A Perfect Storm
I wrote this seven years ago, and it appears in my new book. Seems more relevant than ever.
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What is the responsible thing to do when you sense imminent danger? Should you make other people aware of it even if you don’t know what they should do? I think so. If you see a tornado forming, you should send out the alarm even though you can’t tell each person and family exactly what they should do.
Well, I sense that a perfect storm is brewing, not only involving climate chaos but political, economic, cultural and social chaos as well. I wish it were not true. I hope that it doesn’t happen. But, I think that I have sighted a hurricane heading our way. Look out. Prepare. Act. Care for self and others.
Climate chaos is headed our way with mega-storms, floods, droughts and fires. The oceans are dying of rapid acidification. Ice caps and glaciers are melting and will flood coastlines and islands. Food production will be reduced. And so on. What to do? How to prepare? How to stop further environmental degradation and suffering? We know that we must stop burning fossil fuels. But will we? Just say yes.
Political chaos is headed our way with government shutdowns, unlimited campaign contributions, gerrymandering and more filibusters. And so on. What to do? How to prepare? How to stop further degeneration of democratic institutions? We know that we must have government by, for and of the people. But will we? Just say yes.
Economic chaos is headed our way with possible defaulting on the debt, possible currency devaluation, increased joblessness, more toxic investments and bubbles. And so on. What to do? How to prepare? How to stop further collapse of the economic system? We know that we must have an economy that is fair and provides a living wage for all the people. But will we? Just say yes.
Cultural chaos is headed our way with increased fear, hysteria and hatred of women and people of different races, religions or sexual orientation. And so on. What to do? How to prepare? How to stop further deterioration of the fabric of trust and respect? We know that we must have a vibrant culture of dialogue and diversity. But will we? Just say yes.
Social chaos is headed our way with attacks on health care reform and quality and affordable education for all of our children and youth. And so on. What to do? How to prepare? How to stop further unraveling of our social fabric of care for all the people? We know that we must strengthen our social contract and ensure a decent and happy life for all the people. But will we? Just say yes.
What does “yes” look like? How do we speak, live and do the “yes”?
There is a big difference between this perfect storm and a hurricane. In this case we the people can affect many of the outcomes, whether for good or ill, whether short lived or long term. Yes, let's.