Revolution or Reform? Which do you think is more effective?

Question

Autonomic America was founded on the principles that the government in power could be replaced if the people were dissatisfied with its performance. My question is this: are enough of us sufficiently dissatisfied?

THESE ARE GREAT ANSWERS!!!! Gosh, you guys! They all make me think, and that is what I'm looking for.

Answer 1

I don't neccessarily support a violent uprising, but I'm glad somebody has actually READ the "Declaration of Independence," wherein it describes it as our DUTY to abolish an overly-corrupt government. Our founding fathers were not the bunch of pansies we see in Washington today. They spoke out against the idiocies of religion, patriotism and various things that today's politicians would squeal and run away from.

If the newly-empowered democrats don't fix the extreme idiocy and lack of education on the homefront (concentrated primarily in the South) then it won't matter much what they do with international policy because our nation will sufficiently disembowel itself. I guess that means education reform, which means the South better come to terms with science, philosophy, linguistics and about a hundred other things that expose religion.

Answer 2

I think that enough of us are sufficiently dissatisfied. The real question would be - how many of us would be willing to take on the government?

At this point in time reform seems impossible since all political parties seek only what is beneficial to them and do not listen to the people. However a revolution would result in more lost lives than the Civil War. A revolution would be more effective in my opinion though.

Answer 3

While Jefferson did in fact believe that revolution was needed in each generation to keep the political processes fresh and relevant, an argue should be made for the importance of reform in every political system as well. Whether we realize it or not, reform is a constant process, always in action. The latest elections are a good example in the U.S. While maintaining the established political system itself, the parties which controlled the legislative framework of that system were completely altered. Whether a Democrat or Republican is elected as the president in '08, some reform will certainly take place. Even the next Republican president is likely to have as many differences as likenesses with the current administration.

As it is a foundational element of our country, revolution principles should not be forgotten. However, until our *system of government* itself proves to be no longer tenable, reform will remain the appropriate mechanism for the evolution of government in the United States.

Answer 4

Not at all, very critical yes, and not valid criticism at that , but not enough sufficiently dissatisfied. for example why would a 97% majority,need to make a change for a 3% minority? Reform is highly preferable, revolution often involves hatred and blood spilling. Sorry Not exactly my cup of tea!!

Answer 5

Revolution is most effective for best results! Reform in this society would be nothing more than what is currently been going on, that would be spin-doctoring until the public believes the propaganda being promoted by the leaders and Ruling wealthy class etc.Those of us that have been around long enough see this cycle being repeated "bluff and fleece the public,berry with debt to keep them obligated and loyal etc! Work for years with the coal miners!

Answer 6

reform. generally with reform, nobody gets killed and you know what you're getting in place of the old government or old system.

with revolutions, it's not that way. . often many (sometimes tens or hundreds of thousands) are killed and you end up with a much worse system (look at the Bolshevik revolution in Russia or Castro's revolution in Cuba).

Answer 7

Typically after revolutions, or any war, insainly conservative legeslation is passed and then is followed by reform.

Reform is longer lasting.