Rising From Defeat

I was recently asked by a friend on Facebook to contribute to his local news network that seeks to radicalize common discourse, and I certainly see the merits of his intentions. For too long have we complacently meandered about, wondering when a savior will whisk away the terrors that haunt us in the “real” world and our dreams. Society and media often focus on the status quo, keeping issues and events subterranean which affect us more than we like to admit. It seems that we find what was once thought to be concrete begins to erode. It feels as if all that was once good, honest and pure no longer remains.

When we open our eyes, we begin to see environmental degradation, political stalemate, rising food prices and decreasing standards of living. Yet, to what standard do we hold ourselves? "It's the Republicrats. They are so corrupt." Do we ever think to blame ourselves? We wonder why quality continually decreases, yet we continue to demand a cheap, throw-away society. Greed stratifies our institutions, and double standards enforced between the haves and have-nots.

I say to you: ‘we may only be as strong as our weakest link, but is that cause to throw it out, or to amend it?’ One may certainly continue to toss out all that one envisions as evil or inferior, or one may bolster the weak - give them confidence. The truth is that tossing out weak links eventually leaves you with no chain left.

We can remember how to treat one another, and ourselves. Telling others what we think they want to hear serves no one well; being complacent and apathetic only drives us to enable this lawlessness, and lose gained momentum. When we cut off compassion and close our eyes, separateness occurs. That other world, the one fabricated by our minds, is of temporal existence. Eventually it always comes crashing down, and reunification occurs. The decision to do so consciously, through love, can absolve one of karmic consequence - but the worlds will always become one again (whether by will or fate).

Yes, demons reside in the dark places, but you have a light gifted to you. This same light is shared between all of our sisters and brothers. It must be protected and attended, so as to ensure it will illumine tomorrow. Our common purpose lies in ensuring all children have a tomorrow to aspire toward. We can make plans and unify today, or have it thrust upon us tomorrow.

This could easily be taken to a dark place, for there are many mysteries and challenges that lie before us. Yes, people are going hungry. Yes, sickness and disease abounds. Yes, the rich and powerful are making their grandest attempts at power grabs. But it is the meek and mild that shall inherit the earth. Never give up; always continue to pursue your dreams, because you are here for a reason that is uniquely you. You are here to provide humanity with a unique aspect of experience that no one else can provide. When you give everything you got, other people take heed. What may seem small and insignificant to you could very easily provoke another into action. Stop waiting for change and be it, already!

It occurs to me that many are in a state of hopelessness and desperation. I would like to leave you with a list of challenges and possible resolutions. Know that you are never given more than you can handle, and know that you are being called to action. Rise to the occasion in love.

Warnings Against a Central Bank:

- Constitution Respects Sovereignty of the States and the People:http://tenthamendmentcenter.com/2008/07/21/why-the-founders-rejected-a-central-bank/#.U0bA2FfhFEI

- Founding Father Quotes on Central Banking:

http://50yearsoffreedom.wordpress.com/2010/03/11/the-founding-fathers-warned-us-about-what-is-happening-to-us-now/

- Kaiser Report on Central Banking:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9KL7KJVj94

Alternatives:

- Basics on Bitcoin as Medium of Exchange:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTxmR0n6sCc

- Iceland Nationalizes Central Bank:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xt4Z3rm4r-4

- Benefits of Credit Unions over Banks:

http://money.msn.com/saving-money-tips/post--7-reasons-credit-unions-are-better-than-banks

- Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union:

http://tvfcu.com/about-tvfcu/

Dwindling, Quality Food Resources:

- The Non-GMO Project:

http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/- Why Europeans Label GMOs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3r3mh1XCEg

- The Crisis of Climate Change:

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/apr/04/amy-goodman-the-crisis-of-climate-change/

Alternatives:

- Vertical Farming:

http://www.verticalfarm.com/

- Permaculture:

http://www.permaculture.org/permaculture-resources/key-concepts/

- Millennials Taking Action:

http://www.takepart.com/article/2014/04/09/millennial-gardening-revolution

- Hydroponics

http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1839870

- Grow Chattanooga:

http://growchattanooga.org/researchresources

Looming Energy Crisis:

- American Dependence on Oil:

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/report/2010/01/13/7200/oil-dependence-is-a-dangerous-habit/

- World Energy Crisis:

http://planetforlife.com/

- Overlook of Energy Needs and Consumption:

http://www.global-economic-symposium.org/knowledgebase/the-global-environment/the-energy-crisis-and-climate-change/proposals/the-energy-crisis-and-climate-change

Alternatives:

- Popular Mechanics Slideshow on Solutions to Energy:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/10-fixes-for-the-new-energy-crisis#slide-1

- Empowering Individuals through Investment:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/betwa-sharma/post_1716_b_821762.html

- "Ted Talks: The Future of Renewable Energy":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEWYLbQXg4U

- "Here Comes the Sun":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nr-grdspEWQ

- TVA: Green Power Switch

http://www.tva.com/greenpowerswitch/

In putting this modest list together, I seek to find relevant issues that have individual, as well as community, impact. We all feel the prices going higher, and we all know the jobs market is dismal, at best. Yes, we have so many challenges that lie before us, but never give up. There is no perfect or absolutely right way, and failure is pretty much guaranteed. But your defining moment lies in overcoming and learning lessons of the past, and by rising from the shackles of apathy and complacency to realize that you are valued and wanted. You have been given the will and perception. The only thing that has ever saved humanity is by standing together, united! E. pluribus unum: Out of many, there is one.