Disorganization would be the worst possible allowance. Make sure that whatever groups you organize are clear and well messaged; don’t settle for the anarchy of the Occupy Movement. Be direct in your grievances and patriotic in your approach. The Federal Government isn’t the American Dream, Ideal, Spirit, or People. It is empowered by all those things. The Federal Government isn’t the Constitution either, it is only formed by it. But I’m not calling for the dissolution of the Government. The Constitution is a powerful document that clearly states The People are the Nation. It just seems that the people who have become The Government are no longer For or Of us. They are For and Of corporations which are now deemed people, but not taxed as people. Therefore we should make them listen very closely to actions BY us. I’ll refer to The Declaration of Independence for an even clearer outlining of how powerful the people are supposed to be in our nation:
“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”
As we are left arguing over the drapes, our essential liberties and our freedom to stand up and speak are being eradicated. At some point, the Government became the master and our elected representatives became totems and golden calves that constituents are expected to view as their own route to salvation. Our media has become a propaganda machine feeding the divisions between the people, driving them farther and farther apart asking no questions, offering no answers, and dispensing misinformation and opinion instead of searching for truth-for-truth’s sake. The people have become divided and don’t notice, or are too enflamed to notice, that the rug is being pulled out from under us. With the people so divided, there is nothing left but the government to unite, and the government is only united in win/lose scenarios and a political score board—there is no service to the people left, only service to the party. Parties best serviced by a populace that has its thinking and speaking done for them. Parties best serviced by the misappropriation of our hard earned dollars to line their pockets, and give more gold to the golden.
The stars, field, and stripes on our flag are representative of a dream in constant achievement; the freedom of mind and body to the betterment of mankind, and peace by cooperation, discussion, and mutual benefit. Historically that dream has fallen short in reality and practice. It takes the concerted effort of the People to move towards the realization of the dream.
The governmental structures, made manifest by the ratification of the Constitution, are salvageable. Our country as we know it is constructed to avoid the attacks on our liberty that are coming. If the right to speak, assemble, and be free can be taken so too can the power to levy taxes. Without the consent of the governed, democracy is just despotism by committee.
We don’t have to fund our own oppression.
Money is free speech.
Brandon, as I read this I found myslef nodding and talking out loud to you through the computer. This is brilliant – simple, yet profound and effective and I am passing it along.
I am one of those baby boomers that was out in the street letting my voice be heard with the thousands that felt as I did. Over the years my voice became silent, not for any other reason than I felt it was useless … very few people were outraged and nothing was getting done. I kept voting and yet, the people that do the most harm kept getting elected. I’m afraid I became apathetic.
With Facebook I have a small outlet to speak my mind … and if people don’t agree with me, we have a few options – we can have a meaningful discussion, and hopefully arrive at some mutually beneficial conclusion – or one or the other of us can use the ‘Block’ option.
I have noticed recently that current events are drawing people together. They are organizing and speaking out. Thanks for your voice. This old rabble rouser needed it!
I had a similar thought after all the “Zimmerman’s days are numbered” insistence. He won’t be touched, and mostly because nowadays, people rely too much on social media to make societal changes. Petitions and default photo changes are considered enough. I saw a post about boycotting Florida tourism, aiming to “hit them where it hurts” as if anyone would deny their children the pleasure of seeing Micky and Minnie this summer. But at least they posted their disbelief in the verdict.
Well said Brandon.