Revolution

[pecksniff]

Revolutions are sometimes worth having, but they're always chancy. Even when the revolutionaries can be sure of winning, they can never be sure of what comes next. You take the Oath of the Tennis Court, and the next thing you know, Napoleon is Emperor. Is this what we had in mind?!

 

[pecksniff]

And this does apply to the American Revolution. Its prospects were better than most revolutions since the colonies were already and had long been self-governing republics in most respects -- but, Washington could easily have been king if he had wanted to.

 

[WillJ8787]

And this does apply to the American Revolution. Its prospects were better than most revolutions since the colonies were already and had long been self-governing republics in most respects -- but, Washington could easily have been king if he had wanted to.

Something to be said about serendipity and timing....Good thing Washington was who he was.

Jefferson promoted the idea of revolution every twenty years or so....he reminds me of the somewhat ungrounded academic philosopher type who floats above the nitty gritty of everyday life during a revolution. For the poor, I'm not sure it is such a good thing to have too often

 

[oggbashan]

The UK's Glorious Revolution of 1688 was almost bloodless and profoundly changed the role of the Monarchy to a powerless figurehead. Its effects still influence the British Constitution now, far more than the much-lauded Magna Carta.

Despite some intellectuals welcoming it, the influence of the French Revolution on the UK was minimal because the average UK peasant (or workers) lived and ate much better than any French peasant, and only the UK rich and noble were taxed (unlike in France where the nobility and clergy were exempt from taxes but the peasants were heavily taxed).

 

[pecksniff]

Jefferson, I recall, promoted the idea of tearing up the Constitution and writing a new one every twenty years, on the grounds that you cannot expect a man to wear a boy's jacket.

That would have made American history really interesting.

 

[pecksniff]

So, remember this, all of you who talk about a revolution or Second Civil War as something you actually want to happen: Even if your side wins, how do you know what comes next?

 

[pecksniff]

When the Revolution ended, George III asked what Washington would do now. Told that Washington intended to return to his estate in Virginia, the King said, "If he does that, he will be the greatest man who ever lived!"

But, not every generation is gifted with a Washington.

 

[WillJ8787]

Not one comment from the dopey brigade here....again, this discussion is over their heads. Historically ignorant and histrionic!

 

[Cubantripod]

When the Revolution ended, George III asked what Washington would do now. Told that Washington intended to return to his estate in Virginia, the King said, "If he does that, he will be the greatest man who ever lived!"

But, not every generation is gifted with a Washington.

The Founders and the Framers for the most part just wanted home rule and to be left alone.

 

[Champakian]

Not one comment from the dopey brigade here....again, this discussion is over their heads. Historically ignorant and histrionic!

Good Lord but you are pedantic.

You never discuss the topic, all you ever want to discuss are your "enemies."



You need to mature mentally. It's too late to tell you to grow up.

 

[bellisarius]

The assertion that "things might be worse" is NOT an excuse to tolerate tyranny.

 

[WillJ8787]

Good Lord but you are pedantic.

You never discuss the topic, all you ever want to discuss are your "enemies."



You need to mature mentally. It's too late to tell you to grow up.

"owning"....when I call you come.

 

[CornusKousa]

So, remember this, all of you who talk about a revolution or Second Civil War as something you actually want to happen: Even if your side wins, how do you know what comes next?

Fear of the unknown has no power over the hearts or minds of the warrior though as we live life knowing that tomorrow is never promised.

So if you want to make it there (to tomorrow) you had best concern yourself with the matters of today.

Si vis pacem, para bellum.

When the Revolution ended, George III asked what Washington would do now. Told that Washington intended to return to his estate in Virginia, the King said, "If he does that, he will be the greatest man who ever lived!"

But, not every generation is gifted with a Washington.

No, they are, with many in fact.

Not every generation recognizes that gift though.

Usually they're too busy trying to get "free" shit by forcible confiscation of some sort.