You Say You Want a Revolution?

[ratbastage]

Operation Spartacus

I don't like my government. I like my country even though it has lost sight of what it's supposed to stand for, and I like the people even though they're being misled, but I definitely do not like my government. And although this proposal is being delivered in American terms I'm certain it will prove effective in every modern country that wants to enhance democracy's role in life.

Now, we all have our causes. They're everywhere, a worldwide epidemic because of the challenges we face. Yet as much as we may believe in them, I fear very few of our causes will ever amount to anything for as long as our governments ignore us out of the belief that we're too stupid to put aside our differences and build a consensus of opinion. At least that's the impression they've given me with all of their condescending lies. So I'm thinking we should do something about it.

Why not fire our government? It is ours, after all, so we can do anything with it we want.

Seriously - firing our government can be done quickly, peacefully, and without breaking any laws whatsoever. All we need to do is demand one little addition to an existing constitutional amendment, the one that imposes term limits on the administrative branch but not the legislative or judicial branches of our government, and make our requests known without coming together in groups larger than twenty people. That way there won't be any excuses to disperse protesters with violence. Or non-lethal violence, as seems to have become their primary means of suppression (we're not looking to get anyone shot, not with rubber or any other kinds of bullets).

Peaceful, fast and simple - that's the point. And despite the fact that we live in a republic and not a democracy, we don't even have to wait for the issue to be put onto a ballot (although we CAN use the upcoming national elections to emphasize our point by strengthening our protest up until then, and longer if necessary). That's why I'm suggesting that we get our government's undivided attention before the end of the year.

Here are a few simple steps to make that happen...

1.) DRINK WATER MONDAYS. This isn't being done to hurt anyone, especially not the few remaining mom and pop shops that are out there, but to let the restaurant industry know we're aware that a majority of their profits come from selling sodas, so the primary focus should be fast food restaurants.

2.) SLEEP OVER TUESDAYS. Take your family over to a friend's house for the night, turn your electricity down to a minimum, do the same with the heat or air conditioning, and let the utilities know that we very well may need them right now, but only about half as much as they think we do.

3.) GAS-FREE WEDNESDAYS. Buy gas the day before or the day after. Hell, buy it in advance the weekend before so the oil industry doesn't reach into your pocket for an extra nickel a gallon in the meantime. Just don't go to gas stations on Wednesdays.

4.) NO BULLSHIT THURSDAYS. Ignore the media. Don't buy a paper, or cancel your subscription. Don't go to the movies, don't buy any magazines or music, and don't watch any television. Let 'the message' float freely through space like the piece of crap that it is.

5,) MAKE GOOD FRIDAYS. Relax, you've done well. Yet there's a chance we might not be taken seriously. So this is the perfect time to threaten to boycott the advertising campaign that Christmas has devolved into. Don't buy any presents no matter how tempting the sale might be because this protest will probably take some time and we'll need some leverage on the Friday after Thanksgiving, because that's when the retail industry makes its projections of whether they'll make money or at least break even during the holiday season.

I know it is going to work. And when we're finished we'll have greater input into and control over our individual and collective destinies.

This is democracy in action, improving itself through its own free will. Come be a part of it, won't you?

My name is Sean and I'll answer any questions you might have - personally, right here - so don't hold back on anything.

[Easy90]

Sounds like a well thought out plan... It sort of encapsulates every "pass this along" email I got last week.

[PatrickHenry]

ratbastage?

What kind of username is that?

How will your proposals "fire the government?"

I like 'em, but I would rather have a Federal Recall Amendment.

And a Permanent Special Prosecutor's Office to probe all the nefarious shit the President does.

[Osborn F. Enready]

Ratbastage, I like your intent, and the approach of your methods, but I fail to see a tangible connection here to your suggested methods and the people you are trying to reach.

As Patrick mentioned, and many others not mentioned, there are other options that would directly confront those you (we) seek to address. Are you open to suggestions? How did you arrive at these proposed methods? Why would this method be more beneficial than a petition for redress of grievance?


I am also wondering a bit about your approach in addressing "causes" people may have, those that cause their discontent. While I agree that unity beats out division, there are fundamental necessities to address in setting an objective, and a means to achieving it.
I don't see how any substantial support could be built without a clear objective, and clear means to achieving that objective.

For example, the Free State Project in New Hampshire started out with a relatively clear objective, and set a clear means and methods of making progress toward that objective. Opinions differ on how well it has done, or its goals, but I certainly favored their approach and success considering the relative affects from the market, property prices, job market, etc in New Hampshire.

Do you have a time frame necessity, and if so, please explain.

I look forward to your reply.

[ratbastage]

Thank you, easy 90.

[tecoyah]

I have a friend...RatBastid...ever heard of Him?.....heh


Thinks alot like you....what a co-inkydink

[ratbastage]

ratbastage?

What kind of username is that?

How will your proposals "fire the government?"

I like 'em, but I would rather have a Federal Recall Amendment.

And a Permanent Special Prosecutor's Office to probe all the nefarious shit the President does.

I would think it's a jovial user name, but perhaps you disagree.

The proposals would fire the government peacefully, first through adopting a constitutional amendment enforcing term limits for all politicians (to eliminate it as a career choice), then by electing them out of office (because a majority of them wouldn't be eligible to run for office anymore).

[ratbastage]

Nope, never heard of him. Glad he thinks for himself, though.

[ratbastage]

Ratbastage, I like your intent, and the approach of your methods, but I fail to see a tangible connection here to your suggested methods and the people you are trying to reach.

As Patrick mentioned, and many others not mentioned, there are other options that would directly confront those you (we) seek to address. Are you open to suggestions? How did you arrive at these proposed methods? Why would this method be more beneficial than a petition for redress of grievance?


I'll divide this up to make it easier to handle. K?

I'm not sure who you mean by the people I'm trying to reach. If you mean my intended audience, that would be everyone, and the connection is encouraging us to stand up for ourselves so we can plan our future. And if you mean who I intend send a message to, the people in power have a pretty good idea of what I think of them already (I could substanciate that with one of then books I've written, but we don't have time for that so I'll have to ask you to take my word on it.

I'm definitely open to suggestions. That's what these next two months are supposed to be about, listening and planning.

I arrived at these methods randomly, more or less. Certain industries are strategic. Some have been overlooked despite this fact. Oh well.

And using an official petition as means for redress takes too long, especially if they're likely to be ignored anyhow. Which is what happened to the petitions I left on the last two presidents' desk. Millions of signatures are required to get their attention away from the lobbyists who throw money at them. We honestly don't have time for that. It would waste another decade.

[ratbastage]

I am also wondering a bit about your approach in addressing "causes" people may have, those that cause their discontent. While I agree that unity beats out division, there are fundamental necessities to address in setting an objective, and a means to achieving it.
I don't see how any substantial support could be built without a clear objective, and clear means to achieving that objective.

For example, the Free State Project in New Hampshire started out with a relatively clear objective, and set a clear means and methods of making progress toward that objective. Opinions differ on how well it has done, or its goals, but I certainly favored their approach and success considering the relative affects from the market, property prices, job market, etc in New Hampshire.

Do you have a time frame necessity, and if so, please explain.

I look forward to your reply.

The clear objective of this operation is to get a constitutional amendment for term limits. Its means are popular opinion as long as we can state our case succinctly - they suck, they need to get out of our way, let's fire them peacefully, please help us get this job done right the first time.

One immediate goal. And if we're effective, we'll probably create a number of independent candidates who could transform American democracy over the course of a decade simply by alleviating the log jam that is bipartisan politics and opening up elections to people who aren't necessarily Republican or Democrat. Without bloodshed, no less.

And as far as time frames go, it's my opinion that we have two months to connect with people before the democratic national convention, an event that can be used to further this cause. Then we have the boycotts begin just after Labor Day and run them through the elections in November. Should we not be successful in getting their attention by then, we'll need to threaten the cash cow that is Christmas.

All helpful ideas are welcome.

Thanks.

[Troubadour]

Operation Spartacus

We are not slaves, "ratbastage." (My compliments on the username.)

I don't like my government.

What parts, at what levels?

Now, we all have our causes. They're everywhere, a worldwide epidemic because of the challenges we face. Yet as much as we may believe in them, I fear very few of our causes will ever amount to anything for as long as our governments ignore us out of the belief that we're too stupid to put aside our differences and build a consensus of opinion.

Governments don't ignore the governed - they are a complementary reflection. Where a population is weak, its government is authoritarian and arrogant; where a population is strong, its government is collaborative and supportive. It cannot be otherwise: Give weak people a collaborative/supportive government, and it will be rapidly corrupted; give strong people an authoritarian/arrogant government, and it will crumble into impotence. The only way that top-down change accomplishes anything is if the people have unrealized potential that can only become apparent under new circumstances.


Why not fire our government?

Because most of it works quite well under decent, intelligent leadership - leadership that roughly half the population is usually too degenerate to support over whatever maniac will bribe them with quick tax-cut cash. You can't get around people's values, and if they are corrupt, their government will be corrupt.

[Osborn F. Enready]

Great replies Ratbastage!

I will respond back as soon as I have some time, I am on my wait out the door, but I look forward to further discussion. ;)

[ratbastage]

Because most of it works quite well under decent, intelligent leadership - leadership that roughly half the population is usually too degenerate to support over whatever maniac will bribe them with quick tax-cut cash. You can't get around people's values, and if they are corrupt, their government will be corrupt.[/QUOTE]

I believe in democracy, people making informed choices and building esteem through the accomplishment of goals we choose for ourselves. No government encourages that, so I'm disappointed in and do not like the federal government. The liars need fired.

Unrealized potential and new circumstances - you're on the right path, my man! However, to say that if people are corrupt their government will be corrupt seems to put the situation into reverse perspective. Who has more control over the media, every day people with their meager input into advertising ratings or politicians and other corporate puppets who get to do and say damn near anything they want? The message is what corrupts everyone with its negligible content and twisted priorities. Politicians, corporate America and all of its assorted whores determine the content. And the easiest way to disrupt this flow of sewage is to legally remove the congreffmen and senators who make it all happen.

Fire the Liars! Tell them not to let the door hit them in the ass on their way out.

[DamnYankee]

Operation Spartacus

I don't like my government... I definitely do not like my government...

I don't particularly like it either, that's why I stopped voting Republican, won't vote Liberal, and took a serious look at the Constitution Party.

1.) DRINK WATER MONDAYS. This isn't being done to hurt anyone, especially not the few remaining mom and pop shops that are out there, but to let the restaurant industry know we're aware that a majority of their profits come from selling sodas, so the primary focus should be fast food restaurants.

I routinely order water except for the occasional iced tea, or beer. Soft drinks in restaurants can't get the damn mixture right.

2.) SLEEP OVER TUESDAYS. Take your family over to a friend's house for the night, turn your electricity down to a minimum, do the same with the heat or air conditioning, and let the utilities know that we very well may need them right now, but only about half as much as they think we do.

I'm on solar. The sun shines almost year around so I carry a credit into winter. I haven't paid for electricity in 3 years and my home is all electric.

3.) GAS-FREE WEDNESDAYS. Buy gas the day before or the day after. Hell, buy it in advance the weekend before so the oil industry doesn't reach into your pocket for an extra nickel a gallon in the meantime. Just don't go to gas stations on Wednesdays.

I have two vehicles. One gets 30 mpg and tank lasts about two weeks give or take. One other is a diesel Chev p/u which doesn't get driven that much. A half tank lasts about a month, or more. We walk or ride our bicycles.

4.) NO BULLSHIT THURSDAYS. Ignore the media. Don't buy a paper, or cancel your subscription. Don't go to the movies, don't buy any magazines or music, and don't watch any television. Let 'the message' float freely through space like the piece of crap that it is.

I am one of those rural bitter small towners that cling to guns and religion. Our local paper is quite small and published five out of seven days. I despise big newspapers and don't get them. My TV is off during the day, we are too busy. Nights are spent visiting, reading, or playing a game or two of dominoes, cards, or what have you. The TV is on maybe an hour at most.

5,) MAKE GOOD FRIDAYS. Relax, you've done well. Yet there's a chance we might not be taken seriously. So this is the perfect time to threaten to boycott the advertising campaign that Christmas has devolved into. Don't buy any presents no matter how tempting the sale might be because this protest will probably take some time and we'll need some leverage on the Friday after Thanksgiving, because that's when the retail industry makes its projections of whether they'll make money or at least break even during the holiday season.

We purchase all holiday gifts during the summer and early fall.

Sounds like you are on top of things, keep it up. I have been doing exactly as you said for a number of years now it is second nature.

[Osborn F. Enready]

Ratbastage said:
I'm not sure who you mean by the people I'm trying to reach. If you mean my intended audience, that would be everyone, and the connection is encouraging us to stand up for ourselves so we can plan our future. And if you mean who I intend send a message to, the people in power have a pretty good idea of what I think of them already (I could substanciate that with one of then books I've written, but we don't have time for that so I'll have to ask you to take my word on it.

I'll take your word for now, but I like to read, so I would like to know about the books too when you have a moment to pm the titles to me. ;)

Ratbastage said:
I'm definitely open to suggestions. That's what these next two months are supposed to be about, listening and planning.

I arrived at these methods randomly, more or less. Certain industries are strategic. Some have been overlooked despite this fact. Oh well.

And using an official petition as means for redress takes too long, especially if they're likely to be ignored anyhow. Which is what happened to the petitions I left on the last two presidents' desk. Millions of signatures are required to get their attention away from the lobbyists who throw money at them. We honestly don't have time for that. It would waste another decade.

I can agree the process is slow, but it is a constitutionally recognized method that can be done alongside the other forms of protest and would add great validity, if significant numbers of signatures can be attained. I think now more than ever, the public is ready for a national petition on voting reform aimed at removing the bi-partisan issues of gerrymandering and equalizing the ballot access laws for all parties, regarding minimum signature numbers for any party to attain ballot access. I also think we need a specification of runoff style voting to help combat the "lesser of two evils" theory.

Ratbastage said:
The clear objective of this operation is to get a constitutional amendment for term limits. Its means are popular opinion as long as we can state our case succinctly - they suck, they need to get out of our way, let's fire them peacefully, please help us get this job done right the first time.

Its a good objective, if there is a means to replace them without installing the same problem again. (more of the same two-party monopoly) I would suggest seriously coupling together a voting reform amendment proposal.

Ratbastage said:
One immediate goal. And if we're effective, we'll probably create a number of independent candidates who could transform American democracy over the course of a decade simply by alleviating the log jam that is bipartisan politics and opening up elections to people who aren't necessarily Republican or Democrat. Without bloodshed, no less.

I am all in support of that, and have watched as the Libertarian and Green party have been shut-out of the bi-partisan debates on national and state level for years.

Ratbastage said:
And as far as time frames go, it's my opinion that we have two months to connect with people before the democratic national convention, an event that can be used to further this cause. Then we have the boycotts begin just after Labor Day and run them through the elections in November. Should we not be successful in getting their attention by then, we'll need to threaten the cash cow that is Christmas.

All helpful ideas are welcome.

What good do you see in the democratic national convention for this cause?

[ratbastage]

I'll take your word for now, but I like to read, so I would like to know about the books too when you have a moment to pm the titles to me. ;)

---> I've written over 20 books. Just finishing another one up right now, in fact. The one I was referring to is called Leader of the Three whirls and it's about dereliction of duty by the supposed leader of the free world. Perhaps we can set up an exchange?



I can agree the process is slow, but it is a constitutionally recognized method that can be done alongside the other forms of protest and would add great validity, if significant numbers of signatures can be attained. I think now more than ever, the public is ready for a national petition on voting reform aimed at removing the bi-partisan issues of gerrymandering and equalizing the ballot access laws for all parties, regarding minimum signature numbers for any party to attain ballot access. I also think we need a specification of runoff style voting to help combat the "lesser of two evils" theory.


---> I think it's time to act against bipartisanship. Democrats and Republicans are equally corrupt, and equally worthless. We need more options.

Its a good objective, if there is a means to replace them without installing the same problem again. (more of the same two-party monopoly) I would suggest seriously coupling together a voting reform amendment proposal.

---> Everyone should have a fair chance at becoming a public representative if that's what they want to do. Candidacies should not be invalidated by an independent person's lack of money. The only options the current version leaves is for Ross Perot types.


I am all in support of that, and have watched as the Libertarian and Green party have been shut-out of the bi-partisan debates on national and state level for years.



What good do you see in the democratic national convention for this cause?

---> Finding some like minded people who are willing to stand up for themselves.

[ratbastage]

"You will NOT kill."

--- Ministry, 1994(?), from the song Thieves