You Say You Want a Revolution

American Revolution: After years of grumbling that the British Parliament governed without representation, thirteen colonies rejected the authority of Great Britain and declared independence on July 4^th, 1776.

Argentine Revolution: Two years after Napoleon dethroned King Ferdinand VII of Spain, the criollas (Argentine-born colonists) who could no longer depend upon the king for protection, ousted the Viceroy and established a local government on May 25^th, 1810.

The Perón Revolution: General Juan Perón (with the help of his wife Eva) was elected by the masses and won the presidency of Argentina in 1946. The elites were not amused as he nationalized large industry. Nor were they fond of his wife Evita. But, in a democracy, a populist like Perón can win a majority of the votes, regardless of the interests of the ruling elites.

First Lady Eva Peron

Two Perspectives of Evita - Despised and Loved!

 

The Cuban Revolution: Fidel Castro, with the help of the Argentinean Che Guevara, deposed a dictator and marched into Havana on January 2^nd, 1959 to lead a Marxist revolution. Guevara, the young man who grew up in Alta Gracia, Argentina, is regarded as a hero by leftists for his opposition to imperialism and neo-colonialism.

Street art commemorating Che Guevara is still popular.

In 1863, American President Abraham Lincoln, spoke of “government of the people, by the people, for the people” in the Gettysburg address. I interpret “of the people” to mean that people have a voice, that they can vote. “By the people” I take to mean that someone can be elected as a leader without being part of an aristocracy or military junta. “For the people” means for the benefit of the people. Lincoln was right – these are excellent criteria for evaluating governments.

So how do various governments rate?

The Perónistas

Of the people: ½ point. Perón was elected by popular vote, but questions remain.

By the people: ¼ point. Perón, a former general, ruled by decree rather than consent.

For the people: 1 point. Under El Presidente, and with the help of his wife Eva, workers secured the right to unionize and women were granted the right to vote. The Peróns were adored by the masses, especially the women and children who benefited from the Eva Perón foundation.

Total: 1 ¾ points.

I love this quote from Evita.

“… I’ve erected this institution for social welfare’s sake – depriving it of any trace of charity – in the hopes that it’d become a banner of social justice. The poor are not cared for out of mercy or commiseration, but because they are also Argentine citizens who find themselves in despair, but who are as much worthy of attention as the rest of the citizenry.” Eva Peron. July 6, 1949

Evita's wardrobe was no reflection of her humble beginnings.

[Evita died prematurely from cancer. President Perón later became one of the most despised politicians in Argentina.]
   

The Cubanistas

Of the people: ½ point. Prior to Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, Cubans did not have a right to vote under the Batista dictatorship. But today the public still has sub-optimal influence over the political process.

By the people: ½ point. Cuba has a nationally elected legislature. But the government is top heavy with three executive leadership positions, including president, being held by one man (now Raul Castro.)

For the people: ½ point. Good intentions though diminished by less than desirable results.

Total: 1 ½ points.

Che and Fidel

[Check out “The Motorcycle Diaries” to learn more about Che’s pre-revolutionary days.]

 

Los Americanistas de Los Estados Unidos

Of the people: ¾ points. Election to political office is by popular vote, but voter turnout is low.

By the people: ¾ points. Anyone can run for office, but it’s an expensive proposition.

For the people: ½ points. It depends on who counts as “the people.”

Total: 2 points.

The Supreme Court has ruled that corporations are essentially persons, that they have the right to free speech, and may contribute money to political campaigns like any other citizen. If the United States government is “for the people” – which “people” are they for?

In the US, cities pay police to break-up “Occupy” encampments on public property rather than simply providing portable toilets and encouraging the right to assemble and promoting free speech. Ironically, we cheered the “Arab Spring” and supported the massive numbers of protestors who took to the streets in North Africa and the Middle East. Maybe the US wouldn’t have been supportive of the drive for democracy if Egyptians had brought tents to Tahrir Square.

Where is our Che? Where is our revolutionary leader who is against corporate imperialism? Where is our Evita? Who will look out for the interests of the masses who, given the opportunity, have so much to contribute to this country?

History shows that governance without representation can lead to revolution. The big question is – who do our elected representatives represent? For the sake of the United States, I hope it is the human persons. Viva la revolución!