You do make an interesting point here. I presume you are asserting we are entering something of a pre-revolutionary period. I agree, this is possible, but I am not by any means sold on it. As of now, most of the zeal for change is really only on the right. Yes, much of the public is angry or disappointed, but there just isn't any real evidence they have turned against the social welfare state. Far too many conservatives spend a bit too much time in the "echo chamber" and overestimate the power of the energized right/Tea Party, and badly underestimate, quite frankly, how far gone much of the American public really is. Perhaps a majority now are wedded to big government and it will be a long process turning this around in my opinion. You'd be right if the entire system as we know it is about to collapse, but I really don't see that in the cards. Then again, who knows...
Bingo !! Very astute observation.....because that is my premise exactly. Our present welfare state is out of money and will collapse. And the failed attempts to save it are what is driving the coming revolution.
Great historical events just don't happen because people see a better way or make some intellectual determination. They happen because the existing paradigm changes. And people demand a massive shift in the way society is structured.
The mass of people in 1760 America were quite happy being British subjects. But in 15 yrs the equilibrium was changed as the British went broke from it's wars and tried to raise revenue in the colonies. And the colonists said no.
In 1850 nobody wanted Civil War but in 10 yrs the equilibrium changed when the slave states wanted to expand slavery in the new states. And the North said no.
Most Americans 5 yrs ago never questioned the existence of the safety net welfare state put into place by FDR and subsequent presidents. But in order to try to save it the equilibrium as been changed with huge spending and take overs of private businesses. And more and more Americans are saying no. The sides are being drawn up as pro and anti doing business as usual or refusing to save a dying system.