Redesign the Paradigm

Energy – Fossil fuels are essential for our civilization, but the technologies are over 100 years old, pollute, concentrate power in unstable regions, and require infrastructure and operation costs associated with ongoing mining, drilling, refining, and distribution operations. Fossil fuels alone will not meet our world’s increasing energy demand that is being driven by developing countries regardless of how many untapped resources remain. Renewable energy will be critical, initially as a supplement and eventually as the long term sustainable solution to our worlds energy needs.

Finance & Economics – U.S. banks and financial institutions are more interested in financialization than traditional banking. Finacialization occurs when financial markets (i.e. derivative investments) become the preferred system for investing rather than investing in the real economy. Finacialization almost collapsed our economy leading the United States into a severe credit crisis and recession that will last years. Wall Street spent $5 billion dollars since 2000 on lobbying and campaign contributions to guarantee the continuation of an unregulated derivatives market and its lucrative commissions and fees instead of pursuing less profitable traditional lending to individuals and companies which contribute to GDP growth and job creation.

Government & Politics - Corporations and other special interests groups have since December 2007 and the start of the current recession increased spending in lobbying and campaign contributions despite downturns in most industry sectors. The billions that are pouring into lobbying endeavors are proving to be good investments and are resulting in successful acquisition of government contracts, reductions in regulations, tax relief, and government subsidies. Lobbying is having such an impact on favorable legislation for these groups that it is leading to a public perception of disenfranchisement and limiting the effectiveness of legislative process.

Health - Obesity rates and chronic illness are increasing. One of the principle causes is the food we eat. The bulk of westernized food is processed and prepackaged, heavily laden in addictive salts, sugars, fats, and simple carbohydrates. The result has been foods that cause obesity and related illnesses while providing a lower nutritional value. The purpose is to increase public consumption habits in order to increase profits. Until we take measures to actually fix our current food growing and manufacturing systems, it is very difficult to avoid these processed and refined foods. There are options available to assist a person to choose a healthier eating life style.