Reply #46: anybody who thinks they can fundamentally change society's structures

[northernlights]

by protesting, voting, writing letters, advocating that others change their ways, making new laws, etc. is living in fantasy land.

We must *be* the change we want to create. One individual at a time. Each of us must change how we live.

It's hard work to have your foot in two worlds at one time, but until things really crumble, that is pretty much what it takes. Work at one job to pay for the transition to a new life...and concurrently work at learning and building the new life.

Everybody needs to take stock of where they are at and start making changes. If you can walk or bike to work, do so. If you can start a community gardening project in vacant city lots, do so. If you can move to a more rural area, do so. If you have enough sun to cook solar, do so. One by one, see what changes you need to make...and make them. One step at a time.

Only by dis-investing in big energy will you starve big energy and concurrently free yourself (and earth) of it.

I moved to a mini-farm in Maine 7 years ago when W had his Iraq-attack. I knew we were done then...I just didn't realize how long it would take for the end to begin in earnest.

I have learned to garden and make medicine from herbs. I am now learning to cook solar and next year I will be learning to clam and start raising chickens for eggs. Hopefully within 2-3 years, I will convert to wind and solar to heat in the winter and get water from my well. Or maybe things will get warm enough up here that I won't need heat in the winter. And here's a hint -- the less expensive, quick ROI projects help to fund the bigger ones. For example: a few inexpensive changes in my home cut my oil use dramatically and saved me ~$1,000 last year alone. My most recent investment -- a solar cooker -- will pay for itself within a few months in reduced propane costs. That savings will add up fairly quickly to at least a down payment on a windmill.

My point is, calling on others to change their ways will NEVER work. TPTB already have their escape plans. They don't give a flying eff about you or anybody outside their small circle of friends and servants. It's already everybody for themselves.

Quit whining. Just freakin' do it.