I want to thank everyone for their comments here. I woke at 3 and saw the news that Trump will win and that apparently republicans will take both houses. The ramifications of this will affect the world. I don't know what my future as a writer looks like at this point, that may take some time to figure out. The freedoms we have enjoyed are about to be lost. I don't think we can underestimate the devastation about to come. This essay from The Guardian well expresses what I see. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/nov/06/trump-wins-election-consequences-despair-america
Geoffrey Deihl is deeply on my wavelength -- his ideas and the being thinking them. When you read this, I’d trust you’d wouldn’t need much encouragement to subscribe to him.
That the corporations and the billionaires are what have us stuck, and that degrowth is essential for our survival, are his pillars. Forces beyond us have to deal with the oligarchy, but for degrowth we need a cooperative humanity, and looking to become that is my addition to the soup we all are in together..
This morning, I'm just wrapping my head around what has taken place. We're moving into a real life Hand Maid's Tale now. Just talking to your neighbor will be dangerous, and the already weak media will become state propaganda. I have often pointed out to readers my words could become dangerous to me, now they have. Harris felt like she could be influenced, but there will be no influencing the new regime. I'll likely keep writing, at least for a while. Trump will focus on bigger adversaries than me for a while, although I've encountered some trolls here recently that could be ratty.
We're on a terrible path now. We either fight the tyranny or look the other way and become participants. The lessons of Nazi Germany are sadly applicable here.
Thanks for the cross-post, and yes we all need to hold each other up.
I feel your fatigue Geoff. We are all so tired. And you know why... because when you expend consistent, continuous (or continual, as the case may be) energy on something as critical and global in scope as the environmental and socioeconomic issues of our times, for years on end, rather than nourishing joy in pursuing a profession or field of study of your choosing, it naturally grates against your very being and demands of you more than what naturally replenishes you.
And that is also why those in power relish being there. That is why those in power seem to have unbounded energy. Because they do. They already live and breathe what drives and motivates them—they're not giving up their lives and money and time to fight for their beliefs and sense of justice. They're not fighting, not in the same way we are. They've already arrived.
That is profoundly insightful, Birgitte. I have never thought of the cost in that way, although have struggled my whole life with the exhaustion, always looking across the table at the other side who seem to have unbounded energy.
Yes Birgitte, you are correct, as are most of the overlapping comments to Geoffrey's article. I think I see a way to mitigate, even eradicate the damage caused by fight fatigue. I need a little time to consider how I might best offer something here. Peace, Maurice
I see what you mean Birgitte but I'm not sure I agree. Those in power have been driven there by their conditioning and whatever happened in their childhoods. Sometimes they have entitlement (as the number of prime ministers from Eton and Oxford show), sometimes they don't- some do actually have good intentions but end up selling their souls - as they must, they have to pay the ferryman to get into power. The also don't have real lives they're physically driven everywhere too! The rapid ageing that occurs on leaving power, when the drive and energy fades away, is telling of the toll it takes on the body.
As to 'fighting' for environmental issues online or at protests i think what drains the energy is attachment to the outcome. We say our truth, do what we do, but are not invested in the outcome, nor do we take it personally - we can't change other people, we have to accept that- and often when we do- the energy in the situation changes.
Our energy is replenished by the life force in us and by staying in the moment, not by achieving our goals.
You've expressed the essence of what my comment said, so I'm not so sure we disagree in principle, and I would add to that that the duality of agreeing/disagreeing is not as relevant as talking through it (something that the whole political system seems to miss, time and again). Regardless of how those in power arrived there, they still exert and exude a certain type, amount, and intensity of energy that, unless countered or redirected, will and does have material impact on us, or our communities.
I'm with you on the question of "attachment to the outcome." It is indeed a journey, a process, a holding of the present but also future moment. As the practice of martial arts teaches, you work in concert with the energies of your opponent—as well as those of your supporters or collaborators. What's critical is that you nourish and replenish your own so that you may survive, and make the right decisions and the right movements at the right time.
I like to think of it this way. None of it is a morality play, NONE of it. It's about our species' survival. Without realizing it (thanks, corporate media), most US citizens yearn for the same three evolutionary instincts and practices that industrial civilization has all but completely eliminated - stability, predictability and connection. At the moment, a vast array of vocabularies are being used to convey that yearning, so superficially different as to be unrecognizably similar at its source . Only if enough of us, on some level (probably not the one I'm using) 'recognize' the common thread of our universal angst will we stand a chance.
Hi Geoffrey. This excellent post has been forwarded to me by Suzanne Taylor. What leaps off the page is the concept of Fight Fatigue..... Which has set my mind racing, and EUREKA !... I suddenly realize that, at least for me, it's a question of mindset. ie:- whilst I too have fatigue issues - they are all Age and Health Related, Emphatically NOT from the fight for Our Planet. Au Contraire - It's the Fight that Actually Gives me the energy to Continue. As I sit writing now, the conundrums are surfacing.... So for the moment the best I can offer is this.... Decades ago I was a fan of David Carradine's Kung Fu Cowboy, do you know it ? The character survived conflict via mindset, more so than via martial art. The thought sank deep in to my reserves.... You have inspired me to dig the thought out again, to share with my readers, Many thanks, Maurice
Trump may have initially stood as a jokey prank for his ego- now he is a confused puppet. And he's going to win- here comes the Handmaid's Tale for America.
Hang in there, Geoff and everyone. I’m sure we all realize that, even if Trump and MAGA do not win this election, the real fight is just beginning. We HOPE that we’ve got another 4-year window to start fixing some of the deadly problems that both democracy and the planet face.
As always, beautifully said. And when you wake tomorrow you will face whatever the day serves you, because that is who you are. And who you are is why we are all here with you.
Right now I am consumed with anger and hatred. I have no idea what to do. All advice appreciated, but no platitudes, please. I already pray. I will soon buy a big baseball bat. I am happy to protect anyone facing violence. But I am 74, with a bad back.
That's a terrible place to be. I used to be consumed that way, I know what it feels like. I think most of us are looking for what to do. We face a fight on many fronts, and this election further erodes are trust in one and other. There are no easy answers, just the reality that we're going to have to fight as hard as we can. I was paralyzed yesterday, but the words are back this morning. I hope to provide some perspective, double down on suggestions I've made in the past, and generate new ideas from us working together. Together we can be emboldened and powerful. Alone, we feel overwhelmed. A good long, brisk walk might help temporarily if your back is up to it. BTW, your comment about collectively deserving this helped propel my thoughts, so give yourself some love.
Thank you, Ray THAT was very kind and welcome. Substack has a wide range of writers (many good ones), and so far I have only occasionally had to deal with trolls, but I weed them out when I have to. My primary subject has been climate change and overshoot, but talking about our troubled Democracy at this time also needs to be part of the conversation.
I want to thank everyone for their comments here. I woke at 3 and saw the news that Trump will win and that apparently republicans will take both houses. The ramifications of this will affect the world. I don't know what my future as a writer looks like at this point, that may take some time to figure out. The freedoms we have enjoyed are about to be lost. I don't think we can underestimate the devastation about to come. This essay from The Guardian well expresses what I see. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/nov/06/trump-wins-election-consequences-despair-america
Geoff -- Let's save the world now. We need to hold each other up now. You are on it like no other. How to get this widely seen?
Suzanne Taylor’s Now What? cross-posted a post from Sane Thoughts for Insane Times: https://geoffreydeihl.substack.com/p/will-the-corporatocracy-stand
Geoffrey Deihl is deeply on my wavelength -- his ideas and the being thinking them. When you read this, I’d trust you’d wouldn’t need much encouragement to subscribe to him.
That the corporations and the billionaires are what have us stuck, and that degrowth is essential for our survival, are his pillars. Forces beyond us have to deal with the oligarchy, but for degrowth we need a cooperative humanity, and looking to become that is my addition to the soup we all are in together..
This morning, I'm just wrapping my head around what has taken place. We're moving into a real life Hand Maid's Tale now. Just talking to your neighbor will be dangerous, and the already weak media will become state propaganda. I have often pointed out to readers my words could become dangerous to me, now they have. Harris felt like she could be influenced, but there will be no influencing the new regime. I'll likely keep writing, at least for a while. Trump will focus on bigger adversaries than me for a while, although I've encountered some trolls here recently that could be ratty.
We're on a terrible path now. We either fight the tyranny or look the other way and become participants. The lessons of Nazi Germany are sadly applicable here.
Thanks for the cross-post, and yes we all need to hold each other up.
Get it seen, yes, RE-restack the restacks of all such messages, support green indie media
I feel your fatigue Geoff. We are all so tired. And you know why... because when you expend consistent, continuous (or continual, as the case may be) energy on something as critical and global in scope as the environmental and socioeconomic issues of our times, for years on end, rather than nourishing joy in pursuing a profession or field of study of your choosing, it naturally grates against your very being and demands of you more than what naturally replenishes you.
And that is also why those in power relish being there. That is why those in power seem to have unbounded energy. Because they do. They already live and breathe what drives and motivates them—they're not giving up their lives and money and time to fight for their beliefs and sense of justice. They're not fighting, not in the same way we are. They've already arrived.
That is profoundly insightful, Birgitte. I have never thought of the cost in that way, although have struggled my whole life with the exhaustion, always looking across the table at the other side who seem to have unbounded energy.
Profound indeed Margi, yet it seems to me that we can reverse the energy flow. More soon, Maurice
Yes Birgitte, you are correct, as are most of the overlapping comments to Geoffrey's article. I think I see a way to mitigate, even eradicate the damage caused by fight fatigue. I need a little time to consider how I might best offer something here. Peace, Maurice
I see what you mean Birgitte but I'm not sure I agree. Those in power have been driven there by their conditioning and whatever happened in their childhoods. Sometimes they have entitlement (as the number of prime ministers from Eton and Oxford show), sometimes they don't- some do actually have good intentions but end up selling their souls - as they must, they have to pay the ferryman to get into power. The also don't have real lives they're physically driven everywhere too! The rapid ageing that occurs on leaving power, when the drive and energy fades away, is telling of the toll it takes on the body.
As to 'fighting' for environmental issues online or at protests i think what drains the energy is attachment to the outcome. We say our truth, do what we do, but are not invested in the outcome, nor do we take it personally - we can't change other people, we have to accept that- and often when we do- the energy in the situation changes.
Our energy is replenished by the life force in us and by staying in the moment, not by achieving our goals.
A valid and overlapping viewpoint Jo. A contribution to a discussion that needs taking further. Let restack to a wider audience. Peace, Maurice
You've expressed the essence of what my comment said, so I'm not so sure we disagree in principle, and I would add to that that the duality of agreeing/disagreeing is not as relevant as talking through it (something that the whole political system seems to miss, time and again). Regardless of how those in power arrived there, they still exert and exude a certain type, amount, and intensity of energy that, unless countered or redirected, will and does have material impact on us, or our communities.
I'm with you on the question of "attachment to the outcome." It is indeed a journey, a process, a holding of the present but also future moment. As the practice of martial arts teaches, you work in concert with the energies of your opponent—as well as those of your supporters or collaborators. What's critical is that you nourish and replenish your own so that you may survive, and make the right decisions and the right movements at the right time.
Very Buddhist.
Yes.
I like to think of it this way. None of it is a morality play, NONE of it. It's about our species' survival. Without realizing it (thanks, corporate media), most US citizens yearn for the same three evolutionary instincts and practices that industrial civilization has all but completely eliminated - stability, predictability and connection. At the moment, a vast array of vocabularies are being used to convey that yearning, so superficially different as to be unrecognizably similar at its source . Only if enough of us, on some level (probably not the one I'm using) 'recognize' the common thread of our universal angst will we stand a chance.
Hi Geoffrey. This excellent post has been forwarded to me by Suzanne Taylor. What leaps off the page is the concept of Fight Fatigue..... Which has set my mind racing, and EUREKA !... I suddenly realize that, at least for me, it's a question of mindset. ie:- whilst I too have fatigue issues - they are all Age and Health Related, Emphatically NOT from the fight for Our Planet. Au Contraire - It's the Fight that Actually Gives me the energy to Continue. As I sit writing now, the conundrums are surfacing.... So for the moment the best I can offer is this.... Decades ago I was a fan of David Carradine's Kung Fu Cowboy, do you know it ? The character survived conflict via mindset, more so than via martial art. The thought sank deep in to my reserves.... You have inspired me to dig the thought out again, to share with my readers, Many thanks, Maurice
Trump may have initially stood as a jokey prank for his ego- now he is a confused puppet. And he's going to win- here comes the Handmaid's Tale for America.
Lavrov made some interesting remarks about America's future role in the multipolar world- it won't be a big one. https://karlof1.substack.com/p/lavrovs-important-post-brics-summit
But like you say, Trump will accelerate all of us towards the cliff, right over it and beyond.
Hang in there, Geoff and everyone. I’m sure we all realize that, even if Trump and MAGA do not win this election, the real fight is just beginning. We HOPE that we’ve got another 4-year window to start fixing some of the deadly problems that both democracy and the planet face.
Bravo.
As always, beautifully said. And when you wake tomorrow you will face whatever the day serves you, because that is who you are. And who you are is why we are all here with you.
Right now I am consumed with anger and hatred. I have no idea what to do. All advice appreciated, but no platitudes, please. I already pray. I will soon buy a big baseball bat. I am happy to protect anyone facing violence. But I am 74, with a bad back.
That's a terrible place to be. I used to be consumed that way, I know what it feels like. I think most of us are looking for what to do. We face a fight on many fronts, and this election further erodes are trust in one and other. There are no easy answers, just the reality that we're going to have to fight as hard as we can. I was paralyzed yesterday, but the words are back this morning. I hope to provide some perspective, double down on suggestions I've made in the past, and generate new ideas from us working together. Together we can be emboldened and powerful. Alone, we feel overwhelmed. A good long, brisk walk might help temporarily if your back is up to it. BTW, your comment about collectively deserving this helped propel my thoughts, so give yourself some love.
Write on!
I'm new here, and the kindness at the heart of your discussion has me hooked already. I hope I'm not so late as to miss the best of Geoff.
Thank you, Ray THAT was very kind and welcome. Substack has a wide range of writers (many good ones), and so far I have only occasionally had to deal with trolls, but I weed them out when I have to. My primary subject has been climate change and overshoot, but talking about our troubled Democracy at this time also needs to be part of the conversation.
Restack, forward, crosspost, share,