It’s broke! How should we fix it?

The sound of water dripping down the downspout brightened a gray day today and helped take the edge off this morning's slickery roads. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-30s this week and mid-40s next. There’s even a tantalizing hint of sunshine arriving next week. It’s not true that I caused this exceptional warm spell by buying a handful of good books to carry me through the rest of the winter. 

early January 2023

Photo by J. Harrington

I know I keep going on about the weather, but the differences between last winter and this one are astounding. As of March 1 last year, we had had the snowiest or second snowiest winter on record. As of today, there is only spotty snow cover in the yard. I wonder if this is an example of the volatility the climate scientists tried to warn US about. Between the vagaries of Congress (still no new farm bill) and those of the climate, I’m glad I’m not a farmer, but then we do depend on some farmers for food, don’t we?

It’s not just the weather and the government that’s become unreliable. Boeing’s planes have become noted for a lack of quality control and safety. In fact, many sectors of the economy, including pharmaceuticals, health care, food, packaging, manufacturing, I could go on, seem to have lost track of the basic concept that it’s not a good idea to imperil your market (you know, the peoplle who buy  your stuff). PFAS or microplastics anyone? How about unsafe levels of nitrates in your water supply?

Perhaps it’s time for US to incorporate a Native American seventh generation principle into our constitution and environmental and economic assessments. We’ve been allowing the corporatocracy to use shorter and shorter time frames and narrower perspectives as they lobby for greater profits. That doesn’t seem to be working out so well as we look about US, does it? Do you suppose AI can solve this one?

Once the World Was Perfect

By Joy Harjo

Once the world was perfect, and we were happy in that world.

Then we took it for granted.

Discontent began a small rumble in the earthly mind.

Then Doubt pushed through with its spiked head.

And once Doubt ruptured the web,

All manner of demon thoughts

Jumped through—

We destroyed the world we had been given

For inspiration, for life—

Each stone of jealousy, each stone

Of fear, greed, envy, and hatred, put out the light.

No one was without a stone in his or her hand.

There we were,

Right back where we had started.

We were bumping into each other

In the dark.

And now we had no place to live, since we didn't know

How to live with each other.

Then one of the stumbling ones took pity on another

And shared a blanket.

A spark of kindness made a light.

The light made an opening in the darkness.

Everyone worked together to make a ladder.

A Wind Clan person climbed out first into the next world,

And then the other clans, the children of those clans, their children,

And their children, all the way through time—

To now, into this morning light to you.

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