Posted by Ldf on March 12, 2008 at 09:02:50:
In Reply to: Re: Is "Speed the day" really "on the way?" Discussion. posted by Rich Raimonde on February 25, 2008 at 17:29:18:
In reading the question about the potential for violence vs non-violence in changing our system & society, the idea certainly comes up and is worth a discussion, but not too lengthy a one. Why? Because we
know that, should change be so imminent, with the majority of people - having organized & voted for this change- and aware of their own power to stop participating in the very system that is keeping us enslaved to it,
[enslaved to paltry paychecks, long workweeks, bad food/water/air, insecure futures, overcrowded & inadequate schools, bad transportation, outrageous gas & energy prices,untenable rents & mortgages,enforced
& inadequate healthcare & retirement 'insurance', etc, etc]- AND with such a commonsense understanding of the basic & undeniable injustice & irrationality of that system they need to replace... that it is so openly on the minds & in the heart & soul of so many that it has been voted for... and then has actually caused the state-corporate powers to take physical action against us, our numbers & our power would be so great that it would be a pretty unstoppable force. Our one example of change,revolt accompanied by violence, is based on a different time & condition. Mostly unfocused rage,
the 'masses' being outgunned but even so inevitably out-living the autocratic despots. The change we envision would be more conscious & goal oriented.A new society based on commonownership & management in a democratic setting. It would come about, not by a small elite 'vanguard' brandishes guns & promises, but
because THE MAJORITY would have seen the rationality & necessity for new direction.And would be united in that humane goal of true democracy & justice, with deep support & roots,locally & nationally-and globally by worldwide populations also 'yearning for a better life'.
Yes, there might be attempts to murder & kill by the capitalist despots & minions, threats of nuclear attack or world destruction, but if the reason for change is clear enough to permit votes in support of it, I can also forsee that many capitalists would be willing & perhaps relieved to step back from their ill-gotten gains (yeah, it happens!) and permit people their right to life, liberty & the pursuit of happiness. Naive? Well, one "possibilty" is as good as another. Violence? Maybe some, maybe contemplated, maybe tried. But the recognition of survival of the species? Maybe more compelling.
So, here's another way of answering the question & possibility of violence. What shall we do then? Give up on a vision of better world for humanity? What if our forebears had done the same? What, then really is our choice?