[b]Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.[/b]
H. L. Mencken
[b]It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards.[/b]
Claire Wolfe.
[b]The right of revolution is an inherent one. When people are oppressed by their government, it is a natural right they enjoy to relieve themselves of oppression, if they are strong enough, whether by withdrawal from it, or by overthrowing it and substituting a government more acceptable.[/b]
Ulysses S. Grant
[b]Revolution is not a dinner party, not an essay, nor a painting, nor a piece of embroidery; it cannot be advanced softly, gradually, carefully, considerately, respectfully, politely, plainly and modestly.[/b]
Mao Tse-Tung
[b]Revolution is an abrupt change in the form of misgovernment.[/b]
Ambrose Bierce
(Something we forget at our peril.) And finally:
[b]...whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.[/b]
All true. The question is, which will happen? Will we correct the problem peacefully? Not likely. Will we continue to muddle along, giving up more of our rights, unwilling to risk what we have, suffering rather than taking the risk required to abolish the suffering (and risk more, worse suffering?) Probably. Or will we rise up and exercise our natural right to releive ourselves of oppression? Don't see that happening. Too many people are content to chew cud.
So I have to hope that through the legal system we can ensure that people like you and me are able to retain arms, and remain the fourth branch of the government - the people that keep our "elected representatives" from overstepping their bounds [i]too[/i] far. (I LIKE the idea that Diane Feinstain is afraid of the ability of the .50BMG round to penetrate armored limousines.)