Rallying Ourselves
by Bernie Meyers
The world and we are in a rapidly changing period. From an individual point of view it may not seem rapid but nature and society may well experience the changes as earthshaking.
The Fellowship of Reconciliation is fast approaching its 100th anniversary. FOR has long been a strong witness for a just and peaceful world. In the context of the industrial revolution, FOR began at the ascending end of the curve of industrial development which created the intensive resource consuming society we have “benefited from” and which now most of humanity wants to share. However, we have reached the limits of growth and must begin the long descent toward the other end of the curve.
While on the National Council in 2004, I was asked to prepare an environmental impact statement for the strategic plan. I learned about “peak oil” and its implications. Not long after that I coordinated the development of the annual WWFOR retreat in Lacey which addressed peak oil in the context of peacemaking. Environmental organizations and other activist groups were invited and attended. Most of us were just waking up to the realities of “peak oil” and resource depletion and the connections to peacemaking.
I see climate change and nuclear weapons as the most dramatic threats to life existence on earth. However, resource depletion, including water, soil for agriculture, minerals, in addition to fossil fuels, are fundamental elements in the mix of the climate and the human conflicts which could lead to nuclear catastrophe. Next consider the effects of the economy. The current financial system, whether it’s called capitalism or neo-liberalism, is experiencing a range of stresses worldwide. On January 28th the Green Party of Washington held a one day event about the economy. Dick Burkhart, who was a participant in the WWFOR planning committee for the 2004 fall retreat, gave a talk which put these issues in perspective according to his understanding of physics and economy. In the evening Nicole Foss gave a dramatic detailed presentation about the economy and debt which forecasts a growing great depression beginning with Europe. She emphasized the need to be resilient and work locally, building trust and competencies for the next stage of societal organization
I believe that no one has all the “vision” needed. Ultimately, no human can know enough to accurately predict the future. We can only cope. For a brief view of how the economy and debt and resources for “economic growth” work, I recommend the six minute animated video done by Richard Heinberg which can be accessed on www.postcarbon.org. A wealth of information and empowering skills are available. As many are saying, we cannot go on with “business as usual.” Reflecting about the economy and a depression similar to the 1930’s, I think of my Mom saying how she feels for the youth of today when depression conditions return. They “don’t know what it’s like.” Frankly, I don’t either. I just remember talk about moving together to share housing, food, etc. When thinking about the huge public and private debt in this country (other countries of the world have followed the U.S. in creating debt), I say it’s too late to “bring the billions home.” Rather, we must stop the hemorrhaging now. The hemorrhaging will only stop with a new economy, a new and sustainable society, locally based. The just and peaceful society must be created during this transition. We must prepare ourselves physically, emotionally, spiritually for the next stages of our journeys. FOR has witnessed in the worst and the most affluent times of the 20th century. During this 21st century, our witness to truth, justice, and peace must continue.