The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

Babies and kids are cute anywhere, but when you're stuck on a crowded bus at 7am they can be a particularly charming seat partner.

My good friend Edgar has devoted his life to serving others in a radical way. As a lifelong student of the revolution, saying he has a "commitment to community service" does not do it justice - I mean he's in DC on political asylum. Volunteering on Saturday mornings can be a commitment, but death threats from warlords are something else...

From listening to the man speak for hours on end, here's what I gather: the revolution he's fighting for isn't just for peace in his home country, but a complete upside down power structure from society as we know it. I'm talking give your riches away, share every single thing you've been given, forgive no matter what someone does to you, treat everyone like family and always, always find some way to serve creatively and with initiative.

He's particularly big on the serving part and one example I've heard him give at least three times this summer is to help people with their kids. He's mentioned small things like trying to help quiet a crying baby, to give the mother a break, etc...

Well, the revolution must be taking root on the bus, because I see people helping each other out with their kids all the time on the 54. This morning without being asked, the lady next to me dug through her purse to find a tissue, then gave it to the mom across the aisle to wipe her baby's stuffy nose. It's routine for men - young, old, drunk, in uniform, or with a cane- to help carry folded strollers off the bus so moms can quickly get off with their baby and bags. Even on the most crowded mornings people give up their seats so grandmothers and grandchildren can sit together. And almost everyone helps entertain the wee ones - peek-a-boo, dangling keychains, funny faces, whatever - so we can all have a pleasant ride.

I'm pretty sure the baby's are what keep the 54 violence free. Sometimes that bus is really hectic - it calms us all to see fat little faces, pig tails and booties aboard. But the bigger deal, is that no one has to ask for help with their kids on the bus; people take initiative and help where able. It doesn't sound radical, but I think it gives Edgar's revolution a grassroots, steady, yet stealth approach.