Through the course of my discussions about the current state of the U.S. Government, I’ve received a few responses which I consider a bit unsettling. I’ve had some accuse me of plotting a violent revolution, and others suggest that this sort of approach would be the only way to bring about the necessary change to produce a truly free society. On the contrary, I believe that the sort of social change that I seek not only should not, but can not be brought about through violence.
You see, we live in a democratic society. That which is determined democratically is not necessarily right, but it is what the majority wants. There cannot be a popular revolution without the support of the people. And if we have the support of the people, then we have the power to change the system democratically anyways, making violence unnecessary. That is what makes our current situation different from that of Americans of the 18th century, or that of the Iraqis a decade ago.
When I speak of the Libertarian Revolution, I speak of a revolution of minds. I speak of a revolution in the way we think about the concept of government. I speak of a popular awakening movement, brought about through discussion, debate, and a desire for greater freedom. What I do not seek and do not wish for is a violent revolution which would inevitably tear apart our society and leave the spoils in the hands of the men with the biggest guns.
Timothy McVeigh was trying to bring about the Libertarian Revolution when he bombed a federal building in Oklahoma City back in 1995. Needless to say, he did not accomplish his goal. Failing to see his own hypocrisy, he didn’t realize that the American People, even in the face of liberation, do not like being told what to do under the threat of violence. Here in America, when someone blows up a building, we don’t lend them our ears; we give them the death penalty. In a democratic society where we have the freedom of speech, the greatest freedom fighter is someone who will speak for the people, not draw blood for them.
Thus, I wield only my words against the injustices of the world. If I commit no crime, then I cannot be silenced.
