Radicals and Reformers

What makes a Radical, what makes a Reformer?

Is it the difference that the radical is responding to massive oppressive forces, creating a pressure cooker and forcing rational men and women to conclude only major and 'radical change' can really make a difference? Or does it surface the opportunists determined to bring the state or incumbent powers down at any cost?

Reformers are they genuinely engaging with the need for gradual and carefully managed and  much needed change or just seeking to maintaining the status quo by suppressing the alternative through fear of outright insurrection and rebellion? Reformers and Philanthropists tend to already be part of the ruling elite and establishment, with few exceptions, or that is what we thought?

British History and World History almost turns its pages between these counter forces, sometimes lulling itself into some form of equilibrium or as some would call it a state of 'inertia.'

Looking towards marking the bicentenary of Peterloo, facing the chaos of Parliament and the debacle over Brexit , whatever your politics - what have we learn't and how far back do these roots go? Are there recurring patterns at play or are we all seeing just what we want to see?

Universal suffrage, the right for one woman, one man and the right to vote was only finally established with the Representation of the People Act and confirmed as late as 1928. The Reform Acts yielded to the common man and woman very late along a timeline of 1,000 years of history - why?

 

“Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

― Rob Siltanen

This is the start of new Historic Theme we are working on Radicals and Reformers, connecting the Change Makers, those who lead, those who react, those who resist, all are actors and players in the firmament that eventually brings. about tangible change. Bringing a connection across current themes, the people, the law, the government, the economics, belief systems, church and religion, artists, writers, philosophers, politicians and the unexplained and all too often far too few enlightened leaders that apparently emerge from nowhere..