I can testify by personal experience that those in power NEVER cede it by their own choosing. The idealistic optimist in me always believes that people like us can make a difference in the world but the pragmatist in me sees the reality of the obstacles that stand in the way.

The video above sees that reality and makes fun of it but do we who believe otherwise really have the collective power to change it? How long does the sting of muting our voices last before we give up and go about our business? Net neutrality is a big deal for guys like me who want to bring our innovations to market, but at the end of the day, I’m still dependent on money guys who wouldn’t be in business for too long if they go against the powers that be.

Take again the example of trying to create positive change in the transportation industry. From Teslamotors to Zap to the publicity of “Who Killed the Electric Car?”, it seems that the EV revolution will actually happen again, or will it? Does it really have the muscle to rise above the Ethanol BS that the general public buys hook, line and sinker?

Sure, the information is more prolific in the connection age, but does information really change minds? Especially the minds of those who have the most to lose? Doesn’t education really just enforce ones own point of view more than anything else? How else do you explain educated terrorists?

Think about it.

The only way I know to unseat the powers that be to the greater good is to hit ‘em where it hurts most...the pocketbook! Perhaps the alternatives and info being present is nothing more than an opportunity at that. The idealist in me would like to vote with my pocketbook in that direction, but the pragmatist needs to move on...I think the pragmatist needs a serious ass kicking, what do you say? Maybe there is hope for idealists after all...