The Greatest Revolution

At no time in history has revolution spread with such speed as now with the assistance of information technology.  Once limited by such things as a nail, as in Luther’s posting of his 95 Theses to the door of a Catholic Church, or by lamplight in a tower, as in the mythical ride of one Mr. Paul Revere, revolutionary communication is now instantaneously transmitted to millions with the touch of a single button on a cell phone.  

The revolution, this revolution,  is being fought via the Internet, and the truth is that it will not be won based upon the power of an ideology, but by the side that controls information.   Ineffective, outdated and corrupt political systems are setting up battle lines by shutting down social networking web sites and tagging words or phrases that automatically shut off Internet transmission and response.  At the same time, people are finding their way around those barriers without much trouble at all.       

How ironic Einstein’s words “I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."  And he was only off by one World War.  Indeed, this world revolution IS being fought with sticks and stones, the physical weapons of the people, but infinitely more dangerous and effective are the “tweets” and governmental Internet shut downs. 

The events in the Middle East and North Africa are not mere protests; they are a singular, revolutionary uprising.  And now, thanks to Twitter, the entire world has a front row seat.  In the end, what comes of The Greatest Revolution will be an eye opener for all of us.