Leanan,

Wouldn't you think the protests might evaporate when it threatens to be permanently dark out, and people get cold and hungry and thirsty?

Protests may last only as long as at least some of the basic needs are still provided for. It's hard to imagine people waving banners on a freezing empty stomach. They'd be much more likely to go scrambling for food and water. And anything that burns to keep them lit and warm.

In that sense the protests can be regarded mainly as a luxury. In a well fed human, reason may be the driver, but in a hungry person, the reptilian prevails.

I wonder.  When I lived in Peru, there were many Indian tribes that lived with minimal contact with "civilization."  I wouldn't count on them starving or freezing any time soon.
Oh, I absolutely agree. Whatever shape or form the coming crisis may have, it'll be worst for those who face the most dramatic changes. And that's not those who go in to it with a "primitive" lifestyle.

Though for them climate changes and other kinds of pollution may be tough, "we" will have all that and then some. Though, don't forget, Africa, Asia and South America, where life is most basic, have been our chemical and nuclear waste dumps for decades, and the Peru tribes may find their water starts killing people.

But since you mentioned Ireland as well, I got to thinking what I thought. Bangla Desh and the Niger Delta have seen large protests as well, in various ways. ANd undoubtedly, much more in on the way.

Leanan:  would enjoy comparing notes on Peru, where I lived for two years and which I visit regularly.  Please email privately (go to my TOD user info).
 we are dynosaurs  
"In a well fed human, reason may be the driver, but in a hungry person, the reptilian prevails."

I'm not so sure of your police-work there, Norm.  I think the well-fed in our society can show a remarkable amount of social disinterest and a preference towards 'protecting what you've got', while in hard times, I see people (and myself) more inclined to offer and to ask for support.  Your example jumped to the extreme of people already desperately starving, of course, but unlike a mass of drowning people who'll be dunking each other to keep air in their lungs, I don't see starving societies operating on that same purely solo death-match.

Bob

i thought norm was the husband    and the questionable police work was done by the 1st deputy on the scene of the crime who misinterpreted the  dealer licence plate
I'm just glad someone got the reference.  Years since I saw it.
its a really funny and trajic movie  i must have watched it about 6 times so far     and since it is getting  close to the long winter here in the midwest of a   maybe it is time to rent it again      
Don't know if you saw my note to Robert Rapier the other day, but if you haven't seen it, check out "Local Hero".  Really good 'winter evening' movie, any time of year.

"Firness will be the petrochemical capital of the free world!"

Great soundtrack by Mark Knopfler

Bob