Is peaceful revolution possible?

[Brian37]

Is peaceful revolution possible?

I’ve been thinking about this question, and I feel the answer is NO.

We are taught that violence is always bad, and that we should use peaceful options such as dialogue to change society. But this is clearly contradictory with reality. The powerful employ violence to keep us under control. Why then is it forbidden for us?

History has taught us that violence has been fundamental in social change. Take the French Revolution for example.

I know violence is ugly. But I think that, at least for now, it is still needed. Society still hasn’t advanced to the point where violence isn’t needed anymore.

Peaceful resistance is always possible. Anthony and King made great strides in changing society. But tribalism globally, and unfortunately will not go away. Humans do not widely have the benefit of understanding that we all live on the same planet, and all of us need resources, so we make all sorts of excuses to be on top, be it religious, or political or economic. 

I get frustrated having conversed with people all over the world, whom agree with me, that we are too tribal. One of my newest friend is from Pakistan, and while we butt heads on politics sometimes, he for his country, is very liberal. He is an atheist, and doesn't understand, for example why we have such a gun violence problem. Just today, he argued that Dems have both the House and Senate and Presidency, and cant understand why we cant get a grip on that issue.

I can't explain to him it isn't as simple as that. 

But it isn't just about guns. America is really unique in our setup. We are not a pure majority rule, ON ANY ISSUE. It is a double edge sword to me. I don't want a pure majority rule, but I also don't want a minority rule either. I think the founders, as flawed as they were, got some aspects right in their intent, but at the same time, could not know how much the world would change in over the centuries. 

People railed against Muhammad Ali for objecting to the Vietnam War, and he was right. It wasn't about vilifying the soldiers, it was about  criticizing congressional/presidential policy. Why did we get stuck there, or Iraq, or Afghanistan? Why is it today, we are worried about our national security, and those left behind that now feel abandon? The Vietnamese whom were left behind, felt the same way. 

I fear global conflict, not because I think we are always wrong. I'd still prefer to live in America rather than China or Cuba or Pakistan or Iran. I fear global conflict because humans now live in an age of mutual destruction. And when I think of my friend in Pakistan, I don't want a global conflict to kill him. Just like I don't want a global conflict to kill all the other decent people whom simply happen to live under governments my government does not get along with.

It may sound cliche but there is a line from the movie "Red Dawn" from the shot down fighter jet pilot whom the kids ran across, and the pilot basically said that sometimes the big boys fight. 

It is sad in reality that humans fight. It would be awesome if we did not, but unfortunately it is the reality we live in.