Time for a new American Revolution

Independence Day calls for more than fireworks, parades, outdoor feasting, and politicians' platitudes. The American Revolution was the decisive world event of modern times. It signaled the beginning of the end of European imperialism, and initiated the world-wide emergence of self-defining nations, with all their home-grown achievements and debilities.

The almost inconceivable victory of the ragged, ill-trained, ill-equipped, ill-supplied rebel militia, led by an amateur warrior of as yet undemonstrated brilliance, was bought at a frightful price in suffering. One family in four lost a father, husband, brother, son or other close male relative.

Appropriate celebration of this event must include consideration of the question, where is our country headed today? In a series of op-ed pieces initiated last July I have asked readers to contemplate the crisis we now face - the ongoing depletion of essential resources: water, arable land, fuel, industrial metals, and the social consequences thereof.

To summarize briefly, world oil production peaked no later than July, 2009. Output has fallen more than three million barrels a day, and continues to decline at an accelerating rate geologists estimate that supplies of indium, required for solar cells, electrical appliances, and high-speed motors, will be exhausted in no more than four years, lead in eight, silver in nine, uranium in 19.

We are witnessing the end of the industrial age - a two-century aberration in the course of world history. Our accustomed way of life, nurturing extravagance, is devolving into a system of severe austerity.

When I attempt to discuss this prospect with acquaintances, I often perceive silent, confused distress. Some scoff, and reaffirm the familiar faith that technology will solve our problems. While this mode of progress has prevailed in our era, there is no evidence that it can persist.

Almost all politicians and a large portion of the mainstream media appear to be in denial. The consensus holds that current hardships are part of a cyclical recession, and that recovery is underway. Growth is almost universally celebrated as the normal condition of the economy

The resources to sustain ongoing growth do not exist. In our emergent post-growth economy, unemployment, destitution, and social disorder will attain unprecedented severity.

Presenting this dark vision has been, for the most part, a lonely task. Denial is too comfortable, too pervasive. However, after publication of each article a few people have called to express gratitude. Occasionally I am greeted with thanks while grocery shopping.

I have consistently held out hope that the new way of life will be deeply rewarding for those capable of creative, nonconforming thought and action. I draw encouragement from the relatively small but growing number of individuals who are building a local, sustainable economy. Examples of their efforts include Groton Family Farms - six acres of agriculture located in the Town of Groton - and Fiddleheads Community Grocery in central New London. We have a variety of craftsmen: carpenters, plumbers, clothiers, handymen, et alia, who provide essential services.

And now those who share this vision have a new source of encouragement. A national organization, Transition U.S. Social Network, is building a communication system for people who are trying to create a good life in the new era. Founded in 2008 with two chapters, the organization has, at last count, 68 chapters distributed throughout all 50 states. Members share an enormous amount of specific information and thoughts on how to live well in a contracting economy with fossil fuel depletion, and provide each other with moral support. Topics include growing food at home, self-defense, child care, health care, education, assembling and maintaining community.

All who wish to become members can do so by visiting the Transition U.S. website. I invite interested readers to join those of us who serve in the ranks of the new American Revolution. You will receive a hearty welcome.

Our country will once again lead the world toward a challenging future.

Charles Frink of New London has engaged in a life-long search for improved human relations.