Imagine, if you will, reality. Ecological collapse remains imminent without economic collapse; Sarah Palin controlled a relevant climate-political agenda 8 long years ago; Ke$ha sings a song more prescient than any 350.org message; and so many us think concepts of inception that will put us in control, rather than in jail.

That is reality.

“Saving the planet” is in quotes because it is the white man’s burden to take an approach of superiority regardless of circumstance and because it consults this writer’s ego so things make sense.

That is also reality.

And yet here we are, with science and reason on our side, without the foresight as a collective to recognize the gift Boehner and the rest of the United States Congress could bestow upon the planet, and our assumed crusade to do well by Mother Earth.

October 17. Google it.

The most aggressive climate scientists and the most asinine energy whores agree that we are in a world of hurt, facing calamity in number of 11 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius), in feedback loops unbeknownst to humankind, and in rhyme with death knells of up to 200 species a day and acidification of the foundations of all we eat.

Reality.

No one is grasping it.

As a “revolutionary” and/or “activist” you’ve probably received countless emails begging you to give to and write for and spread the message of your favorite big environmental or civil justice organization during these harrowing times. No doubt you felt compelled to contribute. To do something. To be “part of the solution.” But did you receive word from the desperate mom in the black sedan? Do you know why our brother placed flame to his own heart? Have you discussed over your favorite lager the plight of the plankton? Are you mesmerized or appalled by these ramblings?

These are real questions.

And it disgusts and intrigues me to consider that Boehner and friends are part of the beginnings of a possible answer.

No organization will tell you that. Friends will suggest you are maniacal. Your own “revolutionary” conscience will bend in fear at the thought.

Yet with consideration and science and the boldness within, we know: October 17 could be a day of celebration. A chance. A convoluted, distorted, disseminating way to return to our Mother, and return to ourselves.

A step towards accepting reality.

From Shutdown to Debt Showdown, we must embrace this time and our place to embark by taking a measurable step towards the appropriate collapse of all we know. October 17. Otherwise, the one Mother Nature delivers will defy all of our terms for what is reasonable, and there will be neither place nor time to rue the day we didn’t say, “Go Boehner.”

[Gregory Vickrey is a consultant in the environmental and political arenas and may be reached at: gregory@gregoryvickrey.com]