2336660704_9d64a15878_b On Thursday we should take the opportunity to remind our governments and ourselves where their power comes from. It was given to them by their citizens, the common people, by us. They should never forget that the only ones they are truly accountable to is their people. It’s not lobbyist groups, other governments and its most certainly no god.

They try to get our support by convincing us that being part of a single subgroup, tribe or country is more important than being part of humanity. This feeling of shared identity is usually created by using all kinds of semi-religious ceremonies. Just think of the national holiday or sports events. The laziest couch potatoes will tell you that “we” won the soccer championship and that “we” produce the best cars. When was the last time this guy played soccer or assembled a car? They call it patriotism. I call it indoctrination.

I don’t believe in “my” government anymore, once it starts to treat me like a small child or a criminal suspect. They try to tell you what’s best for you, what you can do with your body and what morals you are allowed to have. Yes, I’m referring to things like abortion laws, smoking bans, drug laws, same sex marriages, censorship on state television or the internet and – only recently acquired – communications surveillance laws.

As a government is moving further away from what its people want, it feels the resistance. In recent years this resistance got stronger. They are afraid of us. They better should be. The natural response is to use every opportunity (NYC, London, Madrid) to take away civil liberties, we might use against them. Remember that we got these rights for a reason. They were introduced after devastating wars and revolutions. The United States Bill of Rights was introduced after the American Revolution, the European Convention on Human Rights after World War II. Millions had to give their life for a few who led them into disaster.

Today we see these liberties being undermined or suspended in the name of the greater good, sometimes described as public security and anti-terrorism. I’m not saying that the situation is hopeless. I just want you to be vigilant and watchful. Keep reminding yourself AND them that revolution is a part of our heritage and culture. Make Wednesday a special day! Throw a party! Discuss these issues with your friends. Let everyone know that you are proud to be part of this tradition and everything it stands for!

Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I know of no reason
Why the Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.

Happy Guy Fawkes Day!

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Credit for the great picture goes to donnaidh_sidhe.