The number one issue we face . . .

[CSummer]

The number one issue we face is our lack of togetherness - both inward and outward -
and the sense of powerlessness (conscious or not) that so often arises from it.


Coming from feeling powerless and dis-connected, we live by giving power and
responsibility to unknown others in order to get our needs met. The result is vast
concentration of power - leading to both abuse and unwise use of that power.
(It is actually our power, but we give control over it to others.)


This intra- and inter-personal dis-integration is what I see as the core of the illness
that keeps our social evolution stuck in a holding pattern. It is also the level on which
we have the most power to begin creating a society that works well for all of humanity
and for the natural world.

[zenekar]

The number one issue we face is our lack of togetherness - both inward and outward -
and the sense of powerlessness (conscious or not) that so often arises from it.


Coming from feeling powerless and dis-connected, we live by giving power and
responsibility to unknown others in order to get our needs met. The result is vast
concentration of power - leading to both abuse and unwise use of that power.
(It is actually our power, but we give control over it to others.)


This intra- and inter-personal dis-integration is what I see as the core of the illness
that keeps our social evolution stuck in a holding pattern. It is also the level on which
we have the most power to begin creating a society that works well for all of humanity
and for the natural world.

This was precisely the reason for the tent community of OWS and throughout the US -- to build relationships, communicate about what we have in common as the 99%. This is a threat to the 1% which benefits from keeping us divided. Witness how quickly and brutally the tent communities were destroyed.

So, lets get to know our neighbors, step outside our comfort zones, listen to the stories of those who are not like you, learn about our common humanity.

Related: Noam Chomsky on Arab Spring, American Winter
https://www.une.edu/cgh/video/archiv...3238BDC3115C59

[Iolchan]

CSummer wrote:

The number one issue we face is our lack of togetherness - both inward and outward -
and the sense of powerlessness (conscious or not) that so often arises from it.


Coming from feeling powerless and dis-connected, we live by giving power and
responsibility to unknown others in order to get our needs met. The result is vast
concentration of power - leading to both abuse and unwise use of that power.
(It is actually our power, but we give control over it to others.)


This intra- and inter-personal dis-integration is what I see as the core of the illness
that keeps our social evolution stuck in a holding pattern. It is also the level on which
we have the most power to begin creating a society that works well for all of humanity
and for the natural world.

It's an old story - and we all know, and can readily repeat the old Roman axiom, "Divide and Conquer = Divide and Rule." Yet, here we are, each within his/her own sandbox of poverty; isolated and separate.

[CSummer]

Yet, also, here we are, always with the option to come together in mutual support - even before a crisis strikes.
Is it not our choice to be divided, when - coming from a sense of powerlessness - we look to the powerful
to provide our necessities? Do we not have the choice to look to each other instead?

You're right, though, it is an old story. I keep thinking there must be some out there who are ready to write a new one.
I don't think we need to wait for "them" to give us permission - or for some great leader to follow; we can just do it!

(If there's something I'm missing here, please let me know.)

It's an old story - and we all know, and can readily repeat the old Roman axiom, "Divide and Conquer = Divide and Rule." Yet, here we are, each within his/her own sandbox of poverty; isolated and separate.

[handy]

Yet, also, here we are, always with the option to come together in mutual support - even before a crisis strikes.
Is it not our choice to be divided, when - coming from a sense of powerlessness - we look to the powerful
to provide our necessities? Do we not have the choice to look to each other instead?

You're right, though, it is an old story. I keep thinking there must be some out there who are ready to write a new one.
I don't think we need to wait for "them" to give us permission - or for some great leader to follow; we can just do it!

(If there's something I'm missing here, please let me know.)

Clint, Mark, Attila,
The Butler Shaffer essay I posted to Nat'l Politics is pertinent to this conversation, too.
https://lewrockwell.com/shaffer/shaffer247.html
Enjoy.
Best regards,
Bruce