Pondering the history of revolution

Happy Bastille Day. The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1889 was a major symbolic turning point in the French Revolution. While it held only seven prisoners at the time of the attack, the Bastille had once held numerous political prisoners condemned by royal decree, and symbolized the absolute power of King Louis XVI.

The French Revolution is notorious for devolving into the Reign of Terror. This is used to support the reactionary argument that absolute democracy always leads to horrible abuses. I think it's more accurate to say that, just as there are sincere people who are bigots, there are evildoers who seem quite willing and capable of manipulating good causes to their own purposes. It is also true that empire-builders are quite able to use the trappings of democracy to justify their actions. Like the United States, France has its own history of imperialism and colonialism.

Today, Bastille Day is the French national holiday. But the French don't call it that, they call it le 14 juillet. This holiday is celebrated not only in France, but also in the United States. Is this a sign that US citizens are eager once again to work toward social justice and the ideals of liberty, equality, and sisterhood? Or is it just an indication that Americans are always eager for an excuse to go on a bender?

I remain hopeful of the possibility of an egalitarian future, but it's going to take a lot of hard work to get there.