Alana: ....Do you believe that powerful factions today, have destroyed, or have the potential to destroy the republic that the Founding Fathers have created, or do you think that factions help the assist the formation of a more developed nation?
I agree with Alana about how factions have actually strengthened our republic. For instance, if it weren't for the feminist, "rebellious" factions that have developed over the course of history, women wouldn't have had the right to own property, vote, have serious careers and equal pay (for the most part) or any other rights we have today. I think the idea that a faction can destroy a republic in current times is a bit far fetched though. It's not like this feminist movement will lead to an eventual overthrow of the republic and turn it into some kind of woman dictatorship. Seriously, if we can't even get a female's name on the ballot as presidential nominee, than I don't see some "Adolfa Hitler" in America's future.
Also, as Alana pointed out, the different factions force us to have differences of opinions, not to be narrow-minded, which ultimately brought us from the Puritan's strict non-diverse government and culture to today's more liberal and diverse society.
What other examples can you think of that have to do with factions becoming powerful and changing hisotry? like the feminist group??
The entire Civil Rights movement of the 60s made a huge difference in the society of today. This involved more than just the Feminists.
Civil rights movement
Peaceniks during the Vietnam War -- and probably today during the Iraqi War
Environmental responsibility, starting with Rachel Carson's Silent Spring
can you name some of the factions that were part of the civil rights mov?
There is no doubt factions are agents of change. Now is that for the good or bad, is a matter of opinion, feminists included.
Has the Religious Right been for the good of the nations freedoms, or not? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_Majority
Has the Weathermen http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weather_Underground_Organization been for the good or the bad?
Has the rise of a military-industrial complex been for the good or the bad?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military-industrial_complex
Has the faction advocating the "War on Drugs" been for the good or the bad?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_on_Drugs
So one can see, feminist movements are a part of the picture. I remember years ago a government professor giving the same lecture, the conclusion was, if enough factions are present, the focus will be on balance. When factions are suppressed, then the remaining become powerful, and the republic for which we live becomes evil and oppressive. I have come to believe that there is some merit to this argument, and it of course, can be traced back to the founding fathers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African-American_Civil_Rights_Movement_(1955%E2%80%931968)
There are numerous examples throughout history where factions or interest groups have become powerful and played a significant role in shaping the course of events. Here are a few examples:
1. Civil Rights Movement: In the United States, the civil rights movement of the 20th century led by African Americans and other minority groups fought for racial equality and an end to segregation. Through nonviolent protests, civil disobedience, and legal challenges, this faction successfully brought about significant changes in civil rights laws and dismantled institutionalized racism.
2. Labor Movement: The labor movement emerged during the Industrial Revolution as workers organized and formed trade unions to advocate for better working conditions, fair wages, and improved labor laws. By mobilizing workers and utilizing collective bargaining as a tool, they achieved important victories such as the establishment of minimum wage laws, workplace safety regulations, and the eight-hour workday.
3. LGBTQ+ Rights Movement: LGBTQ+ activists and organizations have fought for decades to secure equal rights and protections for , , bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. Their advocacy efforts have led to significant legal victories, including the decriminalization of homosexuality, same-sex marriage legalization, and anti-discrimination laws.
4. Environmental Movements: Various factions and organizations have emerged to address environmental concerns and advocate for sustainable practices. Examples include the Sierra Club, Greenpeace, and the climate justice movement. These factions have raised awareness about environmental issues, pushed for policy changes, and influenced public opinion to prioritize conservation and renewable energy.
5. Anti-war Movements: Throughout history, passionate factions and movements have mobilized against wars they opposed. Examples include the anti-Vietnam War movement of the 1960s and 1970s, which played a key role in influencing public opinion and ultimately leading to the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Vietnam.
These examples demonstrate how factions, when they gain influence and wield their collective power, can drive social and political change by challenging the existing status quo and advocating for the rights and interests of marginalized and underrepresented groups.