Despite vast obliviousness and denial, more and more people are becoming aware that society has gone off track and deep change is needed.Among those who recognize that we need to transition to something different, the question frequently asked (often by readers of this Substack) is: What is our strategy? How do we get there?
I'm late to my own party here, where you can imagine how surprised I was to find myself a host of sorts. And, how pleased I was with what’s a demonstration of the advocacy that got me pointed to here, for people who are outside the box to think together.
We are going from paralysis after Trump got in again, to where we’re mad enough to not take it anymore and are looking for what to do in a zeitgeist where we’re confronting humanity's annihilation.
My Substack tomorrow is looking to some more mobilization, much of which is like what you’re doing, hooking up the ideas of others. (I'm popping this into it!) With no leadership among the powerful to get us moving in a life-giving direction, maybe it’s what the universe has in mind for our evolutionary process, where us chickens have to wake up, rather than follow anyone, to become a force for change. In that scenario, we might even thank Trump for warping things so far beyond where life is tolerable that a massive awakening to being a cooperative species instead of a warlike one ensues.
Something is stirring in the land, and I feel the rumble here!
"I'm late to my own party here" — Perhaps you're a little late, but I'm always impressed with how well you keep up and how much you reach out. In this, you set a much better example than I'm capable of. I'm hoping that your "best of the best" initiative will help me stay more current with the articles from aware writers that you and your followers track.
Thank you! While we take on dynamic sociopolitical and economic roles and leadership, one thing I recommend is to avoid reading, and most importantly, using"rage bait." Many major news organizations and social media platforms use it to engage people in rage, anger, and fear, which creates higher ratings and more advertising revenue. Robert Reich just wrote an interesting article about this. Rage-bait is just a disinformation arm of capitalism. Instead, let's create positive, solution-oriented approaches that most people are begging for, rather than being led into the cynical and nihilistic rabbit hole of darkness. Advocate for worker-led movements, focus on influencing political and economic policy rather than just promoting products, invest in local and cooperative initiatives, educate communities, organize efforts, and keep reinforcing these actions in your neighbourhoods, towns, and cities.
What comes to my mind, sorting out especially the last 11 months in this country, is that one person can't handle that much power responsibly, and should not be allowed to. Perhaps a small group or council of wise, compassionate people could lead this nation where it needs to go. But we are a long way from that at this point. To me, the two-party system isn't working. We have a few people right now in government that are leading with integrity, that cannot be bought. The rest are compromised by greed, agreements they shouldn't have made, party alliances, obligations that tie their hands. I like the idea of voting for one's top 3 or 5 choices, and working out a system that makes that concept work. I know that there are many in this country who seek to make this world a better place, to help each other, and that know the importance of service. That is a strength we can rely on, encourage, and possibly reward in some way. And we have to think about the whole planet, all the people, the whole environment in which we live, not just our nation. I agree deep change is needed. Let's keep thinking, acting, moving in a peaceful, supportive way. It all seems overwhelming. Maybe there is a way to break this up into components, such as human rights and dignity, economic parity, finding a way to contribute to healing our environment, utilizing our resources differently, raising future generations. I'm sure there are more well-thought out ways to organize and work together.
There is much in this comment that I deeply appreciate. You've packed so much into this comment.
In addition to people working in their respective spheres -- human rights, environment, economic parity -- there's also need for them to join these efforts into a unified whole.
You observe that "there are many in this country who seek to make this world a better place, to help each other, and that know the importance of service." The problem with our current system is that it rarely brings this type of person into governing positions but favors those who are opportunitic. This is a major flaw that needs to be fixed.
You assert that "we have to think about the whole planet, all the people, the whole environment in which we live, not just our nation." This is, indeed, the only way forward for humanity. All other paths have deadendings.
Absolutely fantastic, Mr. Logan! It seems right now, we're in the 'chanting' phase and it is important to move forward with ideological education. That is important to me because I know people are wanting something so much better than what they are experiencing right now. The protests keep growing and getting louder. If we laid out how economic democracy would be the something so much better and why, people would know what it was and know that was what they wanted but couldn't put into words. Something I am starting to realize is that many that I talk to are beginning to grow tired and weary of the constant chaos. Some have said that it is too late and nothing will change. They will be the challenge. To show them that our country is ready and can change for something better. Something that will benefit ALL Americans. I have already posted your article, Mr. Logan, and I am anxious to see how this is going to unfold. It is my hope many will begin to discuss economic democracy in whatever forum they attend. I would also hope that a really good journalist/artist would be able to put together a pamphlet along the lines of what you have laid out concerning economic democracy and how it could be achieved. The information could be passed out and anyone reading it could be directed to someone they can contact if they have questions or need clarification. As far as candidates go, I am going to write questions that I want to ask any candidate that is running. Those questions will help me determine if that candidate understands economic democracy and will work, if elected, to achieve it. Thank you, Mr. Logan. I appreciate the hard work you do to help people understand there is a better way.
You write "Something I am starting to realize is that many that I talk to are beginning to grow tired and weary of the constant chaos. Some have said that it is too late and nothing will change. They will be the challenge."
I agree. This is why on the Crisis and Transition Substack our articles always lend toward positive solutions. In addition to those who are weary there are those who have become rage addicted. We need for people to be hope addicted. Hope helps give our minds vitality.
Even though I know what you are saying is absolutely true, I am having a hard time engaging those who are so tired and weary! They just put their hands up and tell me they do not want to hear any more about what is happening in our government! They want to just live their lives which I do understand. I try to point out what kind of life it will be if the man in the White House has total control! It is difficult to get them to move past their antipathy! Those who have become rage addicted will listen and engage; however, many of them want to see everyone in this government arrested and thrown in jail! I cling to hope every single day and that is what helps me continue to work hard for change. I will keep talking. I believe we are headed to a better future. Maybe not in my lifetime as I am in my "sunset" years! Thank you for all that you do, Mr. Logan! I do appreciate you!
Yes, many don't have the psychic vitality or position to be responsive. Some are worn down or feeling defeated, some are fatalistic, some are too individualistic and without a social conscience, some have too many responsibilities to have much left over for social concerns. This is all natural. What's important at this stage is to be making connections -- as you are doing -- with those who want to bring change. As conditions worsen, and they will, many more will be personally effected to an extent that they will be motivated to get involved.
There will be no let up for me, Mr. Logan. I will continue to engage with neighbors, friends and family and spread information about economic democracy and the kind of change that will benefit everyone. Thank you for the information you provide.
I find the phrase “we, the people” a key ingredient in creating the catalyst for leadership and structure needed to accomplish the changes we need. I am struck by the fact that politicians are good at telling people what they want to hear when seeking to be elected, but when elected, they fail to act on the priorities of “we, the people”. We have the power at the ballot box, but we lose it once the politicians are in office. In order to accomplish change, we should strengthen our ability to hold our elected officials accountable.
The main problem, I believe, is that "we the people" becomes somewhat theoretical when there are giant corporations and uber-rich individuals whose influence on government vastly outweighs that of "we the people".
Which is why this Substack promotes economic democracy. When "we the people" extends to the economic sphere then we will see it blossom in the political sphere.
But since we are stuck with we the people as the only source for change, how to get our act together to become a force in the system we have, where there's no economic democracy, is a conversation to be having.
My thesis is that the Overton Window is shifting such that economic democracy type ideas — and a new story of the universe — will become more of a force. Already, I see thinking along these lines in things being said by Robert Reich and Zohran Mamdani.
It is the work of the influencers, such as yourself, to build the currency of new paradigm thinking.
I 100% agree with you, Martha. I was telling another commenter on a different substack how I feel every single candidate that is elected must be required to have an advisory council in their district made up of republicans, independents and democrats. This council will keep constituents advised on what and how their elected candidate is doing. Also, this council would keep the candidate informed as to the issues and concerns among his/her constituency. I feel that right now transparency and accountability are an absolute MUST for every single politician that gets voted into office. By having republicans, independents and democrats on that council, ALL of that candidate's constituency will be represented and will have a voice. The elected candidate will need to know and understand that we want bipartisanship in our government with no one party running roughshod over the rest.
All the good ideas here bring to mind a verse I've quoted for years as I've tried to fill the bill, all the while wishing it would be taken up by a more powerful auspice:
Here's today's Substack, Ronald, with this in it!
My money for your life
A WHAT TO DO Movement
https://suzannetaylor.substack.com/p/my-money-for-your-life
Yes, I've already taken a first look at it. Plan to go through it again. Thanks for the mention of Crisis and Transition. Very gracious of you.
I'm late to my own party here, where you can imagine how surprised I was to find myself a host of sorts. And, how pleased I was with what’s a demonstration of the advocacy that got me pointed to here, for people who are outside the box to think together.
We are going from paralysis after Trump got in again, to where we’re mad enough to not take it anymore and are looking for what to do in a zeitgeist where we’re confronting humanity's annihilation.
My Substack tomorrow is looking to some more mobilization, much of which is like what you’re doing, hooking up the ideas of others. (I'm popping this into it!) With no leadership among the powerful to get us moving in a life-giving direction, maybe it’s what the universe has in mind for our evolutionary process, where us chickens have to wake up, rather than follow anyone, to become a force for change. In that scenario, we might even thank Trump for warping things so far beyond where life is tolerable that a massive awakening to being a cooperative species instead of a warlike one ensues.
Something is stirring in the land, and I feel the rumble here!
"I'm late to my own party here" — Perhaps you're a little late, but I'm always impressed with how well you keep up and how much you reach out. In this, you set a much better example than I'm capable of. I'm hoping that your "best of the best" initiative will help me stay more current with the articles from aware writers that you and your followers track.
Thank you! While we take on dynamic sociopolitical and economic roles and leadership, one thing I recommend is to avoid reading, and most importantly, using"rage bait." Many major news organizations and social media platforms use it to engage people in rage, anger, and fear, which creates higher ratings and more advertising revenue. Robert Reich just wrote an interesting article about this. Rage-bait is just a disinformation arm of capitalism. Instead, let's create positive, solution-oriented approaches that most people are begging for, rather than being led into the cynical and nihilistic rabbit hole of darkness. Advocate for worker-led movements, focus on influencing political and economic policy rather than just promoting products, invest in local and cooperative initiatives, educate communities, organize efforts, and keep reinforcing these actions in your neighbourhoods, towns, and cities.
Oxford University Press word of the year: "rage bait".
https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/rage-bait-named-oxford-university-press-word-year-outrage-fuels-social-rcna246745
Excellent article! On my way to work and no time for further comment now, but I am waking out the door feeling a bit inspired. Thank you.
What comes to my mind, sorting out especially the last 11 months in this country, is that one person can't handle that much power responsibly, and should not be allowed to. Perhaps a small group or council of wise, compassionate people could lead this nation where it needs to go. But we are a long way from that at this point. To me, the two-party system isn't working. We have a few people right now in government that are leading with integrity, that cannot be bought. The rest are compromised by greed, agreements they shouldn't have made, party alliances, obligations that tie their hands. I like the idea of voting for one's top 3 or 5 choices, and working out a system that makes that concept work. I know that there are many in this country who seek to make this world a better place, to help each other, and that know the importance of service. That is a strength we can rely on, encourage, and possibly reward in some way. And we have to think about the whole planet, all the people, the whole environment in which we live, not just our nation. I agree deep change is needed. Let's keep thinking, acting, moving in a peaceful, supportive way. It all seems overwhelming. Maybe there is a way to break this up into components, such as human rights and dignity, economic parity, finding a way to contribute to healing our environment, utilizing our resources differently, raising future generations. I'm sure there are more well-thought out ways to organize and work together.
There is much in this comment that I deeply appreciate. You've packed so much into this comment.
In addition to people working in their respective spheres -- human rights, environment, economic parity -- there's also need for them to join these efforts into a unified whole.
You observe that "there are many in this country who seek to make this world a better place, to help each other, and that know the importance of service." The problem with our current system is that it rarely brings this type of person into governing positions but favors those who are opportunitic. This is a major flaw that needs to be fixed.
You assert that "we have to think about the whole planet, all the people, the whole environment in which we live, not just our nation." This is, indeed, the only way forward for humanity. All other paths have deadendings.
Absolutely fantastic, Mr. Logan! It seems right now, we're in the 'chanting' phase and it is important to move forward with ideological education. That is important to me because I know people are wanting something so much better than what they are experiencing right now. The protests keep growing and getting louder. If we laid out how economic democracy would be the something so much better and why, people would know what it was and know that was what they wanted but couldn't put into words. Something I am starting to realize is that many that I talk to are beginning to grow tired and weary of the constant chaos. Some have said that it is too late and nothing will change. They will be the challenge. To show them that our country is ready and can change for something better. Something that will benefit ALL Americans. I have already posted your article, Mr. Logan, and I am anxious to see how this is going to unfold. It is my hope many will begin to discuss economic democracy in whatever forum they attend. I would also hope that a really good journalist/artist would be able to put together a pamphlet along the lines of what you have laid out concerning economic democracy and how it could be achieved. The information could be passed out and anyone reading it could be directed to someone they can contact if they have questions or need clarification. As far as candidates go, I am going to write questions that I want to ask any candidate that is running. Those questions will help me determine if that candidate understands economic democracy and will work, if elected, to achieve it. Thank you, Mr. Logan. I appreciate the hard work you do to help people understand there is a better way.
You write "Something I am starting to realize is that many that I talk to are beginning to grow tired and weary of the constant chaos. Some have said that it is too late and nothing will change. They will be the challenge."
I agree. This is why on the Crisis and Transition Substack our articles always lend toward positive solutions. In addition to those who are weary there are those who have become rage addicted. We need for people to be hope addicted. Hope helps give our minds vitality.
Even though I know what you are saying is absolutely true, I am having a hard time engaging those who are so tired and weary! They just put their hands up and tell me they do not want to hear any more about what is happening in our government! They want to just live their lives which I do understand. I try to point out what kind of life it will be if the man in the White House has total control! It is difficult to get them to move past their antipathy! Those who have become rage addicted will listen and engage; however, many of them want to see everyone in this government arrested and thrown in jail! I cling to hope every single day and that is what helps me continue to work hard for change. I will keep talking. I believe we are headed to a better future. Maybe not in my lifetime as I am in my "sunset" years! Thank you for all that you do, Mr. Logan! I do appreciate you!
Yes, many don't have the psychic vitality or position to be responsive. Some are worn down or feeling defeated, some are fatalistic, some are too individualistic and without a social conscience, some have too many responsibilities to have much left over for social concerns. This is all natural. What's important at this stage is to be making connections -- as you are doing -- with those who want to bring change. As conditions worsen, and they will, many more will be personally effected to an extent that they will be motivated to get involved.
There will be no let up for me, Mr. Logan. I will continue to engage with neighbors, friends and family and spread information about economic democracy and the kind of change that will benefit everyone. Thank you for the information you provide.
I hope you make your candidates questions broadly available.!
Clare, as soon as I get them worded correctly, I will post them for you!
I find the phrase “we, the people” a key ingredient in creating the catalyst for leadership and structure needed to accomplish the changes we need. I am struck by the fact that politicians are good at telling people what they want to hear when seeking to be elected, but when elected, they fail to act on the priorities of “we, the people”. We have the power at the ballot box, but we lose it once the politicians are in office. In order to accomplish change, we should strengthen our ability to hold our elected officials accountable.
The main problem, I believe, is that "we the people" becomes somewhat theoretical when there are giant corporations and uber-rich individuals whose influence on government vastly outweighs that of "we the people".
Which is why this Substack promotes economic democracy. When "we the people" extends to the economic sphere then we will see it blossom in the political sphere.
But since we are stuck with we the people as the only source for change, how to get our act together to become a force in the system we have, where there's no economic democracy, is a conversation to be having.
My thesis is that the Overton Window is shifting such that economic democracy type ideas — and a new story of the universe — will become more of a force. Already, I see thinking along these lines in things being said by Robert Reich and Zohran Mamdani.
It is the work of the influencers, such as yourself, to build the currency of new paradigm thinking.
Just add to that it's a race to get it before we no longer have a technologically sophisticated civilization.
I 100% agree with you, Martha. I was telling another commenter on a different substack how I feel every single candidate that is elected must be required to have an advisory council in their district made up of republicans, independents and democrats. This council will keep constituents advised on what and how their elected candidate is doing. Also, this council would keep the candidate informed as to the issues and concerns among his/her constituency. I feel that right now transparency and accountability are an absolute MUST for every single politician that gets voted into office. By having republicans, independents and democrats on that council, ALL of that candidate's constituency will be represented and will have a voice. The elected candidate will need to know and understand that we want bipartisanship in our government with no one party running roughshod over the rest.
All the good ideas here bring to mind a verse I've quoted for years as I've tried to fill the bill, all the while wishing it would be taken up by a more powerful auspice:
"Upon this gifted age, in its dark hour,
Rains from the sky a meteoric shower
Of facts...they lie unquestioned, uncombined.
Wisdom enough to leech us of our ill
Is daily spun, but there exists no loom
To weave it into fabric..."
-Edna St. Vincent Millay-
:
A very strong, powerful quote, Sue. It should be taken up by those leading the fight for change.