History: Cycle of Increasing Rule Making Until Revolt

Imagine: Armed thugs descend. You’re under arrest. For what? You’ve broken an obscure law in Azerbaijan by saying you, as an American, don’t like your American president. Sound crazy? Meet the new Cybercrime Treaty which requires that the U.S. government help enforce other countries’ “cybercrime” laws – even if the act being prosecuted is not illegal in the United States.

This treaty sounds like it could easily be twisted and used crookedly. Anyway, it’s a scummy move if that assessment is true. In any case, it makes me angry to think about there being a law against just about everything, eventually, because rule makers are detached from reality or are seeking undue power.

The historical cycle of excess rule making, control, and revolt is a recurring pattern that has repeated in various societies throughout history. This cycle is characterized by a gradual increase in rule making and control by those in power, leading to a point where the population feels oppressed and rebels against the excessive regulations and control.

1. Excess Rule Making: The cycle typically begins with a society facing a problem or crisis that prompts leaders to create new rules and regulations in an attempt to address the issue. These rules are often well-intentioned and aimed at maintaining social order, protecting the interests of the ruling class, or resolving societal problems.

2. Control: As the number of rules and regulations increases, those in power begin to exert more control over the population. This can manifest in various forms, such as stricter enforcement of existing laws, increased surveillance, and curtailment of individual freedoms. The ruling class may enact harsh penalties for non-compliance and establish mechanisms to maintain their dominance.

3. Oppression and Discontent: Over time, the excessive rule making and control start to lead to feelings of oppression among the general population. The increasing restrictions on personal freedoms, the focus on conformity, and the excessive use of power by the ruling class often result in a growing sense of discontent and frustration.

4. Revolt: Eventually, the discontent reaches a tipping point, leading to rebellion and revolt against the ruling regime. This can take various forms, including protests, uprisings, or even revolutions. The population seeks to overthrow or replace the ruling class in an attempt to regain their lost freedoms and control over their own lives.

5. New Order: Following a successful revolt, a new order is established, promising to address the grievances of the population and restore a more balanced system of governance. However, without careful evaluation and vigilance, this new order can once again fall into the cycle of excess rule making and control, perpetuating the cycle.

Examples of this cycle can be seen throughout history. The French Revolution in the late 18th century was triggered by excessive burdens imposed on the lower classes by an oppressive monarchy and an unresponsive aristocracy. The Russian Revolution in 1917 was a response to the autocratic rule of the Tsar and the exploitation of the working class. More recent examples include the Arab Spring uprisings, where populations revolted against oppressive regimes and demanded greater political freedoms.

In conclusion, the historical cycle of excess rule making, control, and revolt is a pattern that has repeated itself in societies across different periods. While rule making and control are necessary elements of any functioning society, excessive measures can lead to oppression and civilian unrest. It is important for societies to strike a balance between regulations and individual freedoms to prevent this cycle from perpetuating.