Just to be clear. Crystal clear. I think I have the best ideas for saving the planet. In fact, to be totally honest, I know of no one else in my league in that regard. I wish that wasn’t the case. I wish there were lots of people and organizations out there with big ideas, original ideas, ideas that can really make a difference in terms of saving the planet. But I don’t see any or anyone that comes close. Certainly none that are grand and ambitious by design, that are comprehensive and holistic, and involve original thinking. None with that ‘x-factor,’ so to speak.
Still, saving the planet won’t be easy. It might not even be possible. The very fact someone like Donald Trump can end up in the Oval Office — and not just once, but twice — is an obvious indicator that it might not be possible But there are many others.
It brings to mind that ‘canary in a coalmine’ metaphor. Today, coal mining utilizes more sophisticated technology; but years ago, they brought actual live canaries down into the tunnels with them. If a canary died, that was a strong indicator that the air was not safe to breathe. Today, you might say there are “dead canaries” all over the place, suggesting it might not be possible to save the planet. Here’s another way top put it: If you’re reading a short story, and there’s an avalanche of foreshadowing that the main character is going to die, guess what, maybe that character is going to die. Duh.
That’s another reason I want funding. Not only do I need it to move forward, but I would see that as an indicator that saving the planet is possible. It would be nice if I got ten — or a hundred — times the (minimal) funding I’m seeking. But after twelve and a half years of getting my message out, and seeing zero interest, I’d happily settle for the minimal amount ($100,000). After taxes, enough would remain to allow me to quite my job and put all my focus (for up to two years) on getting my ideas out there. Once I get rolling with that, eventually that bigger funding might kick in. Getting my big ideas out there isn’t the end game. It’s just the starting point.