Jonathan Paine
Our Founders made 2 things very clear:
1. Revolution is not something to be toyed with or taken lightly.
2. The reason for the revolution is just as important, if not more important, than the revolution itself.
#1
Our Founding Fathers were students of history. We would do well to follow their example.
While there are some exceptions (notably the American Revolution) most revolutions do not end well. The French Revolution, Zimbabwe, Tunisia, the Bolsheviks, Algeria, Uganda, the Fascists in Italy, and the list goes on.
And while some may argue that Bernie Sanders isn’t calling for any kind of real, violent revolution, someone needs to tell that to his supporters, because apparently they haven’t gotten the message. Bernie’s brand of “Democratic Socialism” has a history of violent revolution, considering the fact that socialism is generally seen as the transition phase between capitalism and communism.
Even if we’re just talking about revolution in the abstract, political sense, we still ought to be careful. America’s Constitutional Republic has survived for 230 years. There’s a reason we’ve outlasted, becoming the longest, ongoing Constitutional Republic in the history of the world. It’s due in part to our form of government. A form of government that is completely incompatible with Bernie’s “Democratic Socialism”.
#2
Now, before you go plunging headfirst into overthrowing government and having yourself a little political revolution, you need to ask yourself why. What is driving me to do this?
What is Bernie Sander’s reason for calling for a revolution? Well, he tells us. According to Bernie, we need revolution “…to build an equitable future for all Americans…” What is an equitable future? He’s talking about ending the status quo, having a government that provides economic, environmental, health care, and social justice.
Creating an equitable future sounds good on the surface. Until you realize that it’s impossible. And not only is it impossible, it’s not government’s job.
At that point, your reasons for a revolution kind of fall apart.
Bernie Sanders’ reason for revolution is so that government can provide more services to its citizens, so we’re all equal.
The Founding Fathers had a different reason for revolution. They laid it out quite clearly in the Declaration of Independence (a document I recommend Bernie check out, he might learn a thing or two).
Basically, they said man has God-given rights. Government’s job is to protect these rights. Government’s just powers come from the consent of the governed. When government fails at its job, the people have the right to alter or abolish said government so that it will begin doing its job once again.
They also made it clear that cautious wisdom tells us we shouldn’t just change governments on a whim. However, once a long history of government disregarding its duty, shows that it desires to tyrannize its citizens, then, we have a right and duty to pursue revolution.
The American Revolution would not have succeeded if the stated goal was to provide equal amounts of government paid-for services to American colonists. The American Revolution worked because the Founders understood the proper role of government and they were virtuous people who believed in absolute truth.
Government outside its proper role destroys freedom. The Founding Fathers’ goal in the American Revolution was to restore government to its proper role in order to promote real freedom and liberty.
Bernie Sanders’ entire philosophy demands government operate outside of its proper role. This will destroy freedom. Bernie’s revolution is a dangerous, ill-advised idea that has been tried before. And it’s failed every time.
