brilliant ..absolutely brilliant investigative piece. With the evil in our world... the naming of depts which should be warning flashing signs to us eg The Department of War (god help us cos we sure have lost our way), I have pondered on one question. What will it take for we the people to bring about our rebellion for our Magna Carter moment in time? This This article is the answer !!!
Fro my own readings: after revolution, it is the most organized that take over power. My own reflections: revolution is only successful when the military no longer supports the government.
I appreciate where you're going with this, because I'm fascinated by history, always asking myself why do things happen the way they do. I'm also a big fan of folks like Howard Zinn, who in his People's History of the US put more focus on the people on the other side of power.
I am just curious; a lot of historians have covered this area. Are you influenced by anyone in particular? What does your approach do which is new and necessary in this moment? What are other writers missing that motivated you?
This is so true, Alisa. “Power is a confidence trick played on the people who enforce it. The revolution begins the day they stop being fooled.”
I’m going to look again at the end of the British Empire through your five lenses—the knocking away of the foundation stone by the Irish Revolution, followed by the collapse of the loadbearing walls when India and Pakistan became independent.
Ireland’s history since Independence certainly follows the pattern you describe. The poets, artists and idealists who instigated the revolution were killed by the British or by the post-revolutionary government or else were sidelined by the new, church-dominated regime. The impoverished simply fled overseas.
Kudos, again. This will be a brilliant series, and you've already given me much to think about in this concise primer. The last bullet point is the most depressing -- plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose.....
The revolutionists who do become inheritors are rarely competent administrators. They tend to become authoritarians who are no better than those they have deposed
There is a high statistical probability that the post revolutionary authorities will have formerly been part of the old state security services or military. Because being formally trained/experienced in warfare and counter intelligence gives them an edge in taking over the revolutionary enterprise-
Sadly, I do not have time to read this, and I tried to listen to it, but it’s so clearly not even read by a human but AI text to speech - the inflection is wrong and ridiculous.
This series has been fantastic. I genuflect to you, a great writer.
Very clarifying!
brilliant ..absolutely brilliant investigative piece. With the evil in our world... the naming of depts which should be warning flashing signs to us eg The Department of War (god help us cos we sure have lost our way), I have pondered on one question. What will it take for we the people to bring about our rebellion for our Magna Carter moment in time? This This article is the answer !!!
Saving this one.
Fro my own readings: after revolution, it is the most organized that take over power. My own reflections: revolution is only successful when the military no longer supports the government.
Brilliant.
I appreciate where you're going with this, because I'm fascinated by history, always asking myself why do things happen the way they do. I'm also a big fan of folks like Howard Zinn, who in his People's History of the US put more focus on the people on the other side of power.
I am just curious; a lot of historians have covered this area. Are you influenced by anyone in particular? What does your approach do which is new and necessary in this moment? What are other writers missing that motivated you?
Looking forward to reading this series?
This is so true, Alisa. “Power is a confidence trick played on the people who enforce it. The revolution begins the day they stop being fooled.”
I’m going to look again at the end of the British Empire through your five lenses—the knocking away of the foundation stone by the Irish Revolution, followed by the collapse of the loadbearing walls when India and Pakistan became independent.
Ireland’s history since Independence certainly follows the pattern you describe. The poets, artists and idealists who instigated the revolution were killed by the British or by the post-revolutionary government or else were sidelined by the new, church-dominated regime. The impoverished simply fled overseas.
Kudos, again. This will be a brilliant series, and you've already given me much to think about in this concise primer. The last bullet point is the most depressing -- plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose.....
"gravity... [and] piss poor engineering..."
Beautifully and concisely written...can't wait for the next one!
I am so ready for this. Struggling over this issue, so many years. Glad I lived to read your wisdom, 80+ years.
The revolutionists who do become inheritors are rarely competent administrators. They tend to become authoritarians who are no better than those they have deposed
@Marie Rehbein
There is a high statistical probability that the post revolutionary authorities will have formerly been part of the old state security services or military. Because being formally trained/experienced in warfare and counter intelligence gives them an edge in taking over the revolutionary enterprise-
Luv, love, LOVE this series concept and can’t wait for the next installment!
Sadly, I do not have time to read this, and I tried to listen to it, but it’s so clearly not even read by a human but AI text to speech - the inflection is wrong and ridiculous.
Make time to read it.
Excellent article. I look forward to the series!