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R. G. Miga's avatar

there's some hope in an increasing number of people reaching this point of acceptance beyond despair... some of my favorite thinkers (Kingsnorth, Hine, Eisenstein, etc.) have all being echoing similar sentiments recently. God willing, there is enough momentum to take us past the point of terror and into something—if not happier—at least more determined.

it might be too late to patch the hole in the hull; maybe there's still time to launch the lifeboats effectively, if we keep our wits about us.

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simclardy's avatar

This piece resonates, Jack. It's a relief when someone just admits how bad/scary/intractable the problems are. And yes, most of the time I can tell that people don't want to -- or aren't able to-- hear that and so must act more optimistically to be socially tolerable.

It feels like a sort of stretching. This learning to love more deeply and more patiently. I still think that getting out to some farm land makes sense in a very practical way for our family but it seems no doors have opened yet. The one that appeared perfect was snatched up by a full price bid. We have also been needed here by extended family. I feel a sense like you describe that it doesn't matter if we never actualize this idea of a getaway. Maybe the hour is too late for any such efforts. The real tragedy would be if I failed in my opportunities for loving. I have failed in these many times, in fact. This is the project.

Thanks to Girard I realized how much I have allowed myself resentment for the extremely wealthy who are moving into my town and gentrifying it. I see that I must love them. This is a huge change. love them while refusing to join in their lifestyle and their culture. No dark corners where resentment is allowed. No scapegoating.

Clara

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