Brand

Comedian and actor Russell Brand went before tens of thousands to push for revolution against a House of Commons that doesn't represent his interests or those of non-corporate Britain. Which seems very Fourth Turning.

I considered writing about it, then set it aside because something about it didn't seem quite right.  Some of which may have been personal opinion on what is real and what is not.

First, the idea of an anti-austerity group starting out with a call for revolution seems odd.  If your country is to the point where austerity measures are a danger, you may have bigger problems to solve first.

Second, just because someone is saying it now doesn't mean it hasn't been said before. A new consortium of left and right railing against the entrenched House would be worth paying attention to. Brand is speaking as part of the People's Assembly, a left-leaning group including left-leaning organizations. An alliance between trade unions and advocates for social justice won't have any exceptional leverage, or ability to remake Parliament. Meet the New Left, same as the Old Left.

The third, and really main, issue is the idea of a "peaceful, effortless, joyful revolution." An easy transition is not an expected part of the Fourth Turning. Maybe all people will be very happy about whatever happens, and maybe it won't require bloodshed. I wouldn't bet on that happening, but it's on the outer edges of possibility. Even in the best case, though, a rearrangement of priorities and goals for the government will require plenty of effort.

It may be that this is one of the taps that will eventually bring down the walls. It would be great if it was. So far it appears to be much less than that, though.