Innocent Militance May 24, 2009

There’s a little bit of innocence in every act of militance. The basis for this interpretation is that it takes innocence to believe that there is good in other people. The passion that instigates and ignites this action is driven if not compelled by hope. Faith that things can change; the world, this relationship, this state of affairs and most basically people can improve.

Regardless of the materialistic or violent tendencies expressed by innovative leaders, their basic guidance stems from the innocent belief in a common good and in humanity’s ability to adapt. Revolution is based in shared hope, which makes others willing to take up your cause and fight by your side. That is why even when there is death, oppression and failed military coups the number revolutionaries keeps growing. True revolutionaries press on until they are able to express their need or are crushed by it. Learning and diversifying until they meet that goal, hope lives on and is shared. People who are moved to act believe in a change with such determination that they are willing to make sacrifices to see that need met.

The simple act of revolution one any level; personal, national or international, implies that there is a belief by one or many people that something better is possible. Regardless of what that change is or who is protesting, the common understanding is that there is room for progress. It is established that for some people the status quo is not working and that there may be a solution. People are willing to fight in order to alter their way of life or to preserve their worldview. The answer is out there and as an activist you are determined to share it.

Revolutionaries fight for no other reason than the hope that this solution, this action, this time will work. Militant action is based in the innocent belief that change is possible. It also demands the audacity to assume that you are the bearer of this answer. That although there may be positive aspects to the leader, group or government you oppose the solution you have found trumps all. Believing that as the bearer of this wisdom it is your duty to seize this moment in history and make the necessary room for your idea to grow, by any means necessary. All of these factors combine in the mind of the revolutionary. Militant action, though extreme, is based in the passionate belief that what you are doing is for good and the right reasons. After all, what is more innocent than hope?