Are We Witnessing a World-Wide Revolution?

I must say that witnessing the dynamic changes that are occurring right in front of our eyes makes me think that we are witnessing a world-wide revolution that may change everything we think that we know.

We watched in the late 80's when the Berlin Wall came crashing down, the Soviet Union crumbled, and the brave Chinese students were crushed by tanks in Tiannemin Square, and we all wondered what history-making event was going to happen next?

The 90's were much different than the 80's. Glam rock was finished when Nirvana and Pearl Jam introduced the Seattle Grunge Scene. The wars in Iraq and Yugoslavia shaped America's news until Bill Clinton's escapades in Oval Office. People were earning more money, and the overall sentiment was that we were on the right path.

Now we get to the 21st Century, and what we are witnessing as I write this is a complete lack of trust in anything or anybody, especially those related to governments or businesses. Believing in God has become a no-no, as many would make you feel stupid or ignorant for beliving in something based on faith and not evidence. Common sense has left us, and everyone wants to sue everyone else. There is an extreme lack of accountability, and almost zero ethical lines that will not be crossed.

What do you remember about the news in the last five years? Global economic meltdowns, businesses cheating by cooking the books, terrible decisions being made that in hindsight seem at least incompetent but at worst purposeful and criminal. Unending wars in Iraq and Afghanistan while genocides are occuring in many other countries of the world without anyone lifting a hand to help. Government leaders around the world are embroiled in one scandal after another, and it seems that at least one leader a week is caught up in something sleazy.

Now, the people of the world have finally had enough. Revolutions have begun in countries long led by savage fear, and leaders are being deposed. While those governments try anything to hold onto power, including killing their own civilians, people are bravely standing up and saying, "Enough!" and demanding change. We are seeing it right in front of our own eyes - Egypt, Libya, even Wisconsin. What countries are next? What governments will fall? What ideologies will end?

I believe we are witnessing a revolution for change. It began with a clear lack of trust in those that we entrusted to lead us, and has escalated into a demand for accountability and a new path forward.

If I had to guess, I would think Libya's government will eventually fall. I think Iran's government should be wary. For any countries where al-Qaeda has a presence, I would bet that the people will finally say enough and do what the US has been unable to do with finality, shut the ideology down. What is going to happen in Wisconsin? I have heard of 25 year friendships breaking up over the debate that is occurring right now on the Capital steps. Say what you will, but the argument comes down to those that support unions vs. those that are against them. The outcome of the Wisconsin debate will certainly lead the way for others to take similar steps. What is going to happen? I don't know.

What I do know is that people everywhere are tired. Tired of having to work longer hours for less pay, tired of looking for employment, tired of being lied to, tired of hearing the same old things from leaders. People are tired of the status quo, and are looking for a change. They are revolting with their words, and now with their actions. People are tired of not being heard. I believe that is why we are witnessing a revolution that can encompass everything that we know about the world - PEOPLE WANT TO BE HEARD. THEY WANT TO MATTER.

Businesses better take note - revolutions don't just occur at government levels. Employees are tired of working for you too - and good employees will leave companies that didn't treat them well during the past five years. Companies better understand what people want - they want to be heard and they want to matter - before it is too late.

What can you do? Make sure that you are heard. Make sure that you matter. And make sure that you listen to and acknowledge those in your life that matter most to you.

Once a leader, a person, a government or a business forgets to hear the people and show them that they matter, revolutions occur.

PEOPLE WANT TO BE HEARD AND WANT TO KNOW THAT THEY MATTER!