Money is talking louder
Looking for how to spend it wisely
With a lot of new subscribers I’m very happy to have, what a week it’s been. It’s ironic that money is talking to me since I warn about income inequality and late-stage capitalism as a major threat to our survival. I’ve been on Substack for a year now, and, with only a dribble of new subscribers before this, there’s been a torrent since I announced my essay contest with sizable money prizes. The contest, that’s getting a good flow of entries, is to come up with ideas to save the world, and if there weren’t money prizes I wonder if there would be any ideas. Let’s think there would since it can’t be proved there wouldn’t, but but but…
Well, I am getting an itch to follow up with a bigger offer. If $50,000 was on the table, what meal could be served? I am looking for what to get behind if I reduce my children’s inheritance in order to deliver something potent to the world. How about contacting me if you have an idea? So as not to get you spinning your wheels, be aware of what figures to turn me on. This whole year I’ve been writing about what we might do and reading up would tune you into my groove. If you haven’t been following me and you’re thinking about suggesting something, be sure to first check out what I’ve been posting. Best to respond in a Comment but also okay to reply so you just send to me. And even if you newcomers aren’t suggesting anything, it would be swell for you to catch up on what I’ve been up to. I have a serious intention to make impact on this hurting world and I’m so glad to have you new people on my ride.
For a little heads-up, what I keep writing about are things we-the-people could do, where we’d need to become a force and acquire a voice. We’re gadflies now, with no clout to deliver our life-giving ideas and advocacies. There are insightful analyses of what got us where we are, and utopian ideas for the world we’d like to be in, but how to get from here to there is a wasteland where, in the States, elect Democrats is the best advice we get. Although that’s essential, it’s not enough. Our legislators serve funders over constituents, and, while I’m bashing them, I’ll add that none of them have the consciousness that let’s say Marianne Williamson has, of knowing we’re spiritual creatures before we are greedy ones, and that riches don’t equate to the necessity of caring about each other as much as we care about ourselves.
For a handy summary of my ideas as of last September: What's on A ROADMAP TO THE FUTURE? / What we-the-people can do.
The winners of the essay contest will be announced on February 29. I’m inviting submissions here, there, and everywhere, and I’m extending the deadline to February 21. Read all about the contest and how to submit in this post I made about it: An Essay Contest. It’s January 1, 2050. How, in 2024, did we pull off saving the world?
For passing it along to others, here’s something I send:
ESSAY CONTEST. Cash Prizes! Due Feb. 14 (extension to Feb. 21). It’s Jan 1, 2050. How, in 2024, did we do what saved the world? https://suzannetaylor.substack.com/p/an-essay-contest-its-january-1-2050
One more thing. Where many of us have been cruising together for years, this is three minutes on my memory lane that’s especially for others. In last Tuesday’s post this had the wrong link. It’s fixed for people who see that posting now. For list members, here’s the right one.
Dear subscribers -- A lot of you make direct replies to each post. Instead, if you comment here we can have the conversations I’d like to generate. And if you enjoyed this post please hit the heart so others can find it. First-timers will have to complete your Substack profile to be able to comment on the Substack platform!
Haha money sure does talk! And I love how you are wielding it to make good in the world - bravvo!! I'll respond again on this, but I've really enjoyed reading your thoughts, and even got into some of your old Cosmic Fuel Pump videos - yaaas!! So many *vibes* with you, Sue!!
I've got a strong case to make for what we-the-people can do - it's what you've already been doing - bringing together those around you in community. The BIG question: what are the barriers that hold folks back from doing this today in their neighborhoods? Time/Money. Third spaces. And, there's the question of what we do when you finally do get people together - preach?? Nope, not gonna open minds that way.
Our project is Village (www.VillageCo.org) - all-volunteer non-profit approach to localized community without the agendas or doctrine. Its not solving the problems directly, it's just taking a massive NEXT STEP - bringing folks in all their differences, TOGETHER.
And, I realize this is not quite what you have been writing about, Suzanne. While I'm like 110% on board with your vision (wisdom councils & coalitions), I think that before we sell folks on that, we first need to get to know them. And they need to get to know you. It's how this all works, changing minds is relational work.
I'd use that $50k to launch a non-partisan, no-agenda movement for local connection and community - a truly we-the-people movement - and break down those barriers between us. If we were to accomplish that, we'd then have a powerful platform to start talking about collective action and change.
Thanks for all you do Sue!!! Yay!!!
Hi Sue, wow, what a way to move energy! I am very curious and current exploring ways in which to "plug" deep, embodied female based wisdom into the current mechanistic world view. I've got plenty of ideas. Some I am already working on but curious if there is space to co-create. I am aware that you are of a different generation to mine and what you currently model is very much the matriarch role, which is fundamental to culture. So, I would be super keen to dream up co-creation. How would my knowing be in service to your knowing and of others. Here in this space and in other places such as this. I, like you, want to devote my life to supporting this transition our world seems to be inviting in.