Revolution from the Inside

Peter Camejo died. He was a third party activist in California. In December 2003, he said the Democrats agree with the Republicans about invading Iraq, they just thought it was done incorrectly.

I don't disagree. I'm not entirely sure its true for all Democrats, but it points out that even the Democrats are part of the system in place and want to keep things the way they are.

That's one of the reasons I selected Obama over Clinton in the primaries. I felt she was more entrenched in the status quo and wouldn't make radical changes.

However, I recognize that Barack Obama, as part of the election process, has moved toward the center and the status quo as well.

I'd like to revolutionize the system (economy, role of governemnt). But, it won't happen in a revolutionary way. Why? 1) Most people don't/can't/won't imagine how different life could be (even my imaginings can't encompass all the different ways we could choose to live). 2) Our country doesn't share one world view anymore, we're very big. Even among the left there are different ideas about how to go about achieving goals. 3) The powerful will not give up their status very easily.

I think we have to change the system from the inside. It will take a long time. Barack Obama shakes things up enough to let people know there might be a new way to do things. His presidency would help people imagine something different. That's step one...let the people see that things don't have to be this way. Not so long ago, a man with a black father could never be President. And yet, here we are. Imagine.

And just to be clear, my revolution would mean a new economy; the rich can stay rich, but they shouldn't be rich at the expense of poor people's health and welfare, the democratic government would not be in partnership with the capitalists but would allow the free flow of money and wealth until it becomes detrimental to people's health and welfare, all work is valued.
My revolution would mean a new role for the United States on this Earth; we'd be one among many, we'd have a consistent foreign policy that isn't ruled by hypocrisy and what's expedient for the US at any given time (genocide is genocide no matter where it happens), we wouldn't impose our way of life on any country that doesn't want it.
My revolution would encourage a rich spiritual life for all, but wouldn't tolerate one religion dominating the politics of our country; there's be a definite separation of church and state.
My revolution would mean more money is spent on Research and Development.

And to be even more clear, my revolution depends on showing people the benefits of living without fear. That's a spiritual revolution. And it takes time as well.

For today, I vote for Barack Obama.