NTGNTP (6th Draft): CAUSE AND CONSEQUENCE Part 1.1.1

Chapter 1

CAUSE AND CONSEQUENCE

1. Introduction - Part 1

No closed system is permanent. All civilizations wane over time. The Machine may be slowly winding down. Entropy demands less than absolute efficiency, despite human claims contrary to the second law of thermodynamics. This realization, especially applicable to the United States, must be faced. The ignorant will die. Massive social pressures continually threaten to burst and disrupt the machinations of a system dedicated and dependant upon technique.[1] The power structure is perhaps very vulnerable, however in respects previously unconsidered. A massive collapse, effecting the technological world, could occur before or beyond effective damage control is possible. The crisis will most certainly be economic, and precipitated by a sudden, unmitigatable world shaking event. The world monetary system has passed beyond any real control. This essay is not about prediction, rather perception. A downward spiral is simple to illustrate; the basis is another matter. For example, the current mass imprisonments of drug offenders, in response to a health crisis, embodies a conflict between competing techniques each striving for maximum advantage and efficiency. The whole is different than the sum of its parts.[2] South Africa and the USSR each incarcerated huge segments of their populations, and consequently experienced the expiration of their respective systems. The United States is unlike either, however all share the impact of removing millions from the economic sphere. Even laboring prisoners will not prove economically productive over the long term. Inmates are not consumers. Real debt levels may only rise. Accounting techniques may ease the situation for the government and multi-national corporations, however lower social classes will not enjoy this luxury. Bankruptcy and debt forfeiture measures can not be magically erased. Economic quick fixes will eventually prove worthless. How can stimulus packages benefit the entirety, when many able-bodied men are imprisoned or even lack the skills for productive work? In addition, real working wages have stagnated, and even slightly declined via inflation[3]. A feudal society may be the end result of this particular scheme, but runs afoul of consumerism. Advertising and propaganda convince the need, but fail to offer any solution other than credit for supplying the funds. Hence, greater default levels. Weed choked farmyard and decaying inner cities are typical local patterns resulting from the vicious debt cycle. Agribusiness, public assistance, and penitentiaries will ease some impact, but offer far less than previous cycles in their potential. The watch hands are winding down. Their efficiency must necessarily be less than total. The same may be evidenced on a national or even international scale. The sickness may have no systemic cure, being a by-product of itself. Presently, much popular support is derived from the sub-urbanites[4], who have managed to flee from the above extremes. Living vicariously through media, in a verbal world[5], these people devote their time away from television commuting, working and sinking further into debt. Earnings may increase, but the debt required to maintain their lifestyle actually shrinks their real income, via interest payments and planned obsolescence of "necessities," like automobiles and washing machines. Most will never actually enjoy true equity. A car is paid-off, only to break down. A new car is bought, while repair bills are still owed to a credit card company. Real estate will probably be sold before the completion of a 30 year mortgage agreement, or borrowed against. Money appears not to be regarded as a commodity, which is indeed the case since the abolition of the gold standard. Only death brings permanent relief for the individual.[6] Even bankruptcy is no solution. The individual will be forced right back onto the debt cycle due to economic reality. The sub-urbanite actually believes this state is beneficial and necessary. Any other existence is inconceivable, or hopelessly idyllic. Hence, their cars suck all life away from themselves and the planet. A collapse, and consequent lack of fuel, would be most disastrous for this sort. They would prove docile sheep for anyone who could offer to preserve their existence, and easily exploited for maximum advantage. The sub-urbanites will not even probably realize their own state as tools, having been long conditioned to be so while believing themselves free. Their perceptions have been guided by the official power structure, providing an accessible path of least resistance. Puppets can be very dangerous, especially a herd believing its own individual worth and identity. These people may be written off, but never ignored. Their particular decadence is too pervading and insidious.[7]

[1] See Jaques Ellul, The Technological Society, 1964 for a detailed discussion regarding "technique." I will generally use this Concept according to his definition. Efficiency is the main goal.
[2] A tool believes greater.
[3] i.e. entropy.
[4] Actually, an archetype...
[5] This term was first coined by J. Ellul, ibid., and elaborated upon in propaganda, 1966. It is similar to my own "virtual world" used below which includes imagery.
[6] The economy will still suffer the consequences of unpaid debt.
[7] Although, the above scenario is simplistic, a basic theme has been illustrated: the economic system is partially based upon perception and belief. Currently, the official power structures encourages stasis through stability. Other ends could possibly be achieved.