The following is an excerpt from my recently published globe-spanning philosophical novel, “Changing History”. “Changing History” is the story of seven international travelers who meet by happenstance in a snowstorm in the wild mountains of Tibet, stumble upon a teahouse and spend the night with a traveling Buddhist monk and nun. During the night, in Chaucerian style, the seven tell life stories about events and circumstances that led to their travels to Tibet and forced each to question fundamental aspects of her/his life, society and the world.

This excerpt is narrated by Cibi, a shepherd from a third world country who lost his traditional life because his government sold the mineral, energy and water resources to outside economic powers, which were overtaking the country. Because of the resulting water shortages, he and his fellow shepherd Rageen were forced to leave their village and move to a nearby town to seek employment. They joined thousands of others in similar circumstances, all now in dire straits as violence begins to erupt throughout the countryside.

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People were getting more and more agitated with the deteriorating conditions. There was increasing talk of organized armed resistance against the intruders. Rumors circulated about a mass gathering in the town square to address the problems. Rageen and I headed in that direction.

As we walked closer to the town center we merged with thousands of others. Everyone was moving toward the square. The police set up lines about half a kilometer away but did not enter the center of town. At first, they tried to stop people from walking but were quickly overrun as more people kept coming. There was a podium with microphone and speakers in the town square, and a man with a short-cut beard wearing a loose-fitting suit got up to address the large crowd gathered round.

“Hello dear brothers and sisters. For the moment we are safe. But for how long is unclear. The police or army may drive us from here at any moment. With the limited time we have I will speak directly and to the point.

“Most of our lives have been drastically changed. That is why we are here and that is what we have come to discuss. Each one of us have personal experiences that reflect these changes. But within our individual stories there is commonality about how our lives have been disrupted.

“First, an overwhelming economy foreign to this land is overtaking our own.

“Second, resources necessary for our lives and well-being are being taken from us.

“Third, where once we lived primarily by our own ways and means, now most of us are forced to work outside of our traditions for people whom we do not know, and who do not know or care to know us.”

“And fourth, violence is overcoming us. Fear has become dominant in our lives.

“As a result of these changes we are losing control over the direction and course of our lives…and in the process we are accepting and coming to depend upon foreign solutions, cures and treatments ushered to us by this new economy.

“And now what—if anything—can we do about the situation? Has life changed inexorably or will we be able to return to our previous loves and lives? And if that is at least partially possible, what actions are required to achieve those goals? That is the question today. This is our task to answer.”

From the crowd arose indignant voices with calls of support. “Hear hear!” “Now is the time!” “It is upon us!” “We must act!” “Take back our lives!”

He continued, “So what must be done? How can we regain control and reclaim our lives?

“I am a peaceful person and do not provoke confrontations. In fact, when faced with a confrontational situation I will do what I can to avoid violence. But when someone comes into my home to harm or kill me, my family or friends, I will do whatever I can to stop them … including killing. This ongoing violence is being brought to our homes and into our families. I ask you, can we afford to stand around and allow all that we have, all that we are … to be ripped away?”

Shouts of “No. No. No!” could be heard from the crowd. Someone yelled, “Kill the bastards!”

“Please. Please. We must not allow our anger to overcome us. We must use our anger as a means of inspiring and uniting us. Let us not dwell on hate. Let us use our indignation to propel us forward. Let your anger be a positive and righteous force.

“Now you may ask, Where is our government? Is it not the government’s place to protect us and our interests?

“And I answer that it should be so! But the only part of government that we see is an army that tries to squash our dissatisfaction and discontent. Our government has been bought. Our economic well-being has been sold to the highest bidders: mining, energy and retail giants. Sadly, we can expect no help from the government. Too much money is at stake. To them we are either consumptive cogs or dead weight in their economic and political aspirations.

“Our most important resource—that which each and every one of us depends upon every day of our lives—our clean WATER, is being polluted and stolen!”

A roar went up from the crowd at the mention of water.

“Yes, water. Clean water is so basic to us that we have taken it for granted. But now we see how dependent we are upon our water and the drastic changes that come about when our clean water is taken away.

“Water is the most important resource on our planet. Without water there would be no life. Our bodies are composed of more than 50% water. The same water has been circulating around the earth for billions of years. We cannot live without our water. Crimes against water are crimes against humanity. Our humanity is being stolen!”

Again, roars of approval arose from the crowd.

“Today I beseech you to rise up and join the fight. We must stop this madness NOW!” he roared.

He held a glass of water above his head for all to see.

“I hold this water to unite us. Water is forever. We are water. Water is sacred and must be protected! Those who deface and degrade our water are the worst kind of criminals. It is our place to unite and stand up to the usurpers … in the name of water we will act as one!

“Today we come together in purpose and need. Today we will go forth and reclaim our basic rights and necessities. Today let us rise up against these forces and return our purpose and dignity! Water is our right and heritage. It belongs to us all. Let us strike down any who would violate this basic human trust!”

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For more info about How Kuff and "Changing History" or to purchase a copy of the novel, visit

http://www.changing-history.com

and the Water Blog http://crimesagainstwater.blogspot.com/