Sowing the Dragon’s Teeth
There are two stories concerning the Dragon’s teeth. It is said that the hero Cadmus killed the guardian of the Spring of Ares - a dragon. Under the advise of Athena he got the Dragon’s teeth and sowed them to the Earth. And from the Earth were the dragon teeth were planted rose fierce warriors called the Spartaoi. Cadmus threw a jewel or great beauty amongst the warriors and the Spartoi immediately began to fight among themselves to gain possession of precious rock. Only five warriors survived and they joined Cadmus to found the city of Thebes.
Later, Jason the Argonaut was challenged to sow dragon’s teeth and survive the brawl between the warriors. With the aid of Medea he was able to survive the battle between the Spartoi and claim the prize of the challenge the Golden Fleece.
I am reminded of dragon’s teeth whenever I read about political unrest in different countries like the Islamic Republic of Iran; previously in Venezuela with Hugo Chavez and in our own country - the Philippines.
Protests. Well will remain protests more often than not unless supported by a faction or two of the military establishment. There are exceptions like Mussolini’s march to Rome that led to his ascent to power. And as a reminder that it does not work all the time is Hitler’s Beer Hall Putsch - which tragically failed and led to the Nazi Party years later getting control of the government legally. Of course there is Gandhi’s protest and a host of others.
A look at recent events from Venezuela, Philippines and Thailand. Street protests can work but not all the time. The State: The Government in power: the political caste is propped up by the military caste. Unless, support is withdrawn the State and its Political Elite will survive.
Even sanctions and condemnations of other countries will be of minimal help - against a State that has opted to wait out the siege and suppress the protestors.
But if it does so with repression then the dragon’s teeth would have been planted and soon if not later the fierce warriors will spring up to do battle. But they will come.
