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Henry David Thoreau writes that “All men recognize the right of revolution; that is, the right to refuse allegiance to, and to resist, the government, when its tyranny or its inefficiency are great and unendurable”. This may be a fact, but what is not a fact is that all men (and women) do not recognize, or at least agree, on when it becomes a necessity to revolt or conduct revolution. Although we may have differing ideas, I believe that we have already been given an exact measurement as to what constitutes an act of revolution against the American government.
In present day America, citizens riot and protest in the streets for any number of reasons. As of the announcement that Donald Trump won the election for President of the United States in November of 2016, it would seem that any reason is also a good reason to go out and call for civil war. That being said, I believe that this is absolute nonsense. I, however, seem to be the minority opinion. In September of 2017, Katie Williams wrote an article for the website “The Hill” in which she stated, “Anti-fascist activists, or ‘antifa’, increasingly mobilized in the wake of President Trump’s election, are unapologetic about what they describe as the necessary use of violence to combat authoritarianism.” Authoritarianism is defined as the enforcement of strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom. Interestingly enough, the only authority that has been asked to be obedient to is the law and I do not believe that abiding by the law is any reason to riot or revolt against the President of the United States.
In fact, the founding fathers, in their ultimate wisdom and uncanny ability to foresee the trials of this country long before they ever occur, left all of us an exact set of circumstances in which it is proper to rise up against our government. In the second paragraph of the United States’ Declaration of Independence, the founding fathers wrote,
“We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness – That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”
It was stated outright at the very moment that our country became a country, when the founding fathers initiated their own revolution against the tyrannical government of Great Britain, the very circumstances that they say fit to begin revolution.
The opposition may argue that we are experiencing a similar state of affairs at present but I submit that in order for a government or, in the case of the always hated President Donald Trump, an individual in government to be considered to be acting in a fashion that constitutes being defined as destructive that one must first identify the laws or article of the constitution that is being violated or disregarded. I ask that those who believe the government has reached a point in which it is time to take up arms against it to point out where violations have been purposefully perpetrated, for without being able to clearly demonstrate that one’s government has overstepped their bounds into realm of tyranny the peoples who choose to arm themselves against a lawful government are not revolutionaries but terrorists; terrorists are defined as persons who use unlawful violence in the pursuit of political aims.
I submit that, as citizens of what, in my opinion, is the greatest country to ever be, that we understand that there is a need for revolution when our government turns on us, but that time is not now. I believe that if and or when the time to take up arms is upon us that every man and woman will be able to see it. I believe that it is time that the citizens of this country recognize not only that there may be a time for revolution but that they recognize the correct set of circumstances laid out for us by our founding fathers to know when that time has come.
In present day America, citizens riot and protest in the streets for any number of reasons. As of the announcement that Donald Trump won the election for President of the United States in November of 2016, it would seem that any reason is also a good reason to go out and call for civil war. That being said, I believe that this is absolute nonsense. I, however, seem to be the minority opinion. In September of 2017, Katie Williams wrote an article for the website “The Hill” in which she stated, “Anti-fascist activists, or ‘antifa’, increasingly mobilized in the wake of President Trump’s election, are unapologetic about what they describe as the necessary use of violence to combat authoritarianism.” Authoritarianism is defined as the enforcement of strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom. Interestingly enough, the only authority that has been asked to be obedient to is the law and I do not believe that abiding by the law is any reason to riot or revolt against the President of the United States.
In fact, the founding fathers, in their ultimate wisdom and uncanny ability to foresee the trials of this country long before they ever occur, left all of us an exact set of circumstances in which it is proper to rise up against our government. In the second paragraph of the United States’ Declaration of Independence, the founding fathers wrote,
“We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness – That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”
It was stated outright at the very moment that our country became a country, when the founding fathers initiated their own revolution against the tyrannical government of Great Britain, the very circumstances that they say fit to begin revolution.
The opposition may argue that we are experiencing a similar state of affairs at present but I submit that in order for a government or, in the case of the always hated President Donald Trump, an individual in government to be considered to be acting in a fashion that constitutes being defined as destructive that one must first identify the laws or article of the constitution that is being violated or disregarded. I ask that those who believe the government has reached a point in which it is time to take up arms against it to point out where violations have been purposefully perpetrated, for without being able to clearly demonstrate that one’s government has overstepped their bounds into realm of tyranny the peoples who choose to arm themselves against a lawful government are not revolutionaries but terrorists; terrorists are defined as persons who use unlawful violence in the pursuit of political aims.
I submit that, as citizens of what, in my opinion, is the greatest country to ever be, that we understand that there is a need for revolution when our government turns on us, but that time is not now. I believe that if and or when the time to take up arms is upon us that every man and woman will be able to see it. I believe that it is time that the citizens of this country recognize not only that there may be a time for revolution but that they recognize the correct set of circumstances laid out for us by our founding fathers to know when that time has come.
Posted in these groups: 
Command Post
Command Post
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 126
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If there's going to be a revolution, shouldn't we at least define what we are going to replace it with? Otherwise, there's just going to be a state of anarchy, which is exactly what the Antifa is looking to create.
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I appreciate the time that you dedicated to making your case. However, the point you are attempting to make is not clear. I recommend you review what you have written and shorten it. Do not use so many qualifiers. Good effort!
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
I mean, really? Very beginning of the closing paragraph states, "I submit that, as citizens of what, in my opinion, is the greatest country to ever be, that we understand that there is a need for revolution when our government turns on us, but that time is not now." I think that pretty much sums it up...
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CPT (Join to see)
SGT Joseph Gunderson - Are you commenting on my observation? If what you have summarized above is all he intended to say, why all the additional writing? I believe he had a lot more to say than just what is contained in the closing paragraph. As a professional writer, you don't feel that a sentence with 5 commas and 3 modifiers isn't a little awkward? Besides, I was not leaving a negative comment. I was making a positive observation and encouraging a re-examination. If we are unwilling to help each other, how will any of us ever improve?
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
CPT (Join to see) - As with most good writing, the conclusion sums up the observations and statements made throughout the piece. It isn't that long of a piece and, in fact, it could have been stretch to far greater length if I so chose to go into more detail. As for what you have designated as "additional" (read extra) writing, it examines my personal observations and the state of the situation and then turns to argue against that opinion. I fail to see how anything is unnecessary in making my point. In regards to the longer sentence structure(s) and use of commas: I don't believe there is anything wrong with it. I think that most people are afraid of longer sentences because they don't fully grasp how to structure them properly but they are useful and also give the piece a certain kind of cadence by using both short and long(er) sentences
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CPT (Join to see)
Well, I have never had any difficulty with complex sentence structure during my undergraduate education, my masters, or my doctorate. I do have difficulty with individuals that instead of helping people to improve their communication skills, encourage mediocrity instead. SMH.
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You revolt when the government puts you in a concentration camp like they did to Japanese Americans during WW2 in the years 1942-1945. One of the reasons the Japanese never invaded the west coast was the government of the United States could of killed all of these Japanese and Japanese Americans in these protentional death camps . The official government term for these protentional death camps were " relocation centers".
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This is exceptionally dangerous ground you were trading on, you could find yourself being visited by counter Intel, FBI, and various other agencies. I would keep my opinion to myself if I were you.
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
I would read the piece in its entirety before making ignorant statements... you know, if I were you.
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SSG (Join to see)
I did read your commentary in its entire ready. And some could misconstrue what you are saying. That is why I advised you to tread lightly.
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I have bitten my tongue about this guy and hate seeing my battles divided over something like this, but, he is bound by the same oath we are and even if he weren't the Russian involvement should have been a red flag from day one. Our system gives the presumption of innocence until proved otherwise but, anyone who is under this type of investigation should not be able to make fundamental sweeping changes to our system.. When you take away the balance and ignore the rules it is a no win for anyone. I am often accused of being rigid with regard to the rules and thats because we have already established, written and practiced them. They are our founding values and our constitution. Now comes an individual who not only breaks those rules but refuses to even read them. And folks blithely follow him and allow him anything no matter how outrageous because his politics align with theirs. In our history we have had men who believed they knew better than our founders. And, in virtually every instance, they were wrong. Remember, power in our system shifts from administration to administration. The power we bestow upon him will be used by those who follow. Now, ask yourself if you honestly believe a neophyte who's repeatedly evaded service, has a serious problem with the truth insults our battles, our POWs and our gold star families and who has never in any capacity other than TV really led, is qualified to second guess our founding fathers and what has kept us whole for nearly 250 years while every other system of govt has failed? And I dont care who's party you vote for equality is not his or anyone else's to bestow or deny. It is already ours. It was bought and paid for on every battlefield from Valley Forge to Kandahar it is a core American value and he doesn't get to pick and choose which of our freedoms he will respect and which he will reject it's a package deal.. Remember, like it or not he is every ones president , he works for us. And as long as he does his work within the confines of our constitution, fine. But truth is not arbitrary and he is seriously damaging our alliances. And, if he has colluded the stain of it will linger on the GOP long after he's gone. We did not just spend 70 years, thousands of American lives and trillions of $ defeating the Russians to have him just let them in our back door.
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SGT Bryan O'Reilly
Yeah, I did. And I had initially thought it was in frustration to the many glaring violations of the constitution like I am. I was driven to my response by the level of deliberate indifference to him by my battles and those who know better. I think this is indicative of politicizing that which shouldnt be and allowing a lot that we normally would reject because of it.
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LtCol Brian Ford
SGT Bryan O'Reilly - Let's see you list those violations of the Constitution that you claim President Trump is guilty of! Want to compare them with barry's?
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CPL McMiller has consumed the Koolaide... I have two questions for any Soldier who are of the same opinion as the corporal. 1. Would you appreciate a person like the 45 as a family member? 2. Would you follow the 45 into a firefight?
Think before answer. Critical thinking skills are in short supply these days. Actions speak louder than words.
Think before answer. Critical thinking skills are in short supply these days. Actions speak louder than words.
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
It sounds a lot more like 1. You failed to read the piece, 2. You have a very strange way of choosing who and what to support that could use some extreme changes for the better, and 3. That you have "consumed the koolaid" that many other brainwashed and ignorant youngsters have been doing keg stands on for the past few years... You may want to review the piece before sounding off with such idiocy.
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1SG Rich Bartell
Yo
Thanks for your astute assessment of my comment on CPL McMiller's post. I am humored by by your response. Please enlighten me with the all of the accomplishments of the 45. Perhaps you should read and respond to my two questions. But then again, it will require critical thinking...And I will be waiting for the huge list of the accomplishments made by Our Dear Leader. Cheers!
Thanks for your astute assessment of my comment on CPL McMiller's post. I am humored by by your response. Please enlighten me with the all of the accomplishments of the 45. Perhaps you should read and respond to my two questions. But then again, it will require critical thinking...And I will be waiting for the huge list of the accomplishments made by Our Dear Leader. Cheers!
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1SG Rich Bartell
AP fact check: Trump's imagined steel mills and denial of Russian interference
It's been a week of puzzling disconnects and untruths from the Trump administration. Here's a closer look at some of the comments by Trump and his officials.
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Eventually, I believe, our political parties will lead us to revolt, or civil war. George Washington’s Farewell Address covered the negatives.
“I have already intimidated to you the danger of parties in the state, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally.
This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed, but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy.
The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty.
Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight), the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of the party are sufficient to make it the interest of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.
It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which finds a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and will of one country are subjected to the policy of another.
There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the government and serve to keep alive the spirit of liberty. This within certain limits is probably true; and in governments of a monarchical cast, patriotism may look with indulgence, if not favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular character, in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose. And there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be by force of public opinion, to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume.”
I view myself as an independent, and did not vote for Clinton or Trump. They were two poor choices and nothing I have seen has changed my mind.
“I have already intimidated to you the danger of parties in the state, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally.
This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed, but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy.
The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty.
Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight), the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of the party are sufficient to make it the interest of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.
It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which finds a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and will of one country are subjected to the policy of another.
There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the government and serve to keep alive the spirit of liberty. This within certain limits is probably true; and in governments of a monarchical cast, patriotism may look with indulgence, if not favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular character, in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose. And there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be by force of public opinion, to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume.”
I view myself as an independent, and did not vote for Clinton or Trump. They were two poor choices and nothing I have seen has changed my mind.
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Appears you haven't been in the army long enough to realize that Obama wasted Military lives and Trump is giving the military the ability to do their job.
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
You should probably read the piece all the way through before making comments that advertise complete ignorance.
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SGT Robert Andrews
How about acceptance the killey wasted lives in Benghazi Obama wasted lives in Afghanistan by not providing reinforcement when Generals were demanding them due to high casualty rates.
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When do we revolt? When it has become clear that our God-given rights are being taken away from us. There is an attempt to do that currently, but "We, The People" are holding our own. By protecting our rights as defined in the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights, primarily by voting, and by otherwise actively participating in public life and politics, we can assure these. I also firmly believe that prayer works. We must pray for our elected officials at all levels. While doing this, we should remain vigilant and practice common-sense and moderation in our actions and words. It is also useful to stay in good physical condition and keep our weapons clean and ready for action, should it become necessary for us to pick up arms once again. Our elected officials and others in positions of authority have sworn oaths to defend the Constitution. If they do not do that, they should be removed. God Bless America!
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We don't "revolt." There is no reason for a revolution; there is reason to get out and vote and to stop being pissy about it. If you're worried that your vote didn't count because you didn't vote - GUESS WHAT???!!!! It didn't count because you didn't vote. Get off your lazy asses, make a damn decision, and vote. Our nation depends on it.
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