Global Impact of the Economic Collapse

It was hard to get up this morning to drive to Portland for CSTI but I'm so glad I did.  First, there's the great board and staff of Western States Center greeting everyone at registration.  Then - I've already connected with several old friends from California, DC and Idaho and met a few new people.

The plenary this morning featured Pancho Arguelles from Collectivo Flatlander talking about the impact of global economic collapse.

Two images:  1. young Central American workers try to get north by hanging from trains because roads are blocked with checkpoints where the Mexican military tries to stop this flow of desperate workers. Some of these workers fall - and either die or are severely injured - losing arms or legs or both.  The train keeps the products safe inside but the workers who make these products that head north to our stores are endangered; brutal.  2. These injured young men who are left behind try to help each other.  The one-armed man lays bricks carried to him by the one-legged man hopping behind a wheel barrow. They build the future despite the brutality directed at them

Pancho challenged us to look at the brutal truth - not to shy away - and to be brave.  Do not engage only in short term "winnable" fights.  Look at the long haul.  And connect to the hope that we can stay afloat, rock the boat and change the tide - all at the same time.