The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
Thomas Jefferson
The general mood of the country, especially of the informed individuals, is one of anxiousness and excitement. Everybody is cleaning their ear out so they can hear clearly the second shot heard' round the world to start the second American Revolution. As much as I think the country needs a political jolt to reawaken the citizenry I'm suspicious of the course the Revolution may take. The two largest mass movements that may forge out of a likely Revolution is the Christan Right and the Illegal Immigrant movement, both of whom are not politically enlightened and tend to be swayed rather easily to passionate arguments. Both are Christian and adhere strongly to their faith, however, they are both hostile to each other. What could start out as a Revolution against the current political and financial system may turn into a wholly different animal and one I'm very afraid of in the long run. Look at what the French Revolution produced. I think the second American Revolution is likely to follow the shape and structure of that Revolution rather than America's first fairly conservative revolution.
Without an educated populace revolutions will only end destructively, but regardless of whatever may come of it, the current shape and conditions of the country can not last for long. Some good things will happen, and some bad. My most important question is will we still have a secular society? And will the ideas of the free market win out against centralizers? What shape will our political institutions take, democratic or dictatorial? I think if any worthwhile and lasting Revolution is to occur the first and only thing all sides should agree on are the core principles in the US Constitution which are separation of powers, checks and balances, sound money, and the freedom of speech, press, association, and most importantly, of religion.
I twist and turn every night when I think of the course the Revolution could take. Most of the people who attended the Glen Beck 'We Surround Them' tea party events are from the Christan Right and generally tend to vote Republican. If their fanaticism for their religion can be contained, then, bring them on board. But if not, then hell's going to brake loose. If the Revolution is going to include all factions of the people then certain types of baggage needs to checked at the door, and your religion should be number one on that list.
I've just begun thinking about the various mass movements that may emerge in the near future and the struggles that will be fought. One thing remains clear, people are angry and will soon demand change or there will be blood. One or the other, and as things are going now, probably both.
