The Wheel Turns

Does life seem like deja vu? 

One would think that after thousands of years of history, humanity would at least begin to get it. Despite thousands of years of warnings by prophets and seers, one would think that humanity would pay some heed to the events that surround them. Despite the lessons from science: that if you deplete your resources species die; you can't breathe CO2 and methane; acid oceans = no fish; polluted soil = no food; extinction is not healthy ... people would pay some heed to the signs of the times.

While the world's economy has created a new wave of isolationism, there are those who can read the signs and who take advantage of the weakness. We know that if you don't stand up to bullies, they sense the fear and bully even more. The cost of dealing with the issue later is far greater than, as the cliche says, nipping it in the bud now. Or, do not put off until the 'morrow, what can be accomplished today.

We are not dealing with climate change and the price to do so later will be staggering. We are not dealing with Putin or Syria and the cost to do so later will be staggering. We are not dealing with our polluted soils and air and the cost to do so, if there is a later, will be staggering.

The Wheel Turns.

SETI SHUTDOWN METAPHOR FOR HUMANITY SHUTDOWN?

SETI telescope array suspends operations due to financial constraints

(PhysOrg.com) -- SETI, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence group that has been using radio telescopes since the 1960’s to "listen" for signals from deep space that could prove the existence of other life in the universe, has had to temporarily suspend operation of its Allen Telescope Array, (ATA) due to a lack of funding.

In this era of "Cut This, Cut That" because we're running out of money, the cuts to SETI, for me, has a much broader implication. Humanity is what it is because of its curiosity. This basic trait led to controlling fire, molding metals, arts, sciences, civilizations, experimentations, and discoveries.

SETI represents all that is positive in humanity. It symbolizes the desire to know, for the sake of knowing. Many things we did in our explorations into space was for the sake of knowing. Sure, many practical things came from the quests and still do, but we went to space to learn, to discover our place in the vast unknown. SETI is the same as 'humanity calling,' a reaching out and a bringing into our consciousness a desire to get to know the neighborhood of life.

With the loss of funding for SETI, it seems we have also lost our desire to know. We have put aside the stars in favor of the mundane, the boring, the drudgery of everyday life. The fire, the dream has given way to the beast, seeking only to survive the day. Is this what we have become? Is this what life is about? Can our species even survive if we have no dreams? Should we survive if the heavens no longer entice our hearts, minds and souls?

HUMANITY ON TRIAL: COUNTDOWN TO 2012

We have all heard of the growing phenomena on the internet called “social networking.” What may be new is the degree to which this networking is beginning to take on major societal issues. A new networking site has been created called, “HUMANITY ON TRIAL: COUNTDOWN TO 2012” (http://humanityontrial.ning.com/). The introduction says, “Is humanity worth preserving? By December 1st, 2012, this court will render its verdict.”

The network is organizing various groups including prosecuting and defense teams, witnesses and a jury. Early posts on the site are being made in the various forums on such topics as: Human Religions, Historical Evidence of War, Racism and Bigotry, The Environment, Human Redeeming Qualities, 2012, Prophecy and more. The network is currently discussing the various pros and cons regarding the continuation of the human species as the ranks of members begin to take on a global composition. In addition to posts from across the United States, members are weighing in from Australia, China, Iran, France, the UK, Latin America and Canada.

As the sides organize, it is expected that a mock trial will also will take place. What is unique is that the trial will occur on the internet radio. The creator of the networking site says that he will use his internet BlogTalkRadio show, “All Things That Matter” as the venue for the trial. Shows will be devoted to opening arguments and special segments for both the defense and prosecution. Listeners will be given the opportunity to cast their vote in a special poll that will be taken after the defense rests.

Citing the growing global crises regarding the environment, food, oil, politics and religions it is the intent of the trial to not only raise global awareness of these issues but to also offer possible solutions. Many are familiar with the various prophecies concerning the year 2012 and it is hoped that the trial will help people to decide if humanity does have or even should have a future on what CNN has termed, this “Planet in Peril.” It would appear that social networks are moving beyond making connections to addressing key issues facing the planet.

Despite one’s view on “doomsday” scenarios and the prophecies of the Mayans, the Hopi and even Nostradamus, there is little doubt that humanity is in crisis. Continuing updates on climate change, volatile political hot spots, the recent reports on the food crisis and the growing issues of inflation and oil production would indicate that the human race is at a crossroads and that decisions it makes now may well in fact determine its survival. The Humanity on Trial network, while presenting contrary opinions on our chances of survival agrees with one basic premise; time is running out.