I don't really disagree as I recognise that the 'state' is ultimately the biggest gang of bullies on the block. And largely ignorant in many issues to boot. I personally prefer more practical developments - please have a look at the vision summary I may have sent you ... at the moment I am fully involved with creating some interesting low carbon building developments on prime land - and as a small group we are happy to take responsibility for this outside of the normal and now very expensive local body compliance pathways - our revolution if you like
Many people I know are similarly engaged, as have I been from time to time. My assertion now is that any practical response to our predicament must include a political revolution. Otherwise, sadly, I foresee heavily armed people, whether from the state or not, marching over your low carbon developments and prime land in the reasonably near future.
I don't disagree that this scenario is possible. My take on this is that the involvement my self and my family have made successfully in our community in the last couple of decades may well mitigate that possibility. Getting on with the neighbours and standing up for injustices even within the more well healed status quo contingent of people - where a well educated person can make good representation particularly within scraps involving local govt bullying lends strength to the arm ....
That genuinely sounds like a good approach for yourselves Steve, and I am sure a lot of folks like you will also be taking an active part in trying to steer the wider democracy if you get half a chance. This particular project is trying to increase that chance. :-)
Andy, you are correct, the time to rebel effectively is now - always now; but I think even more effectively than citizens assemblies is people with resources including good quality land doing their own RESPONSIBLE thing. Creating models for change preferably in small collaborative groups that share a clear vision ... some of us are already doing this - including some of us who have been part of political action - and have seen what a waste of time that can be. But yes, I agree citizens assemblies type action would allow for much truer 'democracy'...
Hi Steve, it depends what we mean by "effective". I have a lot of time for what you are saying, but this isn't that. This is about direct political engagement to try and steer the oncoming inevitable political revolutions in a vaguely humane direction. Of course, as you say, many good people will be engaged in both. But I would warn that if the status quo continues, or those political revolutions go the wrong way, the chances of success, or even survival, for any of the 'small collaborative groups' living on the land become very small indeed. That's why it is necessary to engage.
Keep writing, Andy!!
Also, thank you for volunteering. I registered.
I don't really disagree as I recognise that the 'state' is ultimately the biggest gang of bullies on the block. And largely ignorant in many issues to boot. I personally prefer more practical developments - please have a look at the vision summary I may have sent you ... at the moment I am fully involved with creating some interesting low carbon building developments on prime land - and as a small group we are happy to take responsibility for this outside of the normal and now very expensive local body compliance pathways - our revolution if you like
Many people I know are similarly engaged, as have I been from time to time. My assertion now is that any practical response to our predicament must include a political revolution. Otherwise, sadly, I foresee heavily armed people, whether from the state or not, marching over your low carbon developments and prime land in the reasonably near future.
I don't disagree that this scenario is possible. My take on this is that the involvement my self and my family have made successfully in our community in the last couple of decades may well mitigate that possibility. Getting on with the neighbours and standing up for injustices even within the more well healed status quo contingent of people - where a well educated person can make good representation particularly within scraps involving local govt bullying lends strength to the arm ....
and we have a number of contingencies ... if there is gonna be a scrap we'll make it a good one or make a name for ourselves (die?)trying
That genuinely sounds like a good approach for yourselves Steve, and I am sure a lot of folks like you will also be taking an active part in trying to steer the wider democracy if you get half a chance. This particular project is trying to increase that chance. :-)
Registered.
Andy, you are correct, the time to rebel effectively is now - always now; but I think even more effectively than citizens assemblies is people with resources including good quality land doing their own RESPONSIBLE thing. Creating models for change preferably in small collaborative groups that share a clear vision ... some of us are already doing this - including some of us who have been part of political action - and have seen what a waste of time that can be. But yes, I agree citizens assemblies type action would allow for much truer 'democracy'...
Hi Steve, it depends what we mean by "effective". I have a lot of time for what you are saying, but this isn't that. This is about direct political engagement to try and steer the oncoming inevitable political revolutions in a vaguely humane direction. Of course, as you say, many good people will be engaged in both. But I would warn that if the status quo continues, or those political revolutions go the wrong way, the chances of success, or even survival, for any of the 'small collaborative groups' living on the land become very small indeed. That's why it is necessary to engage.
You're on fire, Andy! 🔥✊