Revolution Watch---Disappearing Money

Watching trends globally, nationally, locally and real locally is one way of keeping track of The Revolution to a more sustainable society/world. Through the last couple of years, I have noted a few events that give indication as to the progress of this once-in-a-lifetime event.

I've looked at many national events and conditions, some local, some global but the most interesting still are the ones occurring right here in our backyard--- library hours cut, droughts, floods, firing teachers, neighbors losing their jobs, others losing their benefits, us not travelling, growing more of our own food and picking up road kill (not that I didn't do that before).

A few nights ago I attended a hearing at the local high school and heard a presentation on the need to pass a small bond issue to keep funding operations at a level that would still offer a sound education. It was a great presentation, professional, informative, well intended, all done by what are obviously very good folks. Hell, it is a very good school. I wouldn't expect less.

I doubt if very few of the 160 folks in attendance thought that the bond issue was a bad idea, after all having great schools sets the tone of the community and provides the education that powers a solid democracy.

We learned of funding shortfalls that were about to happen due to the state not having any money, nor the desire to raise taxes to get the money, so it was time to cut and in affect lower the standard of living, both for students and teachers. This is what happens when money disappears. Well, at least sorta. Doesn't mean our lives can't be rich and good, but less money in pockets of employees means less stuff. Less knowledge means less wealth of another sort. I know there are other arguments about spiritual wealth.

But the item that caught my eye was one graph that was not really presented, but one that disclosed a more far reaching indication of things to come.

What this graph shows is anticipated revenues for the school in the next five years---and it is for a stable economy. Keep in mind there is an anticipated decline of students of about 3% total in five years. This would account for some decline of revenues but very little. Also keep in mind that the shape of this graph, with the revenue and expenditures being close, has been the pattern for some time. Starting this year this professional group (Laird) has stated there will be a decline in revenue for five years. This will occur at a time when the cost of doing business of all sorts will be going up, particularly capitol costs and living costs. For instance, wheat has gone up almost 100% in the last year, fuel 30% or more, books a lot, and this list is endless. What we are looking at is a decrease in wages, decrease in benefits, decrease in materials, and that is also it is endless.

It is the revolution. It is less of everything. But then again, is having less of everything probably the only way we will be sustainable? The graph went unnoticed.