Fear of Change

A couple of winters ago I was wandering around the local library – snow signals marathon reading at my house.   On a front display, I noticed The Transition Handbook by Rob Hopkins.   The subtitle, “From oil dependency to local resilience” intrigued me – 20 minutes later, there I am, in front of the Ben Franklin wood stove, educating myself.

Interestingly, the book is portioned into three sections – Head, Heart and Hands.

Head deals with the combined observations of both peak oil and climate change.   Looking at both of these, it becomes abundantly clear that just cutting carbon emissions is not enough.  Rebuilding local resilience is a must in order for us not to degrade ourselves back to Neanderthal status, once Oil is no more.

Heart deals with finding the personal and community tools, as well as the courage and confidence, to deal with what sometimes seems like overwhelming obstacles in the journey from ‘here’ to ‘there’.

And Hands places the flourishing touch on showing, by way of example, how towns in the UK have made their own transitions – a blueprint and honest appraisal of what worked and what didn’t.

As you guessed, my post today will focus on the Heart portion….

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Rob Hopkins reports that any successful transition from oil dependence to local resilience starts with a local town meeting that includes, as one of the initial activities, attendees sharing their thoughts regarding what the end of cheap oil really means to their daily lives.  In other words, an external dialogue about our deepest fears regarding the loss of our only known way of life.

“Change is the only constant” is most commonly attributed to Heraclitus, the Greek philosopher – we are all familiar with this quote.

Our heads and rational souls acknowledge this.

The beliefs and motivations driving our daily actions, are often, however, some 180 degrees the other way.  We strive to maintain what is known and comfortable.

In my own humble analysis, I believe the “fear of change” monster is kept well-fed by complex society.

When the amount and variety of information available as to how things really work is so staggering that one average lifespan is not enough to learn it all – it becomes oh-so-easy to feel inadequately informed about what is actually causing the problems and therefore, not very confident in coming forth with solutions.

Add to this internal disquiet caused by ‘not knowing’, unstable economic times, the responsibility and duty to provide for those who depend on you and the stress of wondering if you will have a job tomorrow, self-defense and coping mechanisms quickly come to the rescue.

Self-defense/coping can take many forms – but the most common seen in a society faced with serious issues is ‘”Delusion”,  “Distraction”, “Ostrich Syndrome” and last, but not least, “Scapegoating”.

Delusion

Definition: A false belief strongly held in spite of invalidating evidence

Currently, we have a lot of this going on.   In the face of changing climate, massive oil spills and scientific evidence that fossil fuels are being consumed waaaayyyy faster than they will ever be replenished, we (myself included) tend to continue in a lifestyle that is not even close to being fossil fuel free.

Delusion #1 “Somehow, someway, off-grid living and renewable energy will become affordable and obtainable for all soon – until then, it’s our civic duty to keep working (even if that means a 50 mile commute) , producing and consuming.”

As Americans, for the most part, we are slowly losing ground every day in sustaining what’s touted as the American Dream, but we are so sure, given our freedoms, ingenuity and inherent work ethic that we can turn it around. (which is delusion #2. Please see Ostrich Syndrome and Distraction for details)

I do not know of Anyone in my circle in a position to say, “Ya know what?   I’m going to force industry to get us to solar sooner by not buying gas today, tomorrow or even next week.  That will get ‘em moving. Nope, I don’t even need to own a car”, without really facing some very uncomfortable adjustments.  Course, I’ve been known to hang out with the wrong group at times…

I’m not judging…Remember me saying I’m included in the “We” group?   If there were no fossil fuels (or energy generated by such)  available 20 minutes from now, I’d be screwed.   Not like, “right away” screwed, but “fire drill have to do something soon” screwed.  (Plus, you wouldn’t even be able to read this commentary I’ve spent loads of personal energy on…)

I have dehydrators to process all the frozen meat in my freezer (meat faithfully purchased directly from a somewhat local-to-me producer) but, oops, I don’t have a way to generate electricity to run the durn drying things.

I have a lot of canning jars and salt in my garage, along with vinegar – maybe just maybe, I can get all my food stores preserved via fermentation in time  – but I’m not betting on it.

I also know my family is going to have to be facing starvation before they’ll eat my fermenting projects.  Subtle accusations regarding ‘poisoning’ and doubts regarding ‘food safety’ have permeated my home since my endeavors started.

Who cares that up until about 100 years ago, this was the way our ancestors prepared for winter in a culture that didn’t have Frigidaire…we now know it’s a miracle anyone survived long enough to reproduce without  pasteurization, antibacterial soap and modern preservatives…or so we’re told…

I have my year’s supply of wheat, again faithfully purchased direct from the farmer, but that doesn’t do me a lot of good, since my grain grinder works off electricity and even if I possessed a hand-cranked one, I probably don’t have the muscles or energy to grind out my daily bread.

I also am drinking my daily coffee while writing this… to my knowledge, coffee does not grow in Colorado…

My view of what the withdrawal process from TV and Xbox looks like probably echoes my family’s view of my quitting smoking experiments….

My household is not willingly ready to endure such commotion, at least not yet.

So along we drift, with our one car, energy saving lite-bulbs and Farmer’s Market produce, hoping total collapse waits for us to be prepared for it -  all the while quietly aware we probably won’t adjust to new ways until we absolutely have too.

This is known as Acknowledged Self-Delusion.

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The increase in “For Rent”, “For Sale” and “Bank Owned” signage in my area, coupled with seeing these same properties remain empty for months, tells me the mortgage and real estate industry, along with private property owners would rather let a house sit unoccupied for 3 – 6 months or more, rather than reduce their sales price or rent requirements.

History has deluded us into believing that both up and downturns are par for the course and if you have managed your affairs properly, you will survive the downturn and really make a killing when the upturn arrives.

I truly question the possibility of an ‘upturn’ being accomplished by elected officials and big business.   Most of my circle agrees – yet still, the debates rage on about how stimulus packages should really be spent, what’s needed to stem unemployment rates rising, etc….

Which leads me to the next evil ….

Distraction

Okay, if you’re a girl, ignore this next part.    I look like a girl, but somehow did not inherit the ‘need shoes and purse to match every outfit’ gene.  So my recent epiphany on what I choose to spend my money on is no big surprise.  I somehow was graced with defective genes that make it much easier for me to focus on food, local needed services and products as the bulk of my expenditures and give up the luxuries (more shoes and clothes than I can wear in a week, books than I can read in a lifetime or computer software and cars that depreciate by 3000% the moment I hand over my debit card.)

I’ve been Distracted into thinking that solely by amending what I purchase, from whom and in what quantities,  I can save the world.   But note, I live in an economic system that relies on unlimited growth and expansion in order to survive.   I’m not sure ‘no limits’ and ‘sustainable’ can simultaneously be linked with the word ‘lifestyle’ in my current plane of existence.

Already, news stories are touting the gloom and doom attached to Americans ‘saving more’ and ‘spending less’ – remember that Capitalism needs to realize 3% growth every year in order to be a viable system.   3% growth does not occur when people are not buying.

My brother calls weathering uncertain economic storms as ‘hunkering down’.   As a nation, it seems, we’re in ‘hunker down’ mode.    Cries of  ‘smaller government’ and ‘less spending’ and ‘save for the future’ lead many current grassroots movements.

The problem is, we have been Distracted from the fact that erasing the government debt will actually be the death blow to our system.   Remember that 3% growth thingee?   Well, monetizing government debt is one way to create new money (and expanding government counts as new growth and new jobs, no matter how violently it is opposed.)

I will also note that Public Works projects during the Great Depression did result in useful infrastructure creation and repairs.  (think dams and nationwide highway systems).   Our current Public Works project to create new jobs is called the US Census.   We spent a lot of money to count people.   So we know where to spend money we don’t have.

Interesting side note – the gain of 71,000 new jobs in July was quickly lost by the 143,000 temporary Census workers whose jobs ended.

I can think of a lot of other ways to spend the money flushed on the Census – but then, hey, remember, I’m a political non-sophisticate.  I’m too dumb to understand the finer nuances regarding government, finances and economy.   Right…..

So successfully have we been distracted from how our economic system really works, if our pleas for smaller government and no debt were actually answered, our whole way of life will collapse like the proverbial house of cards.

(If you think I’m crazy, then please take some time to read the following: How Money Is Created)

We are all aware of debt – ours, the government’s etc…  But realize that in the 70′s, when a ceiling was put on the Labor Market (hence, limiting earned income that could be spent and therefore, threatening the stability of Capitalism)  the source of our current woes WAS the solution.

In short, here’s the overview:

“Yes, in order to make new business ventures profitable and investment in such desirable, then we must limit what is spent on labor, in order to maximize profits.   Oops…if the laborers aren’t earning, they can’t purchase the newly created products and services.   How do we solve this?  Oh, give ‘em credit cards.  Problem solved…. “

Again, if you do not believe me, take a gander at this perspective of Capitalism.

I’m reminded of Loretta Spark’s observation: “Every Problem used to be a Solution”

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Ostrich Syndrome

In a nation  raised on the tenets of individual freedom,  hard work coupled with perseverance equals success and anyone can make it if they are determined, actions I label as “Ostrich Syndrome” coping,  are touted as our greatest strengths and saving grace by others.

So many in my circle put their nose to the grindstone and persevere in working harder, working smarter or working more – secure in the fact that hard work and ingenuity will win the day.

Not so.

When you are not in a position to independently set the value of your own labor (value of the US Dollar) or possessions -  when the fruits of your labor must pass through numerous hands before making their way back to you (taxation, debt interest and regulatory fees), when your local supply and demand formula can be ruthlessly exploited by the non-local, (tax breaks for big business and business travel), then you can work yourself into the ground,  producing the best product for the best true price and still go under.

Being a ‘good worker’ is laudable, but if the system you labor within is a complex and cleverly disguised version of serfdom, your dreams of being rewarded for hard-work will never be realized.  Short term illusion, yes.  Long term reality, not possible.

So instead of depending on working longer and harder, spend some of your time getting real clear on exactly what system you labor under.   See how much control and empowerment you have within that system.  And then decide if it’s worth putting your back into…

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Scapegoating

Definition – The act of singling out an individual or group for unmerited treatment or blame.

This will be a short section – really, a historical list is all I have to say about it (I’m just hitting quick-to-type highlights, this is by no means all inclusive):

• Salem witch trials
• Nazi Regime
• Most modern political campaigns
• The start of most wars

When folks are scared on a deep level, it becomes very easy to point fingers (and believe) where the root of all their troubles lies.

Scapegoating wastes a lot of time that could be spent on figuring out solutions, but it continues to be a favorite activity of those who wish to gain converts to their way of thinking.

I’m less interested in who is to blame and more interested in how do we fix it?   Trust me, in your quest to identify “how-to-correct” actions, you will discover any and all contributing factors to the problem, your own actions included.

As Forest Gump said, “And that’s about all I have to say about that.”

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I’m not denouncing us as blind idiots or sheeple.   I am certain though, we are all, to some extent, easily led by grand misinformation campaigns, which flourish in a complex system.

My new mantra is, “It’s only as complex as I buy into.”

Simplicity is focusing on what’s needed for daily survival,  how to fulfill those needs via your own local backyard and then taking steps towards working within that system or creating that system if needs be.

Remember, there are plenty of folks around you who wish to do the same.   Some just aren’t sure where to start.  Others are fearful of what drastic change will mean to their daily life.

Lunch at the Farmer’s Market while discussing what’s really important to you and how deep your fear and insecurities run, with your neighbors is a beginning….

Identifying where you and yours do have power and what you’re willing to support via your energy is the next.

One step at a time, We The People can persevere.

As I once told a discouraged process improvement team; “Change is coming down the pike.   Let’s get our two cents in now and direct how that change occurs.”

The New Robin Hood

Okay, brace yourself.   The following information will contain contradictions galore.   It is not going to be an answer or solution for anything, but will raise a lot of questions…

You’re still reading?   Okay, but never say I didn’t warn you.

Fresh off the presses some days back (I have a bookmark file labeled “To Blog About”) was the following story: Credit Card Fees transfer Wealth from the Poor to the Rich.

Not any shocker there.   Any thinking person realizes that merchants must raise their prices in order to sustain profit margins in the face of per-swipe and transaction fees.   Credit card companies with the best ‘customer rewards’ also charge merchants the highest fees – c’mon, those ‘free’ plane tickets have to come from somewhere and you can bet your boots it’s not from the credit card company’s profits.

The not-so-well-qualified buyers pay the same price or more for something than the well-qualified buyers.

Because of my first hand knowledge of the exorbitant merchant fees by Discover and American Express and the lower (yet still costly) fees by other brands, I have tried very hard to limit my use of debit/credit cards.   Cash is how I like to deal and have done so for years.

This does, of course, cut off my nose to spite my face – not using credit means your score becomes the subterranean level of the whole building.   On the plus side, you’re naturally safe from identity theft without paying $39.95 per month for protection.

On the other hand, I have a sneaking feeling that if everyone did this, the banks would have the same problem they encountered in 1929 and other well-known years.   We’ve been lured into the ‘electronic, paperless’ banking system for so long, I really wonder if there is enough printed money for everyone to function off cash alone.

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Which brings me to my next thought.   IF we all went to paying cash for expenditures, would there be a rash of DEA seizures and arrests?    ‘Cuz, ya know, one of the first alarm bells for those folks regarding where to search for large scale happy plant growing is when a local corn farmer pays cash for a new John Deere tractor with all the bells and whistles….

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And ultimately, my brain winds it way back to what ‘cash’ really represents.

It represents the ingenuity and labor of workers who take raw materials and turn them into something life sustaining, useful, beautiful or entertaining.

Which leads me to thinking, if unemployment is so high, and people aren’t working, then the symbols that represent that work should be in short supply too.

And if fewer people are working, there should, by mathematics, be less to oversee, manage, regulate and invest in, meaning government, CEO’s and stockbrokers as well as gamblers (I mean ‘investors’) should be hunkering down with everyone else.

I don’t observe  this to be happening.  It seems government, regulations and the financial services markets are expanding.

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I see too, that I’m a day late/dollar short on starting a local community exchange currency system.   Apparently, California is starting to issue voucher money.   (translation, their own currency)  If they have followed in the footsteps of South American communities who did the same in the ’80s and ’90s, and have done their homework, I suspect they will realize success.

Other states will follow – soon communities everywhere will have wrested back the control of their economy via their own efforts, instead of waiting for Washington to decide if they are worthy of the fruits of their own labor or not.

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I still question how much the Free Market movement will save us, given the basic fact that for Capitalism to work, it must gain 3% growth each and every year, which means, it’s a system that cannot function within limits.  As much as sustainability efforts try for a goal of 100%, it’s a goal that is, to our current way of viewing the world, unattainable.

On the flip side, the metaphysical groups will cite “Energy can neither be destroyed nor created, only transformed” and that we need only function within the laws of the universe in order to realize untold abundance. (aka, “No Limit Living”)

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My friend Tish, owner of The Good American Post and That’s Natural, has been quietly encouraging me to get off my duff and get started with the Create A Community Exchange system.   I

‘m hesitating.   Primarily because I’m focusing on getting well so I have enough energy to pull off this endeavor.   I hate starting something and petering out before it’s realized. (Which I’ve done many times in the past years – remember my tendency for my mind to write checks my body can’t cash?)

I’ve also hesitated because initial conversations with local merchants didn’t show much interest.   Can’t figure out if I didn’t communicate properly, if it really sounds to good to be true, or if in this day and age, anything suggesting that you really can be the master of your own domain is so unbelievable that I just sound like a charlatan.

Also, for those who are busy actually running a business or working for a living, there isn’t a lot of free time to do all the researching and reading I do.   And the concept of having your own local currency and how to make it work is not something I’ve figured out how to succinctly explain in 500 words or less.  (I am working on it – 2 drafts sit in my “in progress” folder as you read this…)

So in the end, I decided to start writing short little ditties with links to the full story.   I’ve come to the conclusion that perhaps my job is not to realize anything, only raise the interest and point people in the direction of further information.

If it is, then I’m up to the challenge, right now.

The Slow Money Campaign

Thanks to Tisha Casida, editor and publisher of  The Good American Post, I was made aware of the Slow Money campaign.

Aligned with the ideals of Slow Food, this movement is dedicated to recapturing of our freedom and quality of life through rebuilding our local communities and health person by person, one step at a time.

YES!

Change does not have to be drastic, painful or sacrificial.  It can be as easy as choosing to combine your resources with one or more neighbors and purchasing a whole beef from a neighbor who ranches – and having it butchered/processed by a local locker plant.

It means meeting your buddy at the Farmer’s Market for coffee and a chat, instead of the national chain restaurant. (and perhaps walking to the market, instead of driving?)

It can also take the form of investing in the expansion, new equipment or facilities of local businesses, rather than buying gold from a broker 3,000 miles away.

Or finding a neighbor who has an herb garden and supplementing their income in exchange for fresh cut herbs for your favorite recipe.

Or trading your fresh baked bread and some $’s with a neighbor who knows how to fix that leaky shower head, rather than hiring a repairman that is routed by the 1-800 dispatcher from a town 2 1/2 hours drive from you.  (just think of the savings you gain by not paying the ‘trip charge’!)

I look at my own life and know I’m a far cry from being a totally organic eating, locavore.   I buy my wheat, beef and pork direct from the rancher/farmer, but they are about 84 miles from me.  Still, it’s a step in the right direction.

I also usually purchase more than my family can eat in a year, so my freezer/garage storage area becomes a grocery store for older friends who have small households and no room to store a full beef or pig or 5-gallon buckets of wheat.    They get great food at the same price I paid (no mark-ups) and it allows me to bolster my bank account when there is more month than money – exchanging what I do have of value for that which I may be running short on!  :>)

I’ve traded or lowered my fees for database and website design in exchange for mentoring, the sharing of a booth at a conference, etc.  I provide sprouted whole wheat bread for 6 families (doable in my ‘bachelor sized kitchen’ – not doable on a commercial sized scale!)

While I still dream of living in solar/wind powered home, with garden space, a chicken coop and a milk barn, where all I need for the health and security of my family is available in walking distance, I’ve finally realized I don’t need to do it all, Today! (unless, of course, I do finally hit Powerball – bonus to the local contractor who can get me installed in my dream home in 3 months or less………..LOL)

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Mike Dooley, author of Infinite Possibilities and founder of Totally Unique Thoughts (TUT), organized the charity of his devotees into a doable practice – $1, each month, and the proceeds go to different works.

(And I highly recommend signing up for his daily “Notes from the Universe” – there are days when these uplifting messages have been my saving grace………………)

How many people live in your community?  If everyone contributed $1, per family member, each month, how fast would that youth center get put up?   How quickly would the space for a weekly mutual trade exchange fair be realized?

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My recent foray into the world of political campaigning, via donation of my time/expertise to support a local candidate for the Office of Sheriff, has once again proven to me how effective grass roots movements are.

There’s a reason why.

My favorite metaphor for explaining why grass roots efforts are so effective is the Pyramid Story.

Think of the Great Pyramid in its’ heyday.  Beautifully encased in white limestone, with a gold capstone – archeologists surmise it could be seen from miles away.

But without the thousands of tons of plain, perhaps even dull, base stones, the blood sweat and tears of visionaries, engineers and laborers, that casing and gold capstone could not have been displayed to such great advantage.

Our individual freedom and creativity, the health and quality of life experienced by ourselves and our families, the resiliency and strength of our local communities – Those are the base stones that make the shiny casing and capstone called America.

Here’s to the Foundation that supports it all…………..

You and me.