Why am I not surprised? In the dying world we face, it is inevitable that we will end up with rapidly shrinking islands of fiercely defended wealth in a chaotic sea of violence, destitution, and starvation.

Will they be happy in their underground bunkers? I doubt it. And what will happen when all those they hire to serve and defend them realize that they too have been had--that the money they are paid has become worthless? These moguls will then live in perpetual fear that their servants will cut their throats. When conscience is left behind, paranoia takes its place.

Meanwhile, out in the real world of scorching sun, howling wind, torrential rain, and raging fires, amidst the warring tribes of roving marauders and starving hoards, it is just possible that a few contiguous communities of resilient survivors will create islands of health--not wealth--by practicing radical permaculture: selflessly growing gardens, growing community, and growing awareness--learning Gaia, teaching Gaia, healing Gaia, and creating Gaia. And they alone--if anyone--will be happy, by striving to take care of everyone and abandon no one. And unlike the super rich, they will even DIE in peace, having done their best to plant seeds of regeneration for any survivors. Count me in with the latter group--the Gaians, not the greedy, envious, hateful, or paranoid,