http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/oil_gas/petroleum/feature_articles/2004/worldoilsupply/oilsupply04.html and
www.independent.co.uk/news/science/
I want to end today's blog with a simple appeal by 105 different tribes and 1200 tribal elders from across the United States. I say we listen, heed their warnings, and take notice of what is happening. I compare our world to a child who is setting on a railroad track playing with a certain toy. The train is coming, we can see its lights, hear it's whistle. The parent just sets there on the train knowing well their child is on the tracks up ahead, ignoring how close the train is approaching. Oh so proud they are of what they've achieved with this new fine railroad track. The see the beautiful well built train, the speed of it, the hand crafted box cars and elegant one of a kind engine. All of a sudden they see the child up ahead, but to stop the train would destroy the break system, perhaps delay the record breaking time their company has set, giving over to another would be rival companies statistics. Oh, what to do, perhaps yell out the window, but then the whistle is too loud, maybe jump off the train and wave for the child to see. No, the train is moving too fast to get off now.
You see, the world is moving too fast for people to jump off this productive, technological ride now. If we slow down or stop productivity, we might lose out to another country, or fall back a few years and that would be devistating to our egos. We could yell out faint warnings most of them covered over or unheard due to the media or mass idiology of political thinking, greed, selfishness, and wantant pride. So what happens now? Well the children of our future are the one's who will pay for this mistake, they will have the economic destruction to clean up should we run out of oil. They will have to pay the inflationary taxes, and loss of economic security. What's wrong with simpleness?What's so bad about living close to nature? Does it make the human ego smaller? Does it cause those who feel that their own minds achieved this success, to feel smaller amidst the creator's own hand? Perhaps. I leave you with what the Elders proclaimed at the conference for the aging in 2000.
"As we stand before the dawn of a new millennium, we pray for America’s survival, our survival.
We pray that we will be given strength by the Creator to follow the footsteps of our forefathers to share our love, respect and compassion for one another. There is good in everyone because our Creator has put a little of Himself in all of us.
We pray for forgiveness for the pain and suffering we have caused one another.
We pray that our children will not repeat our mistakes.
We pray that we can respect the diversity of America; all life is sacred. Every child born is a precious gift of our Creator. It is our sacred trust to embrace children from all walks of life because we are part of the same family.
We pray that children will honor and respect their elders-that is where the wisdom comes from. This respect will not allow forgotten elders. We are all equal, with each having our own special gift to contribute. These values allow our youth to become leaders and workers in our society. Children, you are our future and our hope for the people. Stand and be courageous.
We pray to learn and use the wisdom of all that has come before us, to achieve personal successes and to contribute to those of others. Only when our young ones learn respect for everything can they evolve.
Earth
We pray for respect and love of Mother Earth because she is the foundation of human survival and we must keep her pollution-free for those who will travel after us. Protect her water, air, soil, trees, forests, plants and animals.
Do not just take and waste resources. Make it a priority to conserve.
The land is given to us by the Creator to care for, not to own. If we take care of the land, the land will take care of us.
Unity
We should have respect for each other. We pray for commitment and responsible behavior in order to help those in need and to give them support and friendship. Be an example in life that others may follow; serve people, community and country.
We should all strive to be a leaders and contributors. Do not sit back and let others plan and do all the thinking.
Let us unite together so that we may have the strength to protect our future. Strength comes from working through trials and tribulations.
Health
Spiritual health is the key to holistic health.
We pray to have the discipline to set healthy examples for our children to follow.
Respecting everyone and everything in the universe starts with self-respect.
Take time to listen and take care of your body and spirit.
Family and Youth
Family is important and precious. Always let them know that they are loved.
Let your children and grandchildren know you are always there to love and support them and that they mean the world to you no matter what they do or say. Children are of infinite value.
Live what you teach. Spiritual values, honesty, and integrity start in the home.
We pray for the youth. We must teach the youth to work together and respect all that is living on our Mother Earth.
We need to convey to our younger generations that the survival of our people lies in spirituality.
Peace
We pray to learn ways to settle differences peacefully.
Teach respect for each other’s ideas. Value honesty on all levels, from children to parents to community to governments. We will be happy when we create peace with each other.
To the Seventh Generation
- Survive
- Keep hopes and dreams
- Take care of yourself
- Remember your spirit
- Be there for each other
- Respect courage
- Share knowledge
- Always keep learning
- Remember your true values "