by Susan Rosenthal
Most people feel some level of dread most of the time, and for good reason.
We fear for our survival. In a recent poll, 61 percent of Americans agreed that “most people today face increasing uncertainty about employment.” We worry that we will be unable to provide for our families and keep a roof over our heads.
We fear for the future. We see our rulers failing to solve the problems of environmental destruction and the spread of war, and we fear that no one can.
Some say there is no hope for humanity, that we are heading down the road to extinction. Others say that civilization must collapse before we can create a sustainable society. I disagree.
Feeling disconnected is not the same as being disconnected. Humanity is more connected than ever. All over the world, youngsters watch the same movies, listen to the same music, eat the same (fast) food, and wear the same clothes. When the U.S. threatened to invade Iraq, people demonstrated in synchronous fashion around the globe.
Feeling powerless is not the same as being powerless. When auto-parts workers struck in Michigan, the entire industry ground to a halt. Today, goods are manufactured by Chinese workers, assembled by Mexican workers, sold by American workers and serviced by Indian workers. Any one group of workers can disrupt global production. By pulling together, they could take control of society.
Feelings aren’t facts. Feelings come and go. The fact is that we are the majority, and if we pull together we can change the world.
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