(R)EVOLUTION ((r)ěv'ə-lōō'shən)

In a recent conversation I had with a friend, he stated that he was surprised that the United States hadn’t experienced a revolution. With the war in Iraq, global warming and other domestic issues, he was surprised that the younger generations had not revolted. I understood where he was coming from, but this isn’t the sixties and the younger generation is only one small aspect of the change that is happening. This change is multi-generational and is more widely accepted than previous changes in our society. Our revolution is more evolution.
We no longer believe that government creates change. We know that people do. All across this nation, people have lost hope in our government being capable of taking care of our people and planet. With the recent presidential election some believe that it is possible again. The reality is that it probably doesn't really matter. People haven't lost hope, instead, they are taking action. Spending money differently. Some are buying products that will not damage the climate, some are buying organic food and healthcare products, and some are buying carbon credits through their utility company programs. This is happening even when those products are more expensive than a comparable traditional product. This represents a different value system.
This evolution is not so different than the revolution of our forefathers. It wasn’t the system that created change, it was the people with a common vision. It required first an intellectual change, born by a recognition of a different value system. Political will followed the transition in values. In this instance the system is irrelevant. The representation in our system of government will be a reflection of the will of the people, the government does not create the will of the people.
The people are collectively making the intellectual change. Their financial actions will lead the way and the government will follow. This is The Progression.