Rants & Ravings From Behind The Looking Glass #1

For the past couple years, since my discovery of Chomsky, i've considered myself to be a part of the Anarchist movement. The main reason is understanding that, while capitalism may benefit us in some way, it's at the expense of someone suffering in an impoverished nation half around the globe in the southern hemisphere where the majority of the world's natural resources reside. And even further, in order to ensure our interests are protected in these nations, we install ruthless dictators who will use however much force needed to keep those working in whatever field our interest may lie in...subservient. This can range from an always present military force, to squads who have been trained in the art of terrorizing.

Any where that conditions are so poor and oppression is so rich, is bound to have the beginning whispers of a revolution brewing. From Ernesto "Che" Guevara in the 1950's and 60's to the beginning of the revolution in Guatemala in the 80's, to Subcommandante Marcos in Mexico in the 1990's, revolutions have been popping up all across the southern hemisphere to combat dictatorial governments.

I'm not about to say that a revolution in South America is necessarily easy...it takes a lot of commitment, a lot of training, a lot of arms, and overall a lot of heart.

But the fact is that, in comparison to what it would take to start another revolution in America, it can be argued that it's easier. Getting a revolution started in an impoverished nation such as Cuba or Bolivia or Guatemala is easier because of the fact that everyone, or should i say the majority of the people are on the same page. They are over worked, severely under paid, their lives are a daily reminder of the oppressive state that they live in. So when someone comes around talking about change and starting a revolution, there isn't that many to convince, most would see dying for change as a positive when put side by side with what they're already living.

On the flip side, as American citizens our lives are vastly more comfortable than theirs. We have a high standard of living, we have a surplus of everything from food to health care, to drugs, nearly everything. On top of that we are the world's largest hub for entertainment. The Movie industry is here, the music scene is bigger here than anywhere else, and not to mention the crappy literature we put out in the isles of supermarkets. We're distracted. And to make it worse the people who own these distractions have a powerful influence on the American political system.

It would be hard to convince people to abandon the comfort of their television set and their cushy lives. But that is the reality of the situation. We are not faced with the direct oppression of an insane dictator, but rather with the image of freedom. We think we're free, free to live, free to do anything. But how can we be when the majority of us are wage slaves. They tell us that we must work, that we need to earn money. Money to put back into the system through bills, health care payments, food and shelter...everything costs. And because everything costs, we're stuck in a perpetual cycle in a useless attempt to keep up.

How free can we really be, when were forced to fill the majority if our lives with meaningless work, and very little time at all to be creative and exercise our minds.