Interesting blog post! Our media systems are flooded with the worst of human failures and tragedies, which contributes to this increasing state of apathy I see in society regarding government and military corruption. Most of us are too burdened by the everyday stressors of life induced and shaped by oppressive systems. South Korea is literally paying young people to leave the house.

We are totally in a crisis of competence, but also a crisis of perception. As you know, most of us operate from a very narrow view of reality. We're so disconnected from each other and the systems we're participating in or trying to reform. From not knowing where our food comes from, to not knowing how our garbage systems are run, to having very little understanding of how taxpayer dollars are used. Even more sad is that very few conversations happen between people who have different political views, at least conversations that intend to connect and build bridges.

So we treat each other as disposable artifacts in the cultural economy. Many activists seeking to abolish policing have no clue how policing systems are run, even on an organizational level. Most of us have no clue the historical context that gives us insight into the deeper abuses and harms at the hands of our own government.

The need for local economies, decentralized networks, and spaces for the Commons feels necessary to address the mounting crises induced by corrupt elements within our very own government. Building relationships independent of centralized power systems can diversify our stories and narratives about the world. This feels like a crucial step in breaking free from the status quo of accepting and normalizing dysfunction.