I think some of our assumptions on how to approach this are wrong. I know that I have been wrong about this.
I used to believe that, because leaders in business and government live on the same Earth, that no matter how addicted they are to increased wealth and power, they'd protect the Earth if only for their own children and grandchildren.
I was wrong. And now I've come to believe that trying to persuade and lobby people—especially people in power—is a waste of time.
Instead, we need to address the people who recognize reality, who listen to the scientists, who understand that immediate emergency action—on a huge scale—is required.
These people feel alone and anxious and afraid and powerless. So, they either freeze into a quiet despair, or simply focus on their daily lives, which is challenging enough.
I realize we need to FIND THESE PEOPLE and MOBILIZE THEM TO ACTION. We don't need to persuade those who are not interested or who deny reality.
I think that THE BILLION PLUS people on this planet who are sane and aware and caring will be more than enough—IF we do the work to activate them.
We will use Gandhian tactics—disobey and defy authorities who perpetuate the planetary rush to death. We can speak out and then engage in a series of escalating nonviolent actions. We can grind the old destructive ways to a halt and introduce a more humane and sustainable approach.
Our group is called The Saners because we believe it's insane to destroy the planet we live on...or to allow others to destroy it.
We are new and therefore small...but growing. We are planning our Grand Strategy now, based on previous movements that have records of success, movements led by Gandhi, and King, and Caesar Chavez.
You can read about the group here:
And, if you are moved to join, sign up for the email list here: WeAreSaners.org/join
