Revolution on the Ground

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Democracy
Cover of the book Revolution on the Ground by Steven Greffenius, Steven Greffenius
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Steven Greffenius ISBN: 9781466142480
Publisher: Steven Greffenius Publication: May 14, 2011
Imprint: Smashwords Edition Language: English
Author: Steven Greffenius
ISBN: 9781466142480
Publisher: Steven Greffenius
Publication: May 14, 2011
Imprint: Smashwords Edition
Language: English

Citizens who want to replace their government have several options. The standard method is to elect new representatives and a new president. For a long time we have assumed that electorally driven processes will work, but we have discovered they do not.
Another option is a people's movement to force removal of the government. That implies a traditional revolution, often violent, seldom orderly. Few want to follow that course: it's difficult, it is easily branded illegal, and it would not work in this country.

A third option is to use constitutional means to shift responsibility from institutions that function poorly to institutions that function well, from institutions that degrade liberty to institutions that preserve it. This path of change would ensure that an irresponsible national government cannot operate with its former reach. The problem with this path is that change resistant institutions can resume their old ways after citizens go home. Another difficulty is that constitutional changes take a long time - time that partisans of existing institutions can use to keep the national government strong.

That brings us to a fourth option that complements the third: ignore the national government and replace it with alternate, regionally based institutions of governance. Return governance to the vision of democracy in Tocqueville's Democracy in America, where citizens almost universally participate in their local institutions. The so-called powers that be in Washington were just not that important: in particular, people didn't send their money there. The problem with this vision is that it could and perhaps ought to lead to separate, autonomous regions. Citizens are loyal to their country, and many would not want to see it break up.

Revolution on the Ground considers the problems and prospects associated with the third and fourth options, identified here with a constitutional convention and civil resistance. It explains why these plans are the most practicable means among those available. Lastly, it explains why these two methods, despite their difficulties, are most likely to work.
So let's start exploring. Remember as we travel that a country and a government are not the same thing. Yes, citizens of a democratic republic are responsible for their governing institutions and the quality of their leadership. Still, just as the Marine who stands guard during the midnight watch is not responsible for an illegal war or a surprise attack, busy citizens betrayed by their leaders are not to blame when their leaders destroy democracy. All they can do is resist. They must resist, and remember who betrayed whom. To save their country, they must alter or abolish their government.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Citizens who want to replace their government have several options. The standard method is to elect new representatives and a new president. For a long time we have assumed that electorally driven processes will work, but we have discovered they do not.
Another option is a people's movement to force removal of the government. That implies a traditional revolution, often violent, seldom orderly. Few want to follow that course: it's difficult, it is easily branded illegal, and it would not work in this country.

A third option is to use constitutional means to shift responsibility from institutions that function poorly to institutions that function well, from institutions that degrade liberty to institutions that preserve it. This path of change would ensure that an irresponsible national government cannot operate with its former reach. The problem with this path is that change resistant institutions can resume their old ways after citizens go home. Another difficulty is that constitutional changes take a long time - time that partisans of existing institutions can use to keep the national government strong.

That brings us to a fourth option that complements the third: ignore the national government and replace it with alternate, regionally based institutions of governance. Return governance to the vision of democracy in Tocqueville's Democracy in America, where citizens almost universally participate in their local institutions. The so-called powers that be in Washington were just not that important: in particular, people didn't send their money there. The problem with this vision is that it could and perhaps ought to lead to separate, autonomous regions. Citizens are loyal to their country, and many would not want to see it break up.

Revolution on the Ground considers the problems and prospects associated with the third and fourth options, identified here with a constitutional convention and civil resistance. It explains why these plans are the most practicable means among those available. Lastly, it explains why these two methods, despite their difficulties, are most likely to work.
So let's start exploring. Remember as we travel that a country and a government are not the same thing. Yes, citizens of a democratic republic are responsible for their governing institutions and the quality of their leadership. Still, just as the Marine who stands guard during the midnight watch is not responsible for an illegal war or a surprise attack, busy citizens betrayed by their leaders are not to blame when their leaders destroy democracy. All they can do is resist. They must resist, and remember who betrayed whom. To save their country, they must alter or abolish their government.

More books from Democracy

Cover of the book State and Revolution in Cuba by Steven Greffenius
Cover of the book Ruling The Void by Steven Greffenius
Cover of the book 受困的思想:臺灣重返世界 by Steven Greffenius
Cover of the book Protest Publics by Steven Greffenius
Cover of the book Les Deux Méthodes by Steven Greffenius
Cover of the book We the People: New Socialism for a Modern World: A Brief Discussion About Freedom by Steven Greffenius
Cover of the book Democracy by Steven Greffenius
Cover of the book Rethinking Democracy by Steven Greffenius
Cover of the book Une constitution citoyenne pour le Québec? by Steven Greffenius
Cover of the book Elites and Democratic Development in Russia by Steven Greffenius
Cover of the book Malaise in Representation in Latin American Countries by Steven Greffenius
Cover of the book Political Marketing and Management in the 2017 New Zealand Election by Steven Greffenius
Cover of the book Legitimacy Crisis in Thailand by Steven Greffenius
Cover of the book Summary of Bamboozled: How Americans are being Exploited by the Lies of the Liberal Agenda - Angela McGlowan by Steven Greffenius
Cover of the book José 'Pepe' Mujica by Steven Greffenius
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy