Letters to the Editor
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Course correction, rather than "revolution"
In other words, we can't possibly wish for that sort of a solution to our admittedly fundamental problems until (1) the problems themselves are widely recognized as fundamental, and (2) these problems are widely recognized not to have intra-systemic solutions. Not even amassing a million people in Washington, DC, even in this time of increased anti-war sentiment, could come close to accomplishing what the movements of the 60s -- or the (17)70s -- had, because this kind of mass awareness and frustration has not reached the necessary levels.
DCLaw1
That method is obsolete, if only because the powerful have acquired the legal means to keep protesters ohysically at bay, not to mention the mocking and contempt of the well-meaning. Bush pioneered the technique, we can be sure it will remain in place - you know, security, and all. Besides, people aren't into that anymore, for many societal reasons, some legitimate, others less so.
Be that as it may, we do have tools at our disposal now that the 60's generation could only dream of. Here we are, able (for how much longer, people? think about it) to communicate globally, locally, on any topic. The next revolution will be one of knowledge, in my view, hence the priceless work of people like Glenn, studiously keeping track of all the minutiae, building the damn case for us.
The tools of knowledge are new, the audience is massive, so it's all just brewing right now, searching for its focus, its core determination.
Once we are focused (hopefully with the guidance of our sharpest old and new thinkers, leaders, out there around the world, not just in our backyard ), we can use the tools at our disposal, all peaceful, yet intelligently targeted.
A simple move would be for a massive, simultaneous hold on portion of our taxes. Put them all in a humongous citizens account, and use that as leverage to negotiate the terms of a proper, honest dialogue.
That sort of thing would take leadership, vision, and a good deal of citizen commitment. Can only happen with serious motivation. Who's willing to go to jail for non-payment of taxes? No one. Maybe when torture becomes commonplace in this country - that's the next step, let's not fool ourselves - maybe then, some of us might.