As we rapidly deplete non-renewable resources (like oil) and use renewable resources more quickly than nature can replenish them, we are in a state of ecological overshoot. Deforestation, diminishing supplies of groundwater, and the depletion of fish populations are but three examples of disappearing renewable resources.
Wildlife extinction is another deeply disturbing aspect of ecological overshoot. World-renowned for his expertise on humanity's impact on the environment, University of Minnesota professor David Tillman compared the rate of the emergence of new species with the current rate of extinction:
"That's sort of a 1 million to 4 million year process, and yet we are causing species to be lost at rates of 100 to 1000 times faster,"
Blinded by hubris, narcissism, and technology, many people perceive themselves to be separate from nature and the people existing "outside" of their insular worlds. The reality is that we are each inextricably linked with the rest of the Earth's inhabitants (be they human, animal, or plant) in a complex web of life.
Albert Einstein challenged us to break the shackles of the illusion of separateness and embrace interdependence:
"A human being is a part of the whole, called by us Universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest-a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole nature in its beauty."
Hopeful Signs on the Horizon
While it is likely to be some time before moral and humane movements supplant the ignoble Duopoly that is bought and paid for by corporate and Israeli interests, they do exist and are gaining momentum. (2)Populists and (3)Proutists represent two such movements. A rising tide of democratic socialism in South America demonstrates that nations in the "developing world" are freeing themselves from the yoke of the American Empire, but Goliath will not fall quickly or easily.
As people of conscience search for ways to create viable alternatives to the brutal inhumanity of corporatism, many are finding that grassroots efforts offer an effective means of chipping away at the deeply entrenched status quo. Partners Dr. Timothy Wilkin and William Brandon Shanley are shining examples of two US Americans who work tirelessly to counteract the deleterious effects of predatory capitalism.
Tim Wilken is a physician and scientist who has devoted himself to the betterment of humankind. His stated goal is to strive for a world free of hate and violence. In the spirit of Buckminster Fuller, Wilken seeks to employ his strengths and efforts to bring about a more humane and sustainable world.
Towards that end, he has done pioneering work in the field of synergy which Dr. Wilken defines in this way:
"We believe that we must learn to work together. This means we must become synergic humans. Synergy means working together-operating together as in Co-Operation- laboring together as in Co-Laboration-acting together as in Co-Action. The goal of synergic union is to accomplish a larger or more difficult task than can be accomplished by individuals working separately. We are committed to a world where I win, you win, others win and the Earth wins. Win-Win-Win-Win."
Dr. Wilken maintains a Website devoted to synergy at http://www.synearth.net/ in an effort to teach humanity:
"How to work co-Operatively with each other. How to nurture the earth and the children of the earth. How to be a part of tomorrow's solutions rather than part of the today's problems."
Collaborating with Wilken in his quest to better the lot of humanity is William Shanley. Shanley brings a wealth of experience to the partnership. He has worked extensively in the media industry, including stints as a writer for CNN and as an independent producer of documentaries. He interviewed Presidents Reagan and Carter in preparation for his documentary called The Made for TV Elections with Martin Sheen and worked for President Carter. He also edited and contributed to Lewis Carroll's Lost Quantum Diaries.
Together Wilken and Shanley recently launched an entity called Give-Get Nation at www.givegetnation.net On the Give Get Nation Website, one can connect with others virtually anywhere in the world to give, receive, or exchange goods and services at no monetary cost. Demonstrating that people can act on their values, seek fulfillment of their needs and behave altruistically without the impediment of spiritually toxic influences like money, banks, or stock exchanges, Give-Get Nation provides a refreshing alternative to the "orthodox" economic marketplace.
Jason Miller is a recovering US American middle class suburbanite who strives to remain intellectually free. He is Cyrano's Journal Online's associate editor (http://www.bestcyrano.org/) and publishes Thomas Paine's Corner within Cyrano's at http://www.bestcyrano.org/THOMASPAINE/.
