I am a revolution.

[originalpckelly]

I am not pretty. I am not easy. I am going to have unforeseen consequences. But, I am coming.

I am sick and tired of people telling me I don't matter, just because my bank account isn't gigantic.

I am sick and tired of people who need nothing more getting priority in Washington, D.C.

I am free tonight. I am no longer a cog in the machine of an empire. I will make change happen. I won't sit around and wait any longer.

I am peaceful and loving. I know that love is the best answer to all of our problems. I know that if people just loved each other, even just a little, they might feel an obligation to take care of one another, without anyone forcing them to do so.

I know that I am not alone, for there are others like me in other countries, and they are coming too.

I know the reality, most people are doing OK and aren't revolutions like me. But I think they'd change their minds if they knew what I knew. If they'd just pay attention to what is going on around them, this revolution wouldn't even be necessary.

I know that it's not about political leaders, appointees, or career government employees, I know this is about the people. This change needs to happen in our hearts. And everything else will follow.

Be a revolution like me. Even if you don't act any different from anyone else, or your prior self, knowing you are a revolution is the start to a better world.

I am a revolution.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

1. your right. Only love overcomes hate. Only light overcomes darkness K&R

[originalpckelly]

2. The people in London are in revolt, but it's hate filled.

They are disgusted and angry, and they have good reason to be. But their words of "revolution" ring hollow, because they are not old/experienced enough or young and intelligent enough to realize that hate begets hate. Violence begets violence. I have seen first hand the consequences of terrorism. I know. I've seen little kids backpacks strewn across the inside of a bus from Israel. It changes you to see a blown up bus and to know a little kid was on there. It shows you that violence does not work, and you must be committed to non-violence if you really want lasting change.

[polichick]

3. "and they are coming too" - so true. Well done - k&r.

[originalpckelly]

4. They are coming, but we must ensure that they are peaceful too.

If this whole worldwide movement does not peter out, it could become extremely violent. I know I'm not violent, but as to whether the people are, I think they are. Just look what they did to Prince Charles and Camilla.

[Goldstein1984]

5. Very good

I could never put it so eloquently, but I feel the same way.

Like an insurgent, doing what others are doing but thinking other than what they are thinking. Waiting for signs of critical mass to show my true self. Enjoying news unfavorable to a system that I reject, mourning news that tells me the empire will continue o its current path. Torn between the welfare of the children of the poor who are sent to war, and the children of American poor they are tasked with killing. A peasant with more in common with peasants worldwide than with our leaders at home.

The revolution proper will begin when enough people say to themselves, "I am a revolution."

[the redcoat]

6. Very inspiring.

[Name removed]

7. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[bobbolink]

8. There's one simple answer... Listen To Poor People NOW! Take action for JUSTICE.

That, and only that, is the way to prevent the violence.

But, none of you want to hear that, do you?

[originalpckelly]

9. Exactly. We need to defuse these tensions before they go further on a violent path.

I'm trying to get out ahead of the coming shitstorm and provide people a peaceful option for change. It's not that the political leaders need to be changed, it's that they need to start living on planet Earth, instead of Bizzaro world.

We all need to provide the angry youth in the nation a path out of violence and into peace and love. We must show my fellow young people that violence is not the way to proceed. We must make sure that they know this.

[bobbolink]

11. Preaching nonviolence is not what I was talking about. Preaching never works,

Here's a clue for you... it isn't the "youth" you need to worry about... it is a lot of older people being homeless, sick and hungry.

When you start taking care of US, and making sure we actually have lives to live, you will be preventing violence.

A sermon won't do that.

Never has.

Never will.

[originalpckelly]

14. Your words are powerful.

They are simple, short, and powerful. They strike a chord with me, because I'm not like most people. I don't ignore what I see or hear. Just one person can change your world.

His name was Michael.

The most powerful moment came for me while I was staying at this house for people who are mentally ill, like myself. People who have no where else to go. I know how lucky I was to even be there. Had the events of my life played out a little differently, I would be rambling nonsense on the streets today, if I was even lucky enough to be alive.

Mr. Michael told me about where he slept the night before. Most of the people at that house had prior housing, but Michael didn't. For some reason it was powerful for this guy to tell me where he slept, because he put it plainly: the hard Earth. I am a whiny wimp compared to this poor guy. He and his boyfriend were homeless. Somehow Michael's case manager got him housing, that would have lasted three months, if he hadn't come home one night escorted by the police. He was drunk. They kicked him out.

I'm on DU today because of luck. I've been too poor the last year to have internet access. At the library, it takes forever to get a computer, and it only lasts 30/60 minutes. So I never visited then. But now, because of dumb luck, I have enough money to get on the internet at a home. I am not sleeping on the floor anymore! No bedbugs either! I have a room of my own now! It's amazing.

BUT I KNOW. I know how fragile life is, last year when I got sick that turned my view, but I've been poor for a damn long time. I know it's only luck that I can even have this conversation with you, and I intend to make sure that it's less because of dumb luck in the future.

I don't even know how a crazy person can make life better for other people when I can't even make life better for myself. But I'm going to try my best. You and Michael deserve it. And his boyfriend Jonathan too.

We need universal shelter, food, and health care. I don't even know how the fuck to get there, but without that, this nation cannot call itself just.

One person can make a difference, and his name was Michael, at least for me.

[MedicalAdmin]

10. You? Who is you? Is that like all y'all?

I agree with your first statement but I also think that won't happen until long after much blood has been spilled.

I don't often disagree with you about anything you write but your second statement is one I do not understand.

[bobbolink]

12. Then please point out to me WHO is listening, and WHO is taking action to ensure

housing, nutrition and health care for those of us who badly need it.

[MedicalAdmin]

15. Canada, Norway, new Zealand, etc

As for here the answer is legion, but very few seem to be listening. I admit that I don't do enough but in my defense I am half a paycheck away from being homeless, disabled with no insurance, not eligible for public assistance, but I raise funds and work with a farm that donated over 8500 pound of fresh food to local food banks and shelters this year. I admit it ain't much.

I know you are what I consider an expert. I'd love your suggestions.

[bobbolink]

17. You know, playing word games with people who are suffering and dying just isn't humorous.

Get back to me when you want to take the issue seriously.

[HoosierStateDem]

20. Bobbolink

Bobbolink,

What exactly is it that you need to make your life better? I can't stand the thought of people suffering, especially this time of year. I'm not sure what I can or cannot do to help your situation, but I would certainly like to try.

With this turn of events in this country, it's important that we all stick together and help each other out. God knows we aren't going to get it from this government. We need to help people like Bobbolink out.

[MedicalAdmin]

22. I take the issue very seriously. I just don't know what else to do.

What makes you think I don't take it seriously?

I work my ass off to get high quality food on a regular basis to local food pantries and especially the local shelters that rarely have good quality food to serve. I also make sure that our clinic donates as much low, reduced, or free medical care as possible to area folks.

WTF else do you want? I was serious and sincere.

Fuck it. Whatever....

[nashville_brook]

13. Very nice!

[TBF]

16. Solidarity, friend. nt

[cali]

18. yikes.

[Ichingcarpenter]

19. Let's give Humanity a Chance vs these obsene Rich Fuckers

that THINK that they control the world.

[mstinamotorcity]

21. kick