[Tfug] The NET

[Stephen Hooper]

On 10/3/06, Don Freeman <DFreeman at pagnet.org> wrote:
> I think the constitution doesn't anticipate governmental change via torch
> wielding mobs. In fact, I think  the opposite is the case. It's to be
> accomplished via those who wield a pen at the voting booth.
>
> :)
>

Yes, but you see... if you vote you are playing right into their
hands.  They want you to vote to legitimatize the status quo.

A torch wielding mob on the other hand, de-legitimizes the status quo.

Both are farught with peril, and most of the time you end up burning things.

The constitution doesn't anticipate much of anything as it is an
inanimate codification of rules to which our government ascribes.  I
am fairly certain that it doesn't forswear torch wielding mobs.  I
think that is left to each state to decide.

If you wanted Arizona to be run by mob rule, I think the only thing
that would prevent you (apart from finding a handy mob), would be that
people in the capital would probably look askance at you.

Of course, if you could change the social norm so that torch wielding
mobs were not just expected, but considered a duty in which everyone
was expected to participate, then you would probably have no trouble
there either.

I do think it probably isn't the most stable system to build
civilization on though :)