Rebels vs Revolutionaries
- Friday, August 28, 2009, 14:46
- Elections, Government
- 25 comments
What is the difference between rebels and revolutionaries?
Rebels are known for what they are against, while revolutionaries are known for what they are for—simple enough?
In countries such as ours, there are too many rebels and hardly any revolutionaries. Indeed, we have no shortage of rebels–people able to keenly express what they are against, but when asked about what they are exactly for, are less likely to provide you with specifics—Suddenly, the air becomes abstract and motherhood statements abound. It gets far worse when pressed to give anything regarding how they would accomplish this in greater detail.
Revolutions require more thinking than rebellions, since not only do revolutionaries need to work through the same processes that rebels do in order to bring down the present system, they also need to provide a better working alternative to the system they intend to replace–not necessarily in that order. There seems to be this naive tendency to expect that dismantling the present system automatically defaults into a better one simply by letting things take their course, as if burning down or destroying a building would automatically grow a better building like a phoenix rising out of the ashes without a strong follow-through or real effort to rebuild one. In regime changes, reformers tend to focus on solutions to the evils of the old system—evils they may correctly identify. However, as they turn out, we find a worse kind of evil in their place. Especially in the absence of planning and foresight and no real grasp of principles, like terrible chess players, when reformers are not too keen in covering all their bases, there will be serious consequences in areas that actually haven’t been anticipated.
The leaders a society chooses reflect very much on who or what the society is. In other words, leaders tend to be the projection—the very image of the collective that elected them into office. When a society is unable to weigh the situation soundly, i.e. logically or reasonably, and has a shallow grasp of equally sound governing principles, then they easily and quite naturally fall for the same type of leader. A results-oriented society who believes in personal accountability would choose the same type of leader. A society who falls for leaders lacking in accomplishments in their history of service is not a results-oriented society. A society who falls for leaders who spent most of their time opposing without offering a sounder alternative is likely to be simply a society of whiners and complainers. A society who supports rebels and not genuine revolutionaries is an anarchic society. A society who elects a leader with no viable platform or solution to its ills is a society with no realizable promise as a collective. A fickle and dishonorable society is a society who ousts a leader and yet re-elects the same leader for a sack of rice.
Which society are we?
About the Author
HusengBatute has written 1 stories on this site.
You might also like
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
25 Comments on “Rebels vs Revolutionaries”
Write a Comment
Gravatars are small images that can show your personality. You can get your gravatar for free today!
Loading ...
Ellen Tordesillas had this to say about the senatorial aspirations of some bozo rebel:
Note the last sentence: Win first, think later.
It’s time the “Opposition” grew up from this rebel mentality and mature into something that actually stands for SOMETHING.
[Reply]
Ray Rodriguez Reply:
September 3rd, 2009 at 10:55 am
She said “reform oriented na mga bloke?” Why is she using an Asutralian colloquialism?
[Reply]
what is an example of a revolutionary? any late 20th century examples?
[Reply]
BenK Reply:
August 28th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
I can’t think of an individual leader or even a group in my lifetime that completely fits the definition given here. Lee Kwan Yew, perhaps, but the circumstances were a bit unusual – not so much a ‘revolution’ as ‘start from scratch’. There have been plenty that have greatly improved systems without fundamentally changing them (Sultan Qabus might be a good example) and even more who have overthrown a system and provided an as-bad or worse alternative (Boris Yeltsin).
Revolutionaries are exceedingly rare, which is why people should stop looking for them all the time.
Somebody’s going to come back and say ‘Cory Aquino’, I just know it.
[Reply]
HusengBatute Reply:
August 28th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Given that Pinoy society does require a 180° turn, fast, which pretty much what a revolution is, we probably need to start looking for one.
[Reply]
BenK Reply:
August 28th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Instead of looking for the person or people, we ought to look for the path and the process. The people who understand it and make it work will reveal themselves.
HusengBatute Reply:
August 28th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
On second thought, what I said would only constitute half a revolution wouldn’t it?
BenK Reply:
August 29th, 2009 at 2:24 am
Isn’t that the perpetual problem here? People keep looking for the hero to do the job of the revolutionary, without even knowing what the general job description is. How can ET or anyone else say that Moe Howard-looking fool or anyone else is qualified for the position? Unless, in her case, she honestly believes striking fear into the Makati hospitality industry is a legitimate revolutionary outcome.
[Reply]
HusengBatute Reply:
August 28th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Though they may easily be, revolutionaries need not be highly visible and identifiable individuals or groups, and revolutions need not have to be singular dramatic events–They may be longer drawn processes that culminate into a milestone event. They do not have to involve regime change. They can be mainly industrial or economic in nature. What they have in common are [1] a positively formulated vision for a kind of sustainable universal or common good and [2] a mission–i.e. the ability to follow-through said vision. Mahathir’s book, the Malay Dilemma, pretty much reveals a positive intent for change. He also spearheaded concrete efforts toward the progressive industrialization of Malaysia. Gandhi has inspired many others such as Nelson Mandela through his “passive resistance” principle. These people are not simply against some system or social evil, but provided a clear and positively formulated alternative to these. Lech Wałęsa operated on principles drawn from his deeply Catholic convictions.
But why stop there? Why not include unsung revolutionaries such as those pioneering Japanese students who went to western universities with a few cents in their pockets who then went back to their own country to help turn a demoralized and war-torn Japan into a first-world industrial power? The other nations followed suit such as South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan becoming what we now refer to as “Asian Tigers.”
In spite of the terms “Edsa Revolution” or “revolutionary government,” I’m not sure whether or not to consider the Edsa event a “revolution,” Somehow “revolt” sounds more like it. I’m also not that all convinced that Cory Aquino should get the credit for “People Power”–maybe some–she functions more like its symbol. I see her more as a “pawn” rather than a “think thank.” Cardinal Sin has a lot to do with it.
[Reply]
GabbyD Reply:
August 29th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
my problem with this ‘definition’ is that it selects only the successful cases, and defines revolutionaires as people/groups that are “successful” (success by your definition)
in the movie good will hunting, this is called a super theory. by selecting only successes, revolutionaries always look “effective”
if they had failed (by your definition), would they still be revolutionaries? by ur definition, its no.
[Reply]
HusengBatute Reply:
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:32 am
Not at all. Revolutionaries are neither necessarily successful nor are they necessarily an improvement over the old–at least not an immediate one (e.g. Mao’s China, depending on your politico-economic philosophy), but having vision or foresight is certainly better than not having one. To take a simple analogy in sports: The team that has a game plan will improve its chances of success than if it doesn’t. This is also similar to the concern Americans had about not having a good exit strategy with Bush’s ‘invasion’ of Iraq.
A cloudy “vision” does not inspire conviction or commitment, especially when circumstances require follow-throughs. Even if, say, a candidate with admirable character would inspire trust among Filipinos, does this necessarily mean that such candidate would also inspire action among Filipinos without this “game-plan?” Cory’s honesty did not eradicate corruption among her constituents. Frankly, I don’t give a rat’s arse about our leaders’ indiscretions as long as they deliver the goods. The Medici family is one of the most corrupt families during the renaissance period (not only taking over commerce, but also politics and even the Papacy), but look at what the renaissance did for the rest of civilization.
A revolutionary is an innovator of new processes that will help the society and the country, in general.
He is against the old process, which became obsolete. A rebel is against authorities and the
process. He does not have solutions to improve the system or processes.
Gen. Danilo Lim is a West Point graduate. We salute him for following his consciense. When he saw
frauds in the election. But, does he have any programs or platforms to improve our situations?
We have Trillanes, Honasan, etc…who were rebels. Did they improve things ? Unless, we see the
plans in improving things. We believe that the rebellion was just for idealism, not realism.
[Reply]
BenK Reply:
August 29th, 2009 at 10:25 am
Salute him for following his conscience, my ass. If he wants to follow his conscience, he should be a priest or a balut vendor, not a soldier. Who is he to judge fraud in the election? Is that his area of responsibility, as a Marine flag officer? No it is not. Don’t even get me started on those other two clowns.
When are people going to get it through their thick heads that upheaval is neither acceptable or productive?
Did he really go to West Point? That’s very surprising, if true. One of my good friends from high school is a U.S. Marine Colonel who went to West Point. I don’t recall that he ever mentioned taking any courses in rebellion.
[Reply]
Hyden Toro Reply:
August 29th, 2009 at 11:59 am
The Garci Tape is a glaring exhibit of the fraud in the election. Why is a Presidentisl Candidate
asking for: “Yung dagdag,Yung dagdag” to a Commission on Election Commissioner.
An illegimate President with a question of legitimacy has some minions ready to defend her.
Did your conscience ever bother you to know the truth? Or money has numbed it already?
[Reply]
BenK Reply:
August 29th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
And so how does it fall to Gen. Lim to A) decide that was sufficient evidence of guilt, and B) justification for an armed overthrow of the government?
A lot of people in my country were thoroughly displeased when the process didn’t have the result they wanted it to have when Bill Clinton was impeached. Did they rise up in armed insurrection? No. They waited until the next election and expressed their disapproval with their votes.
A lot of people in this country were thoroughly displeased when the process didn’t have the result they wanted it to have when the impeachment complaint was brought against GMA. Did they wait until the next election to express their disapproval against their representatives who did not properly represent them? No, they staged a string of lame, meaningless protests and a couple of completely retarded attempts at a coup (for all his military education, Gen. Lim really does suck at the whole armed uprising thing), and when the next election rolled around, voted for almost all of the same representatives again.
Stop trying to pin the blame or the solutions for the country’s ills on individual monsters and heroes. Both the blame and the solution lie in your own laps.
Did he really go to West Point? That’s very surprising, if true. One of my good friends from high school is a U.S. Marine Colonel who went to West Point. I don’t recall that he ever mentioned taking any courses in rebellion.
—————————————–
It only shows what little you know of the man and his achievements…and how little you know about your so called friend from high school…do your research…come to the Philippines, talk to the men (and women) who know Gen. Lim. If you want to talk to him, I can take you to him personally…otherwise like other people with you, you don’t really know what you’re talking about…
[Reply]
benk,
Then again, you can just find out from his classmates in West Point, active officers in the US still…they should be updated, they visited him here…
[Reply]
benk,
So you’re president went through impeachment hell because he got a blowjob? Big deal, our president can do as many bj’s she wants…we don’t mind!
As long as it doesn’t involve cheating, lying, or stealing from the government…she’s free to do whatever she wants…I believe its the same with YOUR country, unless even in YOUR country, you don’t count too.
Now how could officers who graduated from West Point also, another one from Annapolis, very brilliant, with very promising careers ahead of them…just resign? They saw how the system works here and can’t seem to reconcile with what they learned…
You throw away comments like you spit, without even thinking about them, without even actually trying to know whats going on…
…stick to what you know, leave the men stuff to the “real” men, you know, those who are not afraid to actually put their lives on the line?
[Reply]
Stick up for General Lim all you like. He is a military officer of the Republic of the Philippines, sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution. Time and again he has violated that oath. Correct me if I’m wrong, but did he not take a significant role in trying to bring down President Aquino in 1989? Explain that one to me, because unless that somehow involved upholding and defending the Constitution, he just comes off as a habitual rebel. Such a waste of so much education and apparent talent that could serve the country.
As far as the officers who resigned, I can respect them; they couldn’t justify their oath with their consciences, and did the right thing in response. If General Lim’s personal sense of morality and justice will not allow him to honor his oath, he should have done the same. He may be smart militarily, but as a politician he’s not so bright. Imagine what he could have achieved toward the objectives he has if, as one of the country’s most-celebrated and most-decorated military officers, he resigned in very public fashion for moral reasons. Instant hero, not just to jologs like you, but the entire nation. But then again, apparently he chose the wrong path a long time ago, if what I read about the uprisings during the Aquino presidency are true.
And by the way, before you start belittling my knowledge of things, our former President was actually impeached for providing false testimony under oath. Not a blowjob. Leave the smart stuff to the “real” smart people who actually read news.
[Reply]
benk,
Be part of the people who actually make the news, not just “readers” for all you know, you’re just reading propaganda…like when the US gullibly supported shocking and awing Iraq and then condeming it, sheesh! Belittle? no. Misinformed? yes.
Reading, googing, compared to actually knowing the guy firsthand? I challenge you to come here and talk to these guys personally, I will personally take you.
Otherwise, along with so many gullibles, be at the mercy of the media…and be led by the nose to be slaughtered…which is real smart
[Reply]
Pardon me, I didn’t realize you were actually General Ibrado, since you can take me to talk to an officer in military detention.
Do yourself a favor, and go blow smoke up the ass of someone who actually enjoys that sort of thing. Sir.
[Reply]
Two things, ramrod, two things.
ONE, by calling whatever we’re able to read (from mainstream media or online) “propaganda,” you’ve just discredited every single published document that refutes or even agrees with what you say. You’ve just contradicted yourself.
TWO, your bias from supposedly knowing Gen. Lim personally is rather telling, that whatever criticism there may be of him blows your skirt up more than anyone else’s. (It’s okay. You can run and tell Mommy now.)
I challenge you to leave your “Love Your Own” attitude at the door, make sure you read the article and discussion thoroughly, THINK, and comment intelligently. But if you’d rather do 50 push-ups, go ahead and knock yourself out.
[Reply]
went to Lim’s website. posted something like this: “what is your blueprint” for a progressive and a very moral society. NO RESPONSE.
[Reply]
This is ho-hum blah-blah-blah standard and non-revolutionary . “I will fight corruption!!! GMA talsik diyan!!!”
“If elected, corruption will be top priority.” becomes revolutionary with “My justice department will file 100 graft cases by June 2011, and 200 graft cases a year until I leave office.”
[Reply]
A real revolutionary is more of grabbing state, economic and socio-cultural power in the name of the people, and not of a changing personalities. Edsa I and II are just mere changing personalities instead of mass dismantlement of the entire rotten society.
And in a rotten society, there will always be rebels and revolutionaries. And perhaps they’ll end up into two
a “prince” or as a “thief.”
[Reply]