I recently joined ProgressiveU, and many of the bloggers seem to have a very optimistic view of the immediate future of our country. I somewhat expect hope for the future at a site labeled "progressive", however, I believe that changes are not as drastic or immanent as some would have us believe. One blog I read even spoke of a cultural revolution currently in progress. I read the blog and all of the comments, which were all expressing a belief that a massive, world- (or at least nation-) changing revolution is now occurring. I disagree. It is not that I don't think it is needed or wanted. It is simply that it is not happening. Cultural revolutions are few and far between, characterized by massive changes throughout our society. In my opinion, the last cultural revolution occurred in the 1960s. I think we can all agree that nothing on this scale is happening right now. All we are experiencing is a sense of vague discontent with the status quo, currently being expressed in dissatisfaction with the Washington establishment through voting for Washington outsiders Obama, Paul, and Huckabee in the primary elections, and to a lesser extent even McCain due to his status as a rogue quantity in Washington. This does not, however, constitute any sort of mass movement, no matter how much we may wish it so or how much Obama speaks on the subject. The specific post I read was tagged as having something to do with Obama specifically, though he was not mentioned in the main content. Though Obama is, according to his voting record, THE most liberal senator, this does not mean he will be able to push through every change he wants to enact. Our system of government includes checks and balances, and the president simply does not have that much power. The only way I would agree with the claims of revolution would be if there was a grassroots movement across demographics to get a Washington outsider in every major governmental position, or at least a new viewpoint becoming predominant. There is no new viewpoint. Republicans are peddling their conservatism, and regardless of Democrats claiming cross-aisle cooperation as a part of their platform, the fact remains that America is still sharply polarized on the issues at hand. Even the feeling of discontent with the Washington establishment is not universal, as evidenced by those voting for a long-time senator and former president's wife. I am obsessed with music, and so all this talk of revolution reminded me of the Beatles' song "Revolution". The specific association with any one candidate with this talk of revolution is almost Messianic at times, which reminds me of the lyrics of a less well-known song by indie artist Derek Webb - "A Savior on Capitol Hill" - which follow:
I’m so tired of these mortal men
with their hands on their wallets and their hearts full of sin
scared of their enemies, scared of their friends
and always running for re-election
so come to DC if it be thy will
because we’ve never had a savior on Capitol Hill
you can always trust the devil or a politician
to be the devil or a politician
but beyond that friends you’d best beware
‘cause at the Pentagon bar they’re an inseparable pair
and as long as the lobbyists are paying their bills
we’ll never have a savior on Capitol Hill
[Bridge]
all of our problems gonna disappear
when we can whisper right in that President’s ear
he could walk right across the reflection pool
in his combat boots and ten thousand dollar suit
you can render unto Caesar everything that’s his
you can trust in his power to come to your defense
it’s the way of the world, the way of the gun
it’s the trading of an evil for a lesser one
so don’t hold your breath or your vote until
you think you’ve finally found a savior up on Capitol Hill
whether the talk of revolution is conservative (Huckabee or Paul) or liberal (Obama), any revolution revolving around one specific politician leaves me extremely skeptical. Until whoever wins this election proves their ability to affect real, lasting change, I will remain the wet blanket on this revolution party.
