It’s hard sometimes to understand just how un-equal our modern human society really is.

We often talk about the 1% versus the 99%, but that’s not even close to an accurate ratio for the true scale of inequality. Because the “haves” in our society — the owners, the rulers — do not possess a mere one hundred times more power and wealth than the rest of us. The disparity is *far* greater than that.

(See the video linked below for more on this.)

Through consolidation and monopolies and lobbying and bribery and corruption, within the past four decades the wealthy and powerful have achieved complete dominance over us and over the world we live in. It’s not an exaggeration to say they own and control virtually EVERYTHING.

They own the corporations. They own the resources. They own the governments. They own the major media. They own (most of) the Internet.

And what are they doing with all that wealth and power? Simple. They’re grabbing more. And more and more and more. They will *never* have enough.

In the meantime, while they continue hoarding, our owners are also working to convince you and me that everything is okay, that the status quo is just fine, that there’s nothing to worry about. They want to keep the stores open, the factories running, the airliners flying, and the cruise ships sailing.

The longer our rulers can keep assuring everyone that BUSINESS AS USUAL is the way to go, the more money they will make. And they believe (though it's likely a delusion) that with enough money and enough power, they and their descendants will be able to survive and even thrive in the 3°C to 5°C world of the future.

I’m not sure at this point if anything can be done about this. It may be too late. But I hope I’m wrong.

#Environment #Climate #ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #Inequality #Capitalism #BusinessAsUsual

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

🆕 Planetary boundaries and political expediency | Bryn Glover

"With six planetary boundaries at the point of no return the stark consequences of climate change are accelerating"

Read more ⤵️
#TippingPoint #ClimateCrisis #ClimateEmergency
https://yorkshirebylines.co.uk/news/environment/planetary-boundaries-and-political-expediency/

One for the children. Bedtime reading perhaps?

Badger

Deep in the shadows he snuffles and pushes,
his nose riffling down through decaying leaf mushes.
Sniffing out worms, slugs, and beetles,
soft, chewy, crunchy things that he munches and eatles.

Dig, dig, digging with his powerful front claws,
he seeks out such yuck to get in his jaws!
A snail for breakfast, a frog for dinner,
grub and scoff that would make you shiver!

And spotting a Badger is never easy,
especially if it might make you queasy!
You see, with his body grey and his face black and white,
he’s perfectly camouflaged in the depths of the night.

But if you’re prepared to crouch down and don’t mind getting mucky,
happy to wait in the hope to strike lucky,
then you might see him crashing through brambles
'cos he’s tough as old boots as he bashes and scrambles.

Mind, despite all his racket, he’s really quite shy.
I’ve heard he wouldn’t say boo to a goose, or a fly.
So, if you’re quiet as a mouse, you might just get a glimpse.
No, watching for badgers ain’t for wimps!

Then, as the sun comes up and begins to shine brightly,
with his belly quite full and not feeling so sprightly,
he returns underground to his home called a sett,
which, surprise, surprise, is dry, not wet.

And there, all day, he sleeps, snoring soundly,
snuggled up warm with the rest of his family,
until, once again, as it begins to get dark,
he noses the air and ventures out for the lark.

Ted Smith