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August 30, 2012

The Nature of Revolution. ~ Steve McAllister

Accepting the Need for Change

Throughout history, revolutions have brought an end to civilizations and empires to make way for the dawning of new ages.

The Roman Empire, for example, was a huge revolution—a pivotal twist in human history.

Yet it came to an end.

On the other hand, China has existed through revolution upon revolution.

What’s the difference?

Is it that China started with the revolution of the Tao, and realized that into their consciousness?

Is it because of the Tao—to roll with whatever happens— that the Chinese remain steadfast in who they are as a people, even as their empires come and go?

The first American Revolution brought about the end of England’s hold on the colonies.

It allowed for a new government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

What will the second American revolution bring?

Will it bring about the end of our empire? The end of our country as we know it? The end of the Constitution we hold so dear?

Or will the second revolution bring greater adherence to the Constitution—to who we are as a people—and allow us a greater sense of the necessity for consistent amendment and change?

Will this revolution release us from the tyranny of indebtedness, violence and mass consumption which plagues us now?

I believe that our forefathers were fallible men. They were not gods. Not everything they have written is scripture. Yet they were wise enough to write a Constitution that can be changed—a document that could change to keep pace with the course of freedom.

Our task as Americans must be to allow our Constitution to pursue the excellence it was designed for, and come to a point where we are happy with things as they are.

We must shine a light on the idea that all men are created equal and hold ourselves accountable to making that vision manifest.

We need to come to a point where we are at peace with one another to allow for peace with the rest of the world.

That is what the Constitution is about.

Creating a peaceful union, where all people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

These rights are not only for Americans, but for all the citizens of the world.

Perhaps this revolution will move us beyond mere independence and into the realm of interdependence.

An interdependent society would stand up for the life and liberty of others.

So many are currently denied their rights due to our prejudices, our fears, and our so-called morality.

So often we try to force others to abide by our ideology. We expend so much energy trying to force them to agree with our way of living.

This is not the American Way. This is not who we are as a people. The Constitution was founded on the idea that each and every citizen of the United States—and the world—will have a different definition of what life is, of what liberty is, and which form of happiness they will pursue.

Every time we amend this Constitution—every time we break down our own resistance to change—we allow ourselves to create a more perfect union.

The more we realize who we are as Americans—and as humans—the more we will be able to let go of things that fall under the wheel of revolution; bringing in the next wave of progress that we are looking for as a society, as a civilization, and as a planet.

If we can master this process of revolution—this process of understanding and growth and change—in our own country, could we not one day extend that to all the citizens of the world? Could we not perfect the ability to produce our own life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness to such a degree that we could afford it to every resident of the planet as well?

Let’s revolve.

 

Steve McAllister is the author of The Rucksack Letters and How to Survive an Estralarian Mind Meld. He posts regularly at The Unbroken Path and is currently involved in starting the Common Wealth Time Bank in Sarasota, Florida. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

 

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Editor: James Carpenter

 

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