[jesus_of_suburbia_old]

I think it depends on the level of government. If you are talking about changing the future of your community, then I would say, yes. If you are talking about the federal government, then I would say, no. Well, unless you have lots of money, lots of powerful friends, and/or an influential family (ex. Bushes, Kennedeys, etc).

We, as regular folk, are by and large nothing to the powerful people of this country. Worst of all is the fact that we accept it and remain content with the fact that they are more powerful than us and will always be in control. We have convinced ourselves that we can only maintain peace and civility under their control. The future means nothing to them because no matter what the outcome, they will come out on top.

We have accepted this, and it doesn't look like it's going to change until something really bad happens to us. Whatever that is, it will likely steer us in the wrong direction and put us in the hands of some other goons iwth a different song and dance who will find new ways to screw us over.

[Zardoz]

What is the alternative to working within the existing political system? Realistically, what else can you do?

Working "outside" the system, you would have to be very careful these days. You wouldn't want to end up classified as an "enemy combatant", would you?

[peripato]

This is impossible. John Kenneth Galbraith wrote in The Culture of Contentment about the reasons why America is incapable of constructive change.

"He compares today's American political class (those people who vote and involve themselves in politics) to the French aristocracy before the Revolution. Everybody knew that the situation was insupportable, and that eventually there would be an explosion, but the immediate costs of doing something about it were so unpalatable that everyone decided to do nothing and hope that things would somehow work out. We're in exactly the same situation here and now."

Link

[jesus_of_suburbia_old]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'W')orking "outside" the system, you would have to be very careful these days. You wouldn't want to end up classified as an "enemy combatant", would you?

[Zardoz]

Okay, but maybe we need to precisely define "working inside the system" and "working outside the system".

In particular, what do we mean by "outside"?

[Micki]

If we are talking about the US;
It is definetly (still) possible to work within legal means and within the system.
US could vote in a congress that upholds the constitution; removes the fed, stops the printing of fiat currency, unlawful IRS taxation etc.
By removing the ruthless bankers from control, you would have a good chance to turn priority of governance into a more sustainable model economically, environmentally etc . (Lets not go into debate on this).

The problem is that large enough group of people aren't educated and/or can't agree on a few issues to give priority.

I also think we/you are running out of time. Laws are being tightend, internment camps need to get used, the leaders already don't care if their decisions are unconstitutional.

[MD]

Certainly we can make significant change.

Odds are looking pretty bleak though.

[oowolf]

Any "system" other than "staying in balance with nature" will fail. Systems like "civilization" are inherently exploitive and always end in dieoff. Working within the system therefore leads to excess and calamity. When the monument-building begins, you know the end will be tragic.

[Dreamtwister]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Micki', 'b')ankers from control

[JustinFrankl]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Zardoz', 'W')hat is the alternative to working within the existing political system? Realistically, what else can you do?

[NEOPO]

I plea the 5th because I cannot plea the 1st without the need to plea the 5th first!!!

[Daculling]

You will work within the system or you have to fall back on something like this...

That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it

Expect a swift an unannounced response if you choose the latter.

[AgentR]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Shannymara', 'C')an we, the people, make a significant difference in terms of how the future plays out by working legally within the current United States political system? If you believe so, please elaborate. Thanks.

[Daculling]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('AgentR', 'L')et Americans choose between cutting our oil use down to 10 mbpd, or or honestly and openly fighting to protect our access to the oil that we want.

[AgentR]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('pstarr', 'I')'m glad you Agentr have come out of the closet as a republican warmonger.

[Daculling]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('pstarr', 'I')'m glad you Agentr have come out of the closet as a republican warmonger. More weapons have not helped this ecological nightmare that you folks are bringing down on the earth, its people, and its ecosystems. What makes you think more of these war toys will help.

[mmasters]

I think there is a minority in the US that if it became strong enough could push our country more in the direction many of the key founders had intended. The potential is there but I really question whether it will be realized the way things are going. Few understand the system, the great hidden powers that manage it and the history envolved. Perhaps opportunities for the good fight will lie in the future as the world unravels. That's becoming about the only hope I personally see.

In any case I think we must now accept that "We the People" has become a minority.

[seldom_seen]

The "system" is a corporate oligarchy. So if you're part of the corporate oligarchy you can certainly bring about change.

For instance the corp oligarchy wants to make sure we have lots of new consumers coming from Mexico. Therefore there is no real border enforcement. The corporate oligarchy wants to make sure we have direct control over ME oil. Therefore occupation of Iraq.

Asking the question can we make change "working within the system" implies that you are part of the system, which you're not. So it is a misleading question unless you are part of the corp oligarchy.

The token gestures of allowing one to "vote" or stand on the corner carrying a sign, do not constitute being part of the system, but simply being one of its wards.

The best form of change one can enact is to withdrawal from the activities that legitimize the corp oligarchy. Don't vote. Powerdown, et cetera. This however will only bring personal satisfaction as it will be carried out by so few individuals.

The exploitive nature of the corp oligarchy, whether of humans or natural resources, will eventually bring about its own demise. The imminence of peak oil, resource depletion and pollution makes this sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, like many things in human affairs, it won't end peacefully.