Happy Holidaze. Is your life looking up? Or have you been down so long it all looks like up? It seems not much is shifting the balance for the better. People want to blame the president, the Democrats, the Republicans and soon, maybe St. Nick. Sorry, it’s our fault. We elected every one of our “leaders.”
It’s just another symptom of what’s going on around our home planet. Governments have fallen and changed. Do you know why? The populace wants democracy and the opportunity for more freedom but ultimately lives of meaning, value and even joy. The Occupy Movement is going through its own evolution, challenged to find its collective voice and message.
I’ve written before that global systems, social structures and the global economy are breaking down because they are not working. And they are not working because they are not sustainable. They are not sustainable because you can’t keep giving a break to the most wealthy at the same time decreasing benefits to the most needy. We must collectively co-create a society and, especially now, an economy that works for all. (Even President Obama agrees.)
Is the universe stagnant? No, it’s in constant development on its own evolutionary journey. I’ve also written before that our planet is in flux, and climate change is only a part of our future existence. We can’t deny there’s a point of no return and solutions of the past will not work, just as you can’t get a dead horse to get up by kicking it. Creative thinking with innovative solutions is required.
The human race is an incredible mixture of differences. That in itself is a treasure trove of valuable experience and understanding that offers benefits to all. Every one of us is unique and has something to contribute. Isn’t it fair to say that everyone needs and deserves the basic necessities of food, clothing, shelter, medical care and education? So is it fair to deny these to anyone?
We are a planet of communities, be they familial, cultural, religious, political, educational, scientific, geographical, etc., or just our own neighborhoods. Many overlap, but in all we find identity, even inspiration, but most importantly connections and a sense of belonging to something bigger and greater than ourselves. And ultimately support and collective survival, if all else fails. Remember to love your fellow humans and all life.
Richard Bisbee is a member of Sustainable Edmonds but his views are his own.
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