So today spawned a cool new direction for the site, where Stella welcomed us to imagine how to solve problems from the perspective of our bloodlines. Today’s challenge was to think about how our bloodline would solve the current issue of the 1% vs everyone else. This was my answer:
“The Nabataeans believe both in individual determination as well as collective will, so while our community is discussing our response, I’d like to also make sense here of how I, personally, believe a Nabataean would respond: “Faced with corruption on this scale, it would be just as important to balance the survival of our bloodline against the destruction of the oppressors’ instruments. We would take the long view of the war, making plans within plans, forging alliances and trade relations, and maneuvering ourselves into key positions, then striking quickly, with force, almost before they know we’re attacking. Up to this point, it might appear as if some of us were colluding with the corrupt: Nabataeans understand that one must sometimes appear wicked in order to do greater good. We also understand that not all of the ruling class are happy with the status quo, and that the best way to find and encourage these people is to be their friends, not their faceless enemy. The Nabataean penchant for flexibility will serve us well: while we still use the oppressors’ financial systems, for example, we quietly invest in credit unions that prioritize people over profits. We agitate for political reform, to keep wealth from subverting the process, but we do not distance ourselves from the corrupted arena. We learn what they know. We see what they do. We keep our eyes and ears open for the advantage, because we know we have to be just as clever but even more prepared than the enemy in order to prevail. “The key thing for us would be to ensure that there was a new infrastructure in place to minimize chaos once we had succeeded, as well as oversight to ensure that those now in power were not given free reign to repeat the crimes of their predecessors. There is always, always a fine line between being a Custodian of the People and being Corrupt: Nabataeans especially must hold steadfast to the Truth even when giving the appearance of doing otherwise. In history, we would side with Rome when it did not conflict with our Truth, when it would bring us advantage. We understand that not even the corrupt are wrong 100% of the time, and we know it is better to preserve the good than to destroy wholesale. That said, we do not shy from fighting, but we do believe in preparation. It is not enough to defeat the corrupt when victory would mean chaos and worse for humanity. We must be ready with our transition plans, as well. “As ever, Nabataeans must remain vigilant in ensuring that the institutions we then build to protect the people and the truth are not corrupted in their turn. To be a Nabataean is to be able to embrace all that is right in the world while keeping a watchful eye on all that is wrong with it, and to swiftly, ruthlessly deter the evil while preserving the good. It is a difficult, nuanced path that requires constant thought and judgment, and one I embrace. “I know that this is merely an outline of a plan, but I think it embodies the Nabataean philosophy well. I will work with the others of my bloodline to prepare more for you, Stella, and thank you for the opportunity to share our thoughts like this.” So, basically, a coup. I do hope some of the others in my bloodline contribute ideas for us to collaborate on a consensus post. At the moment, it’s just me and one other guy bouncing around ideas, but I’m optimistic we’ll get more input soon. Oh, and senpai +1ed my post transcribed above! Granted, she +1ed the posts of everyone who strung together something relevant, but I imagine she hit the +1 button with especial vigor in my case. (Ugh, tumblr on the phone has formatted this all wrong. Will try to fix from my PC soon.)
blakekathryn
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