.png)
As a community, or for now a collective, we occupy a space we call home. Why we ended up at this venue, I know not. Seems we were all searching for a respite. A sanctuary city where we could find temporary relief. I’m thinking maybe a more permanent home? Unlikely? Those are stories for a later date. All I know about the world it is in a state of disintegration. The rule of law that once held humanity afloat now coming undone. Our Founding Fathers concluded our social experiment would crumble because we would lack sufficient intellectual capacity and then ultimately experience diminished virtues. There would be way too many competing belief systems incapable of mutual accommodation. Historically, political organizations, governments bailed in a few hundred years. The United States, as a Republic, seems to have maxed out after 250 years. Broken. Feels like a garden left unattended, where weeds are now in charge.
It is not just us, ignored global issues unaddressable have added unwanted species to our garden. Problems talked about while avoiding centralized solutions leading to our demise.
At the turn of this century the mantra “It’s the economy, stupid.” Wrong. It’s math, stupid. The result of an increasing world population, that directly impacts poverty, climate change, food insecurity, current and future pandemics, health care, mental health, disinformation, corruption, authoritarianism, unfettered technology, less than/more than, too much/not enough.
People.
1950 2,556,000,531
1960 3,039,451,023
1970 3,706,618,163
1980 4,453,831,714
1990 5,278,639,789
2000 6,082,966,429
2010 6,956,823,603
2020 7,794,798,739
2030 8,548,487,000
2040 9,198,847,000
2050 9,735,034,000
2060 10,257,920,000
We could blame our current circumstances on climate change, territorial disputes, religious dogma, nationalism, or a lack of basics, or an innate need to survive one more day. The causes are many and this cooperative moment exists tentatively, provisionally. Look around, what do we see? Fear, frustration, anger, certainly fatigue. We scoff, Mother Nature is correcting us, redirecting us, but the truth be told, from the beginning of time, Mother Nature has sought to remove us, and Father Time is along for the ride. Pick your venom. Invasive plants taking over our turf.
Everyone has a story.
Best guess our numbers fluctuate between ninety to as many as a hundred-thirty-five. We have an unspoken understanding to maintain civility. We put aside likes and dislikes. This is an authentic version of survivor, except we cannot kick anyone, for now, off the “island.” Actually, we can (and do) in a more permanent fashion. Everyday seekers stand at our “front door” seeking access. A few permitted in, those with needed talents. Medical knowledge, horticulture, husbandry, carpentry, security, cooks, crooks,… “agronomist.” Others, sorry, move along. All entrance points guarded. All guards are armed and willing to defend. Sneak in? Quickly removed!
There are tasks to be accomplished, and although there is a palpable attitude, everyone works for the greater good. How long this will last is questionable, but let’s be clear, it’s us against them, and those others surround us will seek us out.
What did I bring to the table? My contribution? Hell if I know.
Comments