Contributed by Joe Montero

It is not all that unusual to hear people respond to any suggestion to change the political course of the nation by branding it idealistic and that it could never happen. Anyone suggesting differently, is going to come across this reserve.

The trouble is that most of the time individuals feel powerless, an unimportant mote in a universe of humanity. We live in a reality encouraging this way of thinking, leading most of us to believe we are nobodies. A way of thinking that compels us to assume real power will always be in that hands of others.

This is the way it is for a long time, and it feels like nothing is going to remove this mountain. That it is better to limit ambitions to winning a few small improvements.

Our world is changing fast, and the ability to win a few small improvements is disappearing.

We are entering an era of a triple headed crisis of the economy, global warming, and toxic politics. The Coronavirus pandemic has made this monster even worse .

The choice is stark. We go back to failed traditional economics, neglect to build sustainability, and accept that a few will continue to monopolise political authority. Alternatively, we can turn away from all of this and get on with the business of building a new and practical economy and power, from the bottom up.

In the first of the previous three articles in this series, it was argued that the problems faced  by the Australian economy are systemic and embedded in how the economy creates value.

The second put that the limit of government spending and need of change economic power at the base. The third advocated building an alternative social economy based on cooperation for our shared needs.

This article proposes that as big as the task looks, there is really no alternative. We strive for change or risk going over a precipice. The three headed crisis is not going away, and it has a very good chance of bringing economic collapse and social turmoil.

The political system and those who control it will continue to fail, et away at their legitimacy, and feed instability. Failure to deal with the climate crisis will continue. The fruits will be growing impoverishment, rising food and water insecurity, serious environmental damage, and the progressive loss of rights, as we sail headlong into authoritarianism.

Change is the only way to avoid this catastrophe, and it requires a new way of thinking and daring to grasp the alternative.

Do Australians want change? Yes, they do. This might not be properly articulated at present, and there is fear and trying to hold onto the familiar.

Polls routinely suggest an alternative story. Australians are disillusioned the behaviour of political leaders. They see that the political institutions do not work for them, want more fairness, and are uncomfortable with the rise of big brother government.

These are pointers implying that the majority do want a change. The problem is an absence of leadership and articulation of a vision to take us forward.

The danger is that this provides fertile ground for negative influences. People can fall prey to false solutions. At worst, to be misled by the politics of hate, with its targeting of scapegoats, divisiveness, and driving towards war. At best, to be pulled down blind paths that merely repackage failure.

It Doresn’t have to be this way. Australia needs a real alternative. This is a practical necessity, \and all of us must contribute to making it happen.