on the American People? Would the regular Military? Would the people be able to bring themselves to fire on our military...? And what of the future of the "Union?" If it ever came to this kind of "revolution," there would be no more Union. Look at the Red and Blue map. The South, Southwest and Rocky Mountain States are far more Conservative in general, the West Coast and of course New England and the upper MidWest are way more Liberal.... The sections would divide -- they couldn't live together anymore in a "Union."...
When the word "revolution" is mentioned, the implications are immense, the effects staggering, and the results NOT peaceful or positive (at least not in the short run). And though it may in light of this sound strange to say, I think "revolution" is something the American People had better start contemplating, considering, thinking over, praying over. I say that NOT to advocate violence or support some ill-conceived coup d'etat, but to prepare the People for what appears to be the inevitable, if the Washington government should stay on its current path.
On March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry arose to address the Virginia House of Burgesses in St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia, regarding the encroachment of the British forces on Virginia and other Colonial cities. The Burgesses were being asked to field troops, should it become necessary, to resist the British militarily. Most believed the idea foolish, however, and any kind of "rebellion" or "revolution" in the far distant future, if ever. Among Henry's comments, delivered dramatically and with force on that day, he said:
"This is no time for ceremony. The questing before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery...
Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings....
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House....
I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other....
Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope....
Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power.... It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
Less than one month later, on April 19th, 1775, the British in Boston marched on the nearby towns of Lexington & Concord to confiscate the arms and gunpowder of the "citizen's militia" [aka "Minutemen"], and being warned by Paul Revere among others, the Militia met the British Army on the town greens. And the "Revolution" indeed had begun. Patrick Henry's words were prophetic. The war would not end for almost eight bloody years. Most of the men who later signed the Declaration of Independence lost everything in the struggle for liberty.
"Revolution" should be considered -- but the American People are far from the mindset of Patrick Henry, even if the storms of circumstance gathering about them leave them little time to ready themselves. It is time now for prayer. The time for action may come. But it is not yet. And if we pray and fast now, perhaps God will turn aside this storm which will otherwise surely come...
JDW
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