Revolutions Do Not Begin on Dates: The Welling Disenchantment in America Today

"Revolutions do not begin on dates." It’s a line from John Ralston Saul’s, Voltaire’s Bastards. An assertion that rings true now more than ever, as the United States finds itself grappling with a pervasive sense of disenchantment that transcends any calendar events. It’s a feeling that flows through the veins of the populace, an undercurrent of disillusionment with a political system that promises much but delivers little. In a world where political ideologies clash more violently than ever, it’s easy to overlook the common thread of hypocrisy that runs through both the left and the right as each tells us their position is best for us while little of what is needed to be done is even addressed.

Can American government, as currently constituted, truly fulfill the promise of its Constitution and the Republic without radical political reform? Answer: Profoundly, No.

As we take a closer look at the current political landscape, it becomes painfully clear that both sides are embroiled in a dance of hypocrisy. Take the left, for instance—champions of progress, equity, and social justice. They position themselves as the guardians of the marginalized, yet their actions often tell a different story. Consider the academic left, sitting on hundreds of billions of dollars in endowments - interest and dividend earning endowments, largely untaxed - now making morally conflicting deals with the federal government to secure federal funding. They can only believe that their ideals hold more weight than their actions, even when the ideals can apparently be compromised.

The left has also mastered the art of virtue signaling. Social media campaigns, hashtags, and trending topics often seem more important than actionable change. The emphasis on representation is commendable, yet the irony lies in the fact that many of these representatives often hail from elite backgrounds, detached from the very communities they claim to represent. So, while they preach about the struggles of the working class, they live in gated communities, sipping caramel mocha lattes. It’s a perfect example of what happens when ideology collides with reality—an inconvenient truth masked by hashtags and (hopefully) well-meaning rhetoric.

Switching gears, we find the right—guardians of tradition, values, and, of course, “freedom.” The right often touts itself as the bastion of individual liberties, yet it has an uncanny knack for dictating what those liberties should look like. Their stance on free speech is often selective, supporting it fervently until it challenges their own beliefs. It’s a curious paradox where the right champions the First Amendment while simultaneously trying to silence dissenting opinions. The hypocrisy is palpable when one considers that the same voices that decry “cancel culture” are often the first to call for boycotts against or even silence those who dare to disagree.

Furthermore, the right’s relationship with the Second Amendment is another fascinating case study in hypocrisy. They advocate for near unregulated gun rights, championing the idea that more guns equal more freedom. Yet, when mass shootings become a grim reality, the narrative shifts. Suddenly, mental health becomes the scapegoat, and the gun control debate is conveniently shelved. The same politicians who defend gun rights often fail to address the systemic issues that lead to such violence, opting instead for empty platitudes and thoughts and prayers. It’s a cycle of inaction that reveals a troubling disconnection between rhetoric and reality.

This pervasive disenchantment with political hypocrisy is not merely a symptom of partisan bickering; it’s a clarion call for reform. The American political system is in dire need of restructuring if it is to honor the ideals laid out in the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and the promise of a vibrant republic. The founding fathers envisioned a government that was of the people, by the people, and for the people. Yet, what we see today is a system that often feels more like a contest of who can shout the loudest at the other rather than a collaborative effort to address the needs of the citizenry.

Arguably the most glaring issue is the overwhelming influence of money in politics. Campaign financing has turned elections into a bidding war, where the highest bidder often wins. Politicians are not beholden to their constituents but rather to their donors. The irony is rich—those who claim to be fighting for the little guy are often in the pocket of corporate interests, rendering their promises hollow. The Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. FEC, decided in 2010, effectively reversing the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, has only exacerbated this issue, allowing for a flood of dark money to infiltrate the political process. As a result, Americans feels increasingly disillusioned, convinced that their vote matters less and less.

Moreover, gerrymandering has effectively turned some elections into foregone conclusions, with politicians drawing district lines that favor their party rather than representing the interests of the people. It’s a rigged game, albeit a centuries-old one now, where the outcome can be manipulated, even predetermined, leading to voter apathy and disenchantment. Why bother voting when the system is designed to favor incumbents and reinforce the status quo? This sense of futility is a breeding ground for discontent and ultimately fuels the desire for revolutionary reform.

The need for political reform is not merely an academic exercise; it’s a necessity for the survival of a republic. Citizens must demand transparency, accountability, and representation that reflects the diversity of the American populace. Campaign finance reform is essential to ensure that elected officials prioritize their constituents over corporate interests. Addressing gerrymandering is crucial to restoring faith in the electoral process and empowering citizens to engage in a system that is truly representative. And finally, it’s likely time we include a third (or more) political party. Reforms like ranked-choice voting could help to break the two-party stranglehold that limits choice and stifles getting near a true democracy. The two-sides of the aisle plainly leave more than an aisle’s width of empty and lacking compromise.

In our disenchantment, it’s essential to remember that revolutions do not begin on specific dates; they begin in the hearts and minds of individuals who recognize the need for change. The current state of American politics is a reminder that the promise of the Constitution and a truly democratic republic is yet to be fulfilled. Disillusionment may be prevalent, but it can also serve as a catalyst for reform—an impetus for the people to rise and demand a government that truly reflects their needs and aspirations.

The time for change is now. The hypocrisy of both the left and right may be glaring, but it also presents an opportunity for a new political narrative—one that prioritizes the voices of the many over the interests of the few. America stands at a crossroads, and the path forward requires courage, conviction, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Only then can the promise of a more perfect union be realized, and the spirit of (bloodless) revolution be rekindled in the hearts of the American people.