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Connecting the Dots

This page is under construction in real time and is being updated frequently. PLEASE NOTE THAT INFORMATION UNDER YELLOW HEADINGS ON THIS PAGE IS CURRENTLY GENERATED BY AI, AND WILL BE REPLACED WITH HUMAN-WRITTEN TEXT WHERE APPROPRIATE.

In this part of the website, we seek to “connect the dots” in these ways:

  • Explore the landscape of Evil
  • Explore what is Good and Viable–Right Now, and in Potential
  • Connects Needs and Problems with Available and Potential Solutions

Thematics of Concern or Interest

The Great Turning

The Great Turning is an ecological concept introduced by environmentalist and activist Joanna Macy. It refers to the transformative shift in human society towards sustainability, justice, and ecological harmony. The term is used to describe a collective movement away from a destructive, consumption-driven economic model towards a more life-affirming, ecologically balanced way of living. The Great Turning is often framed as a response to the global crises we face—such as climate change, environmental degradation, and social inequality—suggesting that these crises are not just problems to be solved, but signs of a larger, necessary transformation in our values and systems.

The Great Turning is built on three broad dimensions:

  1. The Industrial Growth Society: This refers to the current paradigm of endless growth, consumption, and exploitation of the Earth’s resources. It is seen as the root cause of ecological destruction, social inequality, and the undermining of community life.
  2. The Dark Night: This represents the difficult and often painful period of reckoning with the realities of climate change, resource depletion, and environmental collapse. It acknowledges the challenges and suffering humanity faces as it confronts the consequences of overexploitation and environmental destruction.
  3. The Great Turning: This is the vision of a new, life-sustaining society where humanity embraces ecological wisdom, social justice, and sustainable living. It involves reimagining our economic systems, energy usage, agriculture, and cultural values to prioritize the well-being of all life on Earth.

Macy suggests that the Great Turning is a process of awakening to our interconnectedness with the Earth and each other, and that this shift can occur at individual, community, and global levels. It encourages active engagement in practices like deep ecology, community-building, and political activism, all aimed at creating a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.

Key ideas related to The Great Turning include:

  • Ecological wisdom: Emphasizing the need to live in harmony with the natural world, respecting ecological boundaries, and understanding the interdependence of all living beings.
  • Social justice: Addressing inequalities that prevent access to resources, opportunities, and human dignity, and recognizing that ecological destruction disproportionately affects marginalized communities.
  • Spiritual awakening: Understanding the need for a shift in consciousness toward recognizing the sacredness of life and the planet, fostering a deeper sense of responsibility and stewardship.

In essence, The Great Turning is both a call to action and a vision of hope for a more sustainable and compassionate future.

The Military-Industrial Complex

The military-industrial complex refers to the network of relationships between a country’s military, government, and defense contractors. It describes how these entities work together to influence national policy, often prioritizing military spending and the development of weapons systems. The term was famously coined by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower in his 1961 farewell address, where he warned that the growing power and influence of this complex could lead to excessive militarization and undermine democratic decision-making. Essentially, it highlights the potential risks of an economy heavily dependent on military production and the way it may shape national priorities.

Instance of Donald Trump denouncing the Military-Industrial complex.

Post-Growth World/Ecology

Post-growth economics and ecology are concepts that challenge the traditional paradigm of economic growth as the central goal of societies and propose alternatives that focus on sustainability, well-being, and ecological balance, rather than continued expansion of material wealth.

Post-growth Economics

Post-growth economics is an economic framework that rejects the idea that endless economic growth is both possible and desirable, particularly in a world with finite resources and growing environmental crises like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. It suggests that economic systems should prioritize well-being, equity, and ecological sustainability over the traditional goal of increasing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or material consumption.

The core principles of post-growth economics include:

  1. Decoupling well-being from growth: Post-growth economists argue that prosperity and well-being do not necessarily require continual increases in material wealth or consumption. Instead, societies can focus on improving quality of life, social equality, and health without relying on constant economic expansion.
  2. Sustainable development: Economic activity should stay within ecological limits, prioritizing renewable energy, low-carbon economies, sustainable agriculture, and the protection of natural resources. Post-growth thinking emphasizes a steady-state economy where the goal is to live within planetary boundaries.
  3. Redistribution and equity: A focus on reducing inequality by redistributing wealth and resources to ensure that everyone’s basic needs are met. This could involve policies like universal basic income, wealth taxes, and a fairer distribution of the economic gains in society.
  4. Localism and community-based economies: Shifting from global, market-driven economies to more localized, cooperative economies that are resilient, self-sufficient, and focused on meeting the needs of communities in ways that are ecologically sustainable.
  5. Alternative measures of progress: Moving away from GDP as the sole measure of success, and adopting indicators like happiness, health, education, environmental quality, and social connectedness to gauge societal progress.

Post-growth Ecology

Post-growth ecology builds on the principles of post-growth economics but emphasizes ecological limits and the need for ecological restoration and regeneration. It seeks to reconcile human activities with the natural world, proposing a new relationship where ecological health is the foundation for human thriving, rather than a system where economic growth is prioritized at the expense of the environment.

Key ideas in post-growth ecology include:

  1. Living within planetary boundaries: The Earth has a limited capacity to absorb the impacts of human activity, and post-growth ecology advocates for respecting these ecological limits. The concept of planetary boundaries, first proposed by scientists like Johan Rockström, identifies critical thresholds for climate stability, biodiversity, land use, and other factors that must not be exceeded to maintain a habitable Earth.
  2. Ecocentrism and deep ecology: Post-growth ecology encourages a shift from anthropocentric (human-centered) views of nature to ecocentric (nature-centered) ones. It sees humans as part of the web of life, where all species have intrinsic value and the well-being of ecosystems is central to human flourishing.
  3. Degrowth: This closely related concept to post-growth economics argues for downscaling production and consumption to reduce environmental harm and restore ecological balance. It does not mean reducing the standard of living, but rather rethinking what “progress” means and choosing paths that promote environmental health, community well-being, and social equity.
  4. Regenerative practices: Post-growth ecology advocates for regeneration rather than exploitation. This includes restoring ecosystems, regenerating soil, protecting biodiversity, and transitioning to forms of agriculture, industry, and consumption that enhance rather than deplete the natural world.
  5. Resilience and adaptation: In response to climate change and ecological disruption, post-growth ecology emphasizes building resilience in both human societies and ecosystems. This includes creating adaptive systems that can cope with environmental challenges, while also working to prevent further damage.

Key Differences from Conventional Growth Models

  • Economic Growth vs. Well-being: Conventional economic models prioritize growth as a central goal. In contrast, post-growth models focus on improving human well-being, social justice, and ecological integrity without relying on increasing material wealth.
  • Sustainability vs. Exploitation: While traditional economics often treats natural resources as infinite or assumes they can be replaced through technological innovation, post-growth economics and ecology acknowledge planetary limits and aim to create systems that are regenerative and sustainable.
  • Quantity vs. Quality: Post-growth thinking suggests that focusing on the quality of life—such as health, relationships, and access to meaningful work—is more important than pursuing the quantity of economic output or consumption.

Post-Growth in Practice

Several movements and initiatives are putting post-growth ideas into practice, such as:

  • Degrowth: A movement that critiques the ideology of growth and advocates for intentional reductions in consumption and production to live sustainably and equitably. It emphasizes voluntary simplicity, shared prosperity, and an economy focused on human flourishing rather than material accumulation.
  • Circular economy: This model seeks to reduce waste and keep products in use for as long as possible, promoting reuse, repair, and recycling. It contrasts with the linear “take-make-dispose” model of traditional economic growth.
  • Transition towns: Local initiatives that promote community resilience, renewable energy, local food production, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. These initiatives focus on building local, sustainable economies in response to global environmental and economic challenges.
  • Well-being economics: A movement that encourages governments and businesses to adopt alternative metrics of success, such as the Human Development Index (HDI) or Gross National Happiness (GNH), instead of GDP.

Conclusion

Post-growth economics and ecology provide a vision for a more balanced and sustainable future. They encourage a shift from a growth-driven economy to one that prioritizes ecological health, social well-being, and justice. This shift challenges the deeply ingrained assumptions of modern industrial society, advocating for a reimagining of how we measure success and how we relate to the natural world.

Deep State

The term “deep state” refers to a shadowy, often covert network of individuals or groups within a government who hold significant power and influence, operating behind the scenes, sometimes independently or even in opposition to elected officials or public institutions. While the exact nature of the “deep state” can vary depending on the context, it is generally used to describe a form of political or bureaucratic power that remains unaccountable and may be involved in shaping or directing government policy, often with little transparency or oversight.

Key Characteristics of the “Deep State”:

  1. Hidden Power: The deep state is not an official body or institution, but rather a collection of individuals—often from the military, intelligence agencies, or other branches of the government—who maintain significant influence over the political system.
  2. Unaccountability: Unlike elected officials, who are accountable to the public, the members of the deep state often operate outside of the usual checks and balances of democratic governance. Their actions may not be subject to the same levels of scrutiny, transparency, or oversight.
  3. Influence over Policy: The deep state is said to exert influence over national security, foreign policy, and domestic affairs. It may play a role in shaping long-term policy decisions, often in ways that are not visible or understood by the broader public.
  4. Continuity of Power: In some versions of the concept, the deep state is seen as a mechanism that ensures continuity of governance regardless of political changes. For example, even when new administrations come to power, certain entrenched interests or bureaucratic factions may maintain control or influence over key policy areas.

Origins of the Term

The phrase “deep state” originated in Turkey in the 1990s, where it was used to describe a network of military, intelligence, and political figures that secretly controlled the country’s political landscape, often acting outside of the formal political structure. In this context, the deep state was linked to efforts to maintain the status quo and suppress political opposition.

Modern Use

In contemporary discourse, particularly in Western countries like the United States, the term “deep state” has been adopted by some conspiracy theorists, politicians, and media figures to suggest that powerful, unelected elites are manipulating government affairs for their own benefit, often at odds with the will of the public. The term has been used in a variety of ways, some of which are speculative or exaggerated. Critics argue that the idea of a “deep state” often oversimplifies complex political and bureaucratic systems, and may be used as a scapegoat for political frustrations or failures.

Common Components Alleged to Be Part of the “Deep State”

  1. Intelligence Agencies: Agencies like the CIA, FBI, NSA, MI6, and others, which possess significant intelligence capabilities and resources. These agencies often have their own agendas and can operate independently from elected officials, especially in areas related to national security and covert operations.
  2. Military Establishment: High-ranking members of the military or defense contractors, who may wield significant influence over foreign policy, military spending, and national security decisions. In some interpretations, the military-industrial complex is seen as a key component of the deep state.
  3. Bureaucracy and Civil Service: Senior career officials in government agencies who are not elected, but who hold positions of power within the system. These individuals often have long tenure and can outlast political administrations, which some argue gives them disproportionate influence over policy.
  4. Corporate Interests: In some versions of the deep state narrative, large corporations—particularly those involved in defense, energy, finance, and technology—are seen as part of the deep state’s influence, working behind the scenes to shape policy in ways that benefit their interests.

Deep State in Popular Discourse

  • Conspiracy Theories: The deep state is often discussed in the context of conspiracy theories. These theories claim that the deep state manipulates events or actions in order to control political outcomes, suppress dissent, or advance a hidden agenda. For example, some conspiracy theorists claim that certain events, such as wars, political assassinations, or economic crises, may be orchestrated or exploited by the deep state.
  • Political Rhetoric: Politicians and commentators sometimes use the term to describe perceived resistance within the government to reforms or changes introduced by an elected leader. For example, some political figures have used the term “deep state” to refer to bureaucrats or agencies that resist or undermine their agenda, especially if those figures are from a different political party.
  • Mainstream and Alternative Media: Both mainstream and alternative media have at times discussed the concept of the deep state, often linking it to issues like corruption, government surveillance, and the concentration of power among elites. However, the term is used differently depending on the source—some may frame it as a legitimate concern, while others treat it as a baseless conspiracy.

Criticism of the “Deep State” Concept

  1. Over-simplification: Many political analysts argue that the deep state concept is an oversimplified explanation for complex political systems and government behavior. Bureaucracies are often more fragmented and less cohesive than the term suggests, and policy decisions are influenced by a wide range of factors, not just shadowy actors behind the scenes.
  2. Conspiracy Thinking: Critics contend that the deep state narrative can be a form of conspiracy thinking that diverts attention from more plausible explanations for political dynamics. It can be used to discredit government institutions or elected leaders, and may foster distrust in democratic systems.
  3. Lack of Evidence: While it is true that unelected government officials or powerful elites can have influence over politics, concrete evidence of a “deep state” operating in a coordinated, secretive manner to control government decisions is often lacking. The use of the term is sometimes seen as more metaphorical than literal.

Conclusion

The “deep state” is a concept that refers to the idea of hidden, powerful elites or networks within a government that exert significant, often unchecked, influence over national policy. While it originated as a description of entrenched power structures in specific countries like Turkey, the term has been adopted in various forms by both critics of the government and those who believe in widespread political conspiracies. It remains a controversial and often ambiguous term, with some seeing it as a legitimate critique of bureaucratic overreach and others dismissing it as a baseless conspiracy theory.

Entrepreneurship

Focusing on entrepreneurship in the United States right now offers a wide range of benefits, especially as the country faces dynamic economic challenges, shifting labor markets, and growing technological disruption. Encouraging entrepreneurship can help foster innovation, create jobs, address societal problems, and enhance economic resilience. Here are some key benefits of focusing on entrepreneurship in the U.S. at this particular moment in time:

1. Job Creation and Economic Growth

  • Entrepreneurs drive job creation: New businesses are the primary source of net job creation in the U.S. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, startups and small businesses are responsible for the majority of new jobs in the economy. As large corporations become more automated and adopt cost-cutting measures, entrepreneurship is essential to filling the gap left in employment.
  • Diversification of the economy: Entrepreneurship leads to the creation of new industries and business models, helping diversify the U.S. economy. It encourages the development of sectors beyond traditional manufacturing and services, such as technology, renewable energy, biotech, and the gig economy.

2. Innovation and Technological Advancement

  • Driving innovation: Entrepreneurs are often at the forefront of innovation. New products, services, and business models are frequently developed by entrepreneurs who identify unmet needs and bring new solutions to the market. Startups in industries like artificial intelligence, clean energy, and fintech are changing the landscape of the global economy.
  • Adapting to new technologies: The rapid pace of technological change presents both challenges and opportunities. Entrepreneurship fosters the development and application of emerging technologies, enabling the U.S. to remain competitive on the world stage. Entrepreneurs can quickly pivot, experiment with new ideas, and implement cutting-edge technologies in ways that large, more bureaucratic corporations cannot.

3. Economic Resilience and Recovery

  • Economic resilience: Entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in making the economy more resilient, particularly in times of crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how resilient entrepreneurs could be in the face of economic disruptions. Many businesses adapted by pivoting to online models, producing new goods and services, or meeting new consumer needs, helping the economy recover faster.
  • Boosting local economies: Small businesses and local entrepreneurs often focus on serving specific communities, helping to keep wealth circulating within those regions. Local entrepreneurship can create a more balanced economy, reducing dependency on large multinational corporations and helping communities become more self-sufficient and sustainable.

4. Addressing Societal Problems and Driving Social Impact

  • Solving pressing issues: Many entrepreneurs are motivated by the desire to solve societal challenges. From addressing climate change to tackling healthcare disparities, entrepreneurs have the flexibility and creativity to design solutions to pressing global issues. Social enterprises and impact-driven startups are increasingly shaping the future of industries such as education, healthcare, and sustainability.
  • Driving inclusivity: Entrepreneurship can be a path to greater economic equality, especially when it provides opportunities for marginalized groups. Minority-owned businesses, women entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurs from low-income backgrounds contribute to reducing income inequality and expanding economic opportunities to those who may otherwise be excluded from the traditional workforce.

5. Encouraging Personal Empowerment and Self-Sufficiency

  • Empowerment through self-employment: Entrepreneurship provides individuals with an opportunity for greater control over their financial future. It offers a pathway to self-employment, which can be especially appealing in an economy where traditional job security is eroding. Many workers are seeking more flexibility, autonomy, and the chance to create value on their own terms.
  • Fostering entrepreneurial mindset: Encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset can have wide-reaching benefits even beyond starting a business. It helps individuals develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and resilience, which are valuable traits in an economy increasingly dominated by automation, remote work, and rapid change.

6. Cultural and Economic Dynamism

  • Fostering a culture of innovation: Entrepreneurship supports a culture of risk-taking, innovation, and resilience. This culture is vital for attracting talent, fostering creativity, and maintaining the competitive edge of the U.S. economy. Areas like Silicon Valley, Austin, and New York City are known for their entrepreneurial ecosystems, which attract both domestic and international talent, making the U.S. a global leader in innovation.
  • Global competitiveness: Countries with thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems are better positioned to compete globally. As global competition intensifies, especially in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and clean energy, fostering entrepreneurship ensures the U.S. remains a global leader in technology, commerce, and finance.

7. Opportunities for Underrepresented Groups

  • Empowering diverse entrepreneurs: Focusing on entrepreneurship opens the door for more diverse voices in the business world. Underrepresented groups—such as women, minorities, and veterans—are increasingly launching their own businesses, creating a more inclusive economy. Government programs, grants, and support networks are expanding to help these entrepreneurs succeed.
  • Breaking the cycle of poverty: Entrepreneurship can provide a path out of poverty for individuals who might otherwise have limited access to traditional career opportunities. By providing small-business loans, micro-financing, and mentorship, entrepreneurship can be a tool for social mobility.

8. Flexibility and Adaptation to Changing Workforces

  • Adapting to the gig economy: The labor market in the U.S. is evolving, with more people turning to freelance, gig, and contract work. Entrepreneurship is an important component of this shift, as individuals increasingly seek out side hustles, personal brands, or small businesses to supplement their income. The rise of platforms like Etsy, Uber, and Airbnb has made it easier for individuals to start small, scalable businesses with relatively low overhead.
  • Hybrid work environments: The rise of remote work and digital platforms allows for greater flexibility in business operations, making it easier for entrepreneurs to access global markets and workforces. The ability to start and scale businesses virtually has lowered barriers to entry for many aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those from less affluent backgrounds.

Conclusion

In a time of economic transformation, entrepreneurship offers a critical pathway to addressing many of the U.S.’s current challenges. From creating jobs and fostering innovation to tackling social issues and improving economic resilience, entrepreneurship can drive growth and opportunity in ways that benefit individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole. As the U.S. adapts to new economic realities, focusing on entrepreneurship ensures a more dynamic, inclusive, and future-ready economy.

Political Mavericks

A “political maverick” is a term used to describe a political figure who operates independently of their party or political group, often defying conventional norms or expectations. Mavericks are known for their unconventional approach to politics, their willingness to break with party lines, and their tendency to prioritize their own principles or beliefs over party loyalty or political expediency. The term can carry both positive and negative connotations, depending on one’s perspective.

Key Characteristics of Political Mavericks:

Focus on Issues Over Party Loyalty: A political maverick may prioritize certain issues over party loyalty. For example, they may be willing to support progressive legislation if it aligns with their values, even if it conflicts with the platform of their own party. Alternatively, they may challenge mainstream positions within their own party on matters they believe are important.

Independence and Nonconformity: Mavericks often reject the status quo of party politics. They do not strictly follow party platforms or adhere to party discipline. Instead, they are willing to go against the grain, which can sometimes make them unpopular with their colleagues or their party leadership.

Unpredictability: Political mavericks are often seen as unpredictable because they are not bound by the usual party constraints or ideologies. This makes their positions on issues difficult to predict, and they may shift their stances based on their personal views, the specific circumstances, or the pressure of public opinion.

Principled Stance: Many political mavericks are motivated by deeply held personal or ethical beliefs rather than by the desire for power or party advancement. This can make them appear as more authentic or courageous in the eyes of their supporters, as they are seen as willing to take risks for the sake of their principles.

Challenging the Establishment: Mavericks often position themselves as outsiders or critics of the political establishment, even if they are part of it. They may oppose corruption, bureaucratic inertia, or the concentration of power in political elites. As a result, they can be seen as a voice for reform or innovation.

Right-leaning Movements and The Felt Need for Conservatism Globally–and Its Relation to Ecology!

Coming Soon!

Freedom Within Responsibility

Coming Soon!

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