“Nature” always has the last laugh, just as it’s forcibly reminding us now. Harmony with nature was never a choice, but forced upon us over the long and short run. It’s past time to ditch the idea imposed by “western European, Euro-American” elites since the Industrial age — and even well before — that humans can overcome nature.

Aside from the ferocious, murderous, cruel, opportunistic side of humans, there is the other side. Mountaineer Rick Ridgway sums it up best:  “Our need for art, for beauty, for understanding how we fit into the universe, and how we fit into the web of life that surrounds us.”

I would add: Respect for all, equal wealth distribution, tolerance, inclusive community, real democracy; real tribalism. Many tribes still know this, many Euro-Americans as well. It is time for the Euro “elites” to re-learn from the tribes — past, present and future. Time to grow-up. Sappy as it sounds, harmony with nature is the only game in town.

Claus Dietrich

Swansonville, Port Ludlow