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Spring 2015
Presenting the Key Value of Decentralism (Part Two)
Jeff Taylor Dordt College, [email protected]
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Recommended Citation Taylor, J. (2015). Presenting the Key Value of Decentralism (Part Two). Green Horizon, 12 (1), 23. Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.dordt.edu/faculty_work/977
This Article is brought to you for free and open access by Digital Collections @ Dordt. It has been accepted for inclusion in Faculty Work Comprehensive List by an authorized administrator of Digital Collections @ Dordt. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Presenting the Key Value of Decentralism (Part Two)
Keywords decentralization in government, value, democracy, liberty, community, morality
Disciplines Political Science
Comments This article is based on Jeff Taylor's book, Politics on a Human Scale: The American Tradition of Decentralism © Lexington Books, 2013. Used by arrangement with the publisher. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or printed without permission in writing from the publisher.
Online access to article: http://green-horizon.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/GHM_31.pdf
This article is available at Digital Collections @ Dordt: https://digitalcollections.dordt.edu/faculty_work/977 GHM_31_covers.qxp_Green Horizon Quarterly 4/14/15 11:04 PM Page 1
number 31 spring/summer • 2015 first gissue of volurme xii een hori Zon Newsstand $3 .00 Magazine
...... AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL PUBLISHED BY THE GREEN HORIZON FOUNDATION ...... GOING Beyond the Obvious and the Political Status Quo AN ENSEMBLE OF ARTICLES THAT HELP SHAPE THE ACTIONS WE TAKE TO CHANGE THE WORLD IN A GREEN DIRECTION GHM_31_covers.qxp_Green Horizon Quarterly 4/14/15 11:04 PM Page 2
...... table of contents ...... Turning to One Another ...... 2 Turning to One Another . . MARGARET WHEATLEY . . The GHM Team ...... 2 . MARGARET WHEATLEY . Editor’s note: Meg Wheatley first came to . . Provocative? Yes! ...... 3 . my notice at the urging of Doug . JOHN RENSENBRINK There is no power greater than a . Hufnagel, a fellow member of the Maine . . community discovering what it cares about. . Green Independent Party. He strongly . Greening the Population Issue ...... 4 . Ask “What’s possible?” not “What’s recommended her book shortly after it . LINDA CREE . wrong?” Keep asking. . was published in 1996 on Leadership and . . Notice what you care about. the New Science: Discovering order in a . Collaborationship in a Complex World . . 8 . . CHRISTIAN MONÖ chaotic world. I was immediately drawn to . Assume that many others share your . . dreams. her thinking and her refreshing outlook . . Loving Rules/Hating Rules ...... 11 about life and organization. In one place . Be brave enough to start a conversation . PAUL KRUMM . she describes her work as opposing . that matters. . “highly controlled mechanistic systems . . Neither Left Nor Right But in Front . . 12 Talk to people you know. . that only create robotic behavior.” She . STEVEN J. SCHMIDT . Talk to people you don’t know. has been and continues to be a sought . . . Talk to people you never talk to. after consultant to organizations in all the . The United Nations . is a Failed Institution ...... 15 continents. Her work is a superb applica - . Be intrigued by the differences you hear. . JON OLSEN . tion of post-mechanistic, quantum . . Expect to be surprised. . physics-based science to human organi - . Force and Fraud in Hawai’i ...... 17 . Treasure curiosity more than certainty. zation and behavior. I particularly like her . ROB SHETTERLY REVIEWS JON OLSEN’S BOOK . . Invite in everybody who cares to work on strong emphasis on organizations as self- . . what’s possible. starting and along with that her affirma - . Thoughts for my Grandchildren . . . . . 19 . . STEVE WELZER tion of human individual spontaneity. I . Acknowledge that everyone is an expert . felt when I read her and have felt so ever . about something. . Presenting the Key Value of . since how pertinent her thinking is to . Decentralism (Part Two) ...... 23 Know that creative solutions come from . Green thought and values. I hadn’t . JEFF TAYLOR . new connections. . known that she also writes poetry until . . Remember, you don’t fear people whose . Hubris or Humus ...... 26 my friend and Green Party organizer . MAYNARD KAUFMAN story you know. . Jacqui Deveneau sent me the above . . Real listening always brings people closer . poem. If you have not already done so, get . The Perils of Winner-Take-All in Diverse . together. acquainted with Wheatley’s writings! -JR . America ...... 29 . . ROB RICHIE Trust that meaningful conversations can . . change your world. . . . Review of Daddy: What’s the Middle . Class? ...... 31 Rely on human goodness. Stay together. . . PAT LAMARCHE & TOM FUSCO . . . THE TEAM . . More on Nader & Gore 2000 ...... 32 PUBLISHED BY THE GREEN HORIZON FOUNDATION • SPRING/SUMMER, 2015 • VOLUME TWELVE #31 . . JOHN HOWARD WILHELM WEIGHS IN . . JUSTINE MCCABE RESPONDS EDITORS: . GRAPHIC DESIGN: Sharon Pieniak . SAM SMITH PROVIDES FURTHER COMMENTARY John Rensenbrink: [email protected] www.bluecatmedia.com . . Steve Welzer: [email protected] . LOGO DESIGN: Sean Hill . Mourning and Celebrating Betty Zisk and . Edmund P. (Terry) Fowler ...... 33 MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF GREEN HORIZON FOUNDATION: . EDITORIAL ASSISTANCE: . Ted Becker, Alabama John Rensenbrink, Maine . Carla Rensenbrink . The Green Movement’s Ten Key Values . . . 33 Edmund P. Fowler, Ontario, Canada Liz Rensenbrink, Maine . (PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 33, SECOND COLUMN) . Sam Smith, Maine MEMBERSHIP & BOOKKEEPING: . Fable: Barnyard Democracy ...... 34 Greg Gerritt, Rhode Island . Steve Welzer, New Jersey Liz Rensenbrink . HERSHEL STERNLIEB Rhoda Gilman, Minnesota . . Ellen LaConte, North Carolina MARKETING AND . Sustainers 2014-2015 ...... 35 COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER: . Inquiries, submissions, . Brielle Welzer . EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: subscriptions, letters: . . Holly Hart, Iowa GHM, PO Box 476 WEBMASTER: Evie Leder . . Check out our website for articles Sam Smith, Maine Topsham, ME 04086 USA . . www.Green-Horizon.org . . Donations via PayPal are welcome. Thank you! Green Horizon Magazine is indexed in the Alternative Press Index, which is available from: . . Alternative Press Center, PO Box 33109, Baltimore, MD 21218 . . . 2 green horizon magazine spring/summer • 2015 ...... 3 magazine horizon green YES! INTRODUCTION TO THIS ISSUE THIS TO INTRODUCTION Provocative?
Different people with different experiences, lifestyles, and perspectives lifestyles, each and all experiences, people with different Different What I also like so very puzzles and contradictions. from is they do not retreat much schooled by are You This includes of risk the inevitable presence in taking an action. with willing and and purposeful In that awareness thought is open. Life is open, As you move through the pages of this issue, I think you will agree with me that the will agree I think you the pages of this issue, through move As you they I did the This is the way seemed to me as articles particularly are provocative. and I became enthusiastic. editing, the with satisfied not Theyare Theyprobe. revealseriousand nimble work. at minds left—the rightthe of whether from angled or understanding, conventional of “givens” guy. other the scoop or willa is down tear to just not There evenor center. the from They out a new want to ferret to think way not tryingThey are a line. to feed you closer that seem settled but on are about answers to problems--problems examination new new possibilities, that need to be subject to new problems questions, not settled; answers. writer—to discipline of all for any the hardest They the argument do not shirk see where not callthe with pulsate that answers and questions pose and action; for you takes the argument and offers to practical a way from that flows one but action, just any solutions—often in spite of formidable barriers. is fraught with the our writers to realize making a difference, that changing the world, the best laid argument. and deeper than the best laid plans, that life is broader realization it is partRisk is not only of thought as well. part of life, describe we can I will not as I usually and do change the world. this page, do on intent, I want this to be wholly and what the people writing open how the articles up to. are others that base with Touch in the articles Linger that attract you. dear reader. for you, and let the think, what you Figure out what they think, perplex or even you. you repel —JR be an experience of this Green Horizon for you. reading 2015
• spring/summer 2015
• spring/summer 3 1 This is typical of small-scale and hunter-gatherer 2 magazine horizon green The concept of carrying capacity has long been understood. We know what happens what know carryingof concept The We capacity understood. been long has variety humans lived in a great Earth, of on most of our time For always so. It wasn’t Our and horticultural hunter-gatherer ancestors knew the importance of carrying Greens have alwaysGreens environmental edge thinking on been associated with cutting of the most critical one to lead on yet we’ve issues facing us been slow problems, In a world Such is understandable. hesitation of human over-population. today—that “too canabout we talk how ethnic strife, and racism, entrenched wars, of resource eachvalue of the everyand enhances, but diminish, doesn’t that way in a people” many the of one as Nonetheless, morala is issue The politicaland minefield. life?human causes root – the others being over-consumption of our deterioratingthree biosphere and over-industrialism it urgently – needs addressing. of its territory the ability beyond It’s of the resources when a species grows to sustain it. Lesser is a die-back and the result to supportable known numbers. “overshoot,” called is the fact that the carrying capacity can less than for a species that overshoots be much Unfortunately, works. Nature the way This is occurred. over-population it was before or perhaps it gives because of the false sense of control despite our scientific expertise, apply we seem to think carrying to us. us, capacity doesn’t culturally rich made Diverse customs societies well adapted to their local ecosystems. Among several shared but the successful ones important concepts. each society unique, Another and needed to be respected. was sacred them was a belief that all of Nature – not separate or superior a part was the understanding that humans were of Nature have a phrase The Anishinaabe our relatives. – and the other animals and plants were our “all which translates as “dinawaymaaganinaadog,” relatedness, of this sense for or fins.” or wings, but also those with four legs, two – not just those with legs, relations to the land people belong The traditional view to people; is that land does not belong as part of a community of living things. HOW DID WE GET SO OUT-OF-BALANCE? Somewhere after to agricultural the transition we lost the sense of the world’s lifestyles, came We to other life forms. with and obligations relationship and our sacredness exceptionalism” “species – a sortto see ourselves of Nature as outside of and above began to think of the land as We of creation. of the rest our treatment that excused our not wolvesthe were trees and Since bear, and deer “belonging”the humans. to territories we could appropriate their home had intrinsic and no longer value, relations capacity and put a premium on maintaining population equilibrium. Anishinaabe Anishinaabe capacity equilibrium. population maintaining on premium and put a the traditional Ojibwa of deeply were loved, although children elders teach that, northernWisconsin deliberatelytheir family kept size in to stay small in order balance with their environment. horticultural societies, according to anthropologist John Bodley. “[P]opulation control control “[P]opulation Bodley. John to anthropologist according horticultural societies, has been practiced In practicevirtually by it is family all tribal degree. some societies to foragers have Tribal planning within households and usually carried out by women. achieved have maintained a long-term that must stable populations remarkably . . . dynamic equilibrium with shifts in their environments.” the Population Issue
4 [D]espite our scientific [D]espite because or perhaps expertise, of the false sense of control we seem to think us, it gives carrying capacity doesn’t to us. apply
LINDA CREE Greening
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12 Birth rates, however, tell only part of however, Birth rates, 15 14 Negative population growth through a drop in birth a drop through rates has growth population Negative Also, due to what’s called “the Netherlands Fallacy,” we Netherlands“the Fallacy,” called what’s to due Also, Since we’re so urbanized so and technologicallySince we’re sophisticated, Physicist John P. Holdren and biologist Paul Ehrlich did just and biologist Paul Holdren Physicist P. John become imperative, although there will be much hand-wringing will be much there although imperative, become growth-oriented economists. among “birthabout dearth” including have growth negative population now nations Twenty Italy and Japan. Germany, don’t recognize wealthy nations as overpopulated nations because recognize wealthy they don’t territory when other people’s from obtain needed resources The power carryingthey’ve land’s their own exceeded capacity. is graphically extraction in such resource imbalance inherent in the mid-1800s in Ireland Famine illustrated by the Potato starvedIrish million a over when wheat shipped England while population. excessive already to feedsoil Irish own its on grown of version today’s wars represent Globalization and resource such exploitation. ANTHROPOCENTRIC SOLUTIONS WILL PROVE INADEQUATE AND ECOLOGICALLY MORALLY also have the issue of to approach not to take care We carrying capacityoverpopulation as simply a matter of the Earth’s million around 1916, reaching 200 million around 1966, and 1966, million around 200 reaching 1916, million around lower Even with today’s 300 million. to over expanding now Wisconsin of another the equivalent adding we’re birth rate, is due to 60 to 70 percent, from every of this, Most two years. with legal and illegal together immigration natural increase, of our growth. 40 percent amounting to 30 to with all of the disconnect from nature that implies, most implies, that nature from with alldisconnect of the Americans to the negative oblivious impact our growing are feelingThose it most keenly probably are having. numbers are those who vanishing wilderness, for our those with a passion the disappearancecare about things like native of 50% of our and rural who have people seen since the 1960s, songbirds landscapesbeloved degraded proliferation by the first-hand pipelines, highways, oil derricks, cell towers, of powerlines, Others include social scientists worried etc. suburban sprawl, with that comes and social stress about the depersonalization Aldo Leopold whom ecologists, of course, and, scale, growing “livingdescribed by most. unnoticed as in a world of wounds” the story of population overshoot. For the full story, we have to the full story, For the story overshoot. of population pull causes shredding in the other two root of our unprecedented over-industrialism and over-consumption. of the biosphere: to measure formula that when they came up with the I=PAT Take the environment. on given population of any I, the impact, affluence or multiply it by the group’s P, the number of people, which T, and then multiply that by A, of consumption, measure get a To stands for the disruptiveness of the technologies used. equation, to the I=PAT according over-population quick on read such Using map. light-pollution well-known at the take a look overshoot population we see that the need to address data, at home. begins right here We’re simply We’re magazine horizon green 10 Our has nation 11
4
and by 2025 we are expected to reach eight expected to reach and by 2025 we are 2015 Other critical resources are being depleted Other are critical resources
5 • 8,9 That means that we’re projected to add our next our add to projected we’re that means That 7 6 Numbers can be meaningless unless put into context. It wasn’t It wasn’t can unless put into context. Numbers be meaningless We are also experiencing massive alarming are climate changes, We Take one resource alone – water. The ominous truthThe ominous is we – water. alone resource one Take Demographers chartDemographers after in human populations the growth It doesn’t take a genius to figure that this kind of growth that this kind of growth take a genius to figure It doesn’t until 1804, after at least 200,000 years, that the number of after at least 200,000 years, until 1804, only It took 123 years after billion. one reached sapiens Homo and only 33 billion (in 1927), our second that for us to reach By October of 2011 we years (in 1960) to add another billion. had 7 billion people tripled its population in the last century, going from its first 100 from going tripled in the last century, its population in similar ways. called it’s and such a die-off of other creatures desertification, The biggest driving behind force the Sixth Mass Extinction. is human-causedthese extinctions habitat loss. spring/summer If people think of population at all, they tend to point fingers at all, If people think of population Most Americans shocked are countries. “developing” at poorer, most populous country is the third to learn that the U.S. in the and that we’ve had the highest and most sustained growth world, rate developed of any in modern times. nation TO ADDRESS OVER-POPULATION THE EFFORT HOME NEEDS TO BEGIN AT are using our vital freshwater supplies faster than they can using our vital freshwater are the worldThis is happening all over and even in be replaced. (Much of this is due to the irrigation country. of our own areas with a surprisinginvolved amount also in industrial agriculture, The United Nations industry.) used by the telecommunications will population world’s the of by 2025 two-thirds that projects dealing with third experience with one serious water shortages, true water scarcity. the Agricultural Revolution as a gradual, then sudden and the Agricultural Revolution as a gradual, J-Curve. Although inclineprolonged called the Population the top of the J is birth climb, the lower rates have slowed recent our people added to with 80 million more steeply, still growing sevencurrent billion each year. for our own exclusive use. Carrying capacity didn’t apply to us! Carrying exclusivefor our own use. capacity didn’t could always our growing fields to accommodate more plant We ran we when arableof out own our in land And, numbers. always could we powerful less our of land the over take territory, growth equilibrium was forgotten, Population human neighbors. is history. as they say, and the rest, the throne, took billion in only 14 years! living things and puts an intolerable cost to other great at comes we depend on. web of life and the resources Earth’s strain on severalOur is already population billion people over current and what the Earth of living, can standard sustain at a European resources demanding on is 50% more our lifestyle U.S. in the than Europe’s. billion people. billion appropriating more and more of the Earthof the and more ourselves for appropriating more without after or for those who will come us. concern for other creatures 2015
• spring/summer develop educational materials everyone to acquaint with J-Curve, the Population importantthe following concepts: the Sixth Mass overshoot, population carrying capacity, equation, the I=PAT the Netherlands Fallacy, Extinction, sustainability, biodiversity, growth, negativepopulation equilibrium and population bioregionalism, natural but constant, the desirabilitypromote of a slow, two around in human numbers to somewhere decrease billion people by 2200 AD. childbearing to delay encourage women until after age 25 – important the cycle slowing for to have of generations - and than two children no more and value of each of the wonder individual keep a celebration and do policy population any of discussion, at the forefront all for all we can the human of and respect to nurture love which includes as inhumane and counter- rejecting family, “lifeboat such exigencies productive and as eugenics ethics” not a contraction!) of our hearts, (we need an expansion maps and encourage people to meet more bioregional create territory their own of their needs from and develop a caring with their particular place relationship speak out clearly our “all the intrinsic on value and rights of species other than humans) including their (that is, relations” right habitats degraded not to have their home by human activity to push back and continue “rewilding” support efforts at industrializationthe against rural of and degradation and wilderness areas “voluntary urge for those living in the affluent, simplicity” end the maladaptive industrialized we must where world, and over-consumption waste, habits of growth, of ecology understanding insist that a thorough be taught in our schools to encourage programs international lowered that any assure fertility involve locallevel, to the grassroots be geared of culture and be specific to the in their formation, women the people support and skills revitalization knowledge of the traditional of Indigenous and rural peoples The challenge for Greens is how to translate our above values to translateour above is how The challenge for Greens • • • • • • • • • • • demand that we acknowledge our dependence on the entire the entire on our dependence we acknowledge demand that allow and beings other respect to obligation our and life, of web inculcatesmuch- a Non-violence theythem what to thrive. need calls us to emphasize on Feminism for life. needed reverence Grassroots Decentralization, nurturance of women. and the role Democracy lead us toward Community-based and Economics egalitarianwayssustainable and gradually we as living of reduce generations. the coming our numbers over While GPUS Platform the policies. and into actions contains and family health, women’s birth planks on good control, provide To it stops far short of what we need to say. planning, could also: Greens this issue, new on vision magazine horizon green in what Dave Foreman in what Dave Foreman 17 and where we are shoving literallyshoving we are of thousands where and 16 Acting within that old paradigm of all negates the needs Acting Suchled to a world has an approach half of the over where Those stuck in the current paradigm ask: “How can“How we paradigmThose stuck ask: in the current “What verya ask to need Greens question: different should
6 A GREEN VISION TO RESTORE POPULATION EQUILIBRIUM A GREEN VISION TO RESTORE POPULATION for guidance Values Key Ten we can to our look As Greens, and Global Personal Our value of this difficult issue. on Responsibilitytells cannotus we complexities the meeting shirk Our values of Social head on. Justice and and controversies us to frame that a way compel the issue in Focus Future recognizes the worth of every human life and the importance the ability to make a generations of future of not compromising WisdomEcological Diversityfor Respect and Earth. on living other creatures unless we find them useful to us. It has led to the unless we find them useful to us. other creatures development and to the natural world, devaluation of the entire itself “world-eating”biosphere the destroying that are of cultures to feed their gargantuan appetite for resources. land has been transformed for human use (40% for human food water is appropriated fresh 50% of its where alone), production humans, by for humans. To frame the issue in that way is to continue to is to continue frame the issue in that way To for humans. of the Earth-for-humans-onlyaccept human appropriation as ecologically It is neither. and morally defensible. Somewhere after the transition to agricultural the transition life styles after Somewhere as outside of [w]e came and above to see ourselves . . . that excused exceptionalism” “species – a sort of Nature ofour treatment of creation. the rest has called the First of Life. Mass Murder Such leads squeezeEarth?” the question a onto humans more hyper-industrialized, densely populated, to the technophiles’ It hyper-urbanized and – ultimately - unsustainable future. and its arrogant generations, impoverishesfuture the land and life-destroying faith in technological leads to desperate, fixes technologies such as nuclear and to an eventual power ecological collapse that calls our very into question survival as a species. world and healthy diverse, we do if we want a naturally beautiful, in which all of the human family has the opportunity for a good and all of the wonderful varietyquality of life, of living things It becomes clear that That answer is far different. can flourish?” allto responsibility and life recognizeto need we relatedness our Earthon and to gradually bring our numbers and lifestyles back this planet. we share with whom with the relatives into harmony other species over the cliffother species over of extinction
...... 7 LINDA CREE during first became involved as a Green in the late 1980s treaty rights and oppose to support Chippewa the efforts Today she makes her sulfide mining in northern Wisconsin. Peninsula, Upper Michigan’s of heart rural-wild the in home and as a where she is active in the Green Party of Michigan delegate to the GPUS National Committee. Recently retired from teaching, delegate to the GPUS National Committee. Recently the woods, and trying to capture her love for the she is enjoying her family, land in folk art paintings. need of our intricate and sacred relationship with life on Earth, with life Earth, on need of our intricate relationship and sacred end, In the that entails. and obligations mystery, with the beauty, all our will save our home, only for all creation that deep love ourselves. and relations, magazine horizon green of defensible. the Earth-for-humans-only as ecologically morally and
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• We...have to take care not to approach the issue of overpopulation as simply a matter of the Earth’s of the issue overpopulation to approach not of care the Earth’s matter as simply a to take We...have carrying capacity for humans. To frame the issue in that way is to continue to accept issue in that way is to continue to the human appropriation frame To carrying capacity humans. for adopt a more comprehensive population plank for the GPUS plank for the GPUS population comprehensive adopt a more Platform and encourage state parties or update to add planks to include population their own ideas suchthose as suggested in this paper. Paradigm Wars: Indigenous Peoples’ People Belong to the Land” in Paradigm Wars: – The Knowledge and Worldview LaDuke, Winona. “Aspects of Traditional Francisco: Sierra Club Books, 2006. Eds. San Resistance to Globalization, Jerry Mander and Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, • reductionist, industrialism’s beyond move must We of an LorenAnthropologist creatures Eiseley tells us we are spring/summer 2. “Wa swa go ning Traditional Ojibwa Village” tour at Lac du Flambeau, WI, field trip for “Kinomaage: The Earth Shows Us the Way” class, 2011. Ojibwa Village” The Earth Shows Us the tour at Lac du Flambeau, WI, field trip for “Kinomaage: swa go ning Traditional 2. “Wa Publishing Co. 2001. CA: Mayfield John H. Anthroopology and Contemporary Human Problems, 4th Ed. Mountain View, 3. Bodley, 1989. Doubleday, New Mind. New York: 4. Ornstein, Robert and Ehrlich, Paul. New World, 5. http://www.worldpopulationbalance.org/3_times_sustainable. 1989. Doubleday, New Mind. New York: 6. Ornstein, Robert and Ehrlich, Paul. New World, 7. http://www.worldpopulationbalance.org/3_times_sustainable. 8. http://www.worldpopulationbalance.org/3_times_sustainable. in Paradigm Wars. Wars” 9. Juhasz, Antonia. “Global Water 10. http://ecowatch.com/2012/06/08/is-the-current-rate-of-population-growth-sustainable/. 11. Statistical Abstract of the United States. 1992. 12. http://populationpress.org/population-essays/population-policy-for-the-21st-century/. Ballantine Books, 1949. 13. Leopold, Aldo. A Sand County Almanac. New York: Bank and IMF Impacts on Indigenous Economies” in Paradigm Wars. Victoria. “World 14. Tauli-Corpuz, 15. http://www.geographyabout.com/od/populationgeography/a/zero.htm. 16. http://ecowatch.com/2012/06/08/is-the-current-rate-of-population-growth-sustainable/. 17. http://www.geographyabout.com/od/populationgeography/a/zero.htm 1 RESOURCES USED: mechanistic paradigm. Thinking in that box cannot on Thinking in that box help us mechanistic paradigm. its Despite partlarge a it is problem. the of indeed, issue; this paradigm is profoundly anti- our culture’s growth, on emphasis life and entirely devoid of ecological wisdom. Enchantment - a birthright Green powerful ancient and more That that even centuries industrialism of have not obliterated. enchantment” the understanding we can“green help us recover 2015
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magazine horizon green In a world of such complexity, how do we build strong collaborative networks? The collaborative do we build strong networks? how In a world of such complexity, point”,a get you teacherour said. “Everytoucheshand table, the partner’s your time he Seeing expressions, our confused he asked. collaborated?” of you many “How The moral we to be in a certain of the story sometimes expect things First, is twofold. The human ability to make use of each other’s strength is astonishing and has played played has and astonishing is strength abilityhuman The eachof use make to other’s despite the fact that our world of our ability is a result to collaborate Interestingly, I challenge that belief. A COMPLEX WORLD Our world is very factor that needs mentioning. is one there complex. we begin, Before can one of factors that influence our day- fullyNo the multitude understand or foresee the world is changing at complicate matters, To they will lives affect or how to-day us. tomorrow”. work “what won’t today works journalist put it, As one an ever faster pace. we view the world.answer lies in how OUR VIEWS DEFINE OUR ACTIONS we were One day, I was studying years ago management at university. Many conflict about to arm-wrestle. hand as if we were to grab up and told each other’s paired gruntsin then exploded The room possible.” as points objective many as get is to “Your our teacher told us to stop. After a minute or so, and hoots as we began to arm-wrestle. hand touched the table, partner’s get a point each time your “I you’d told you continued; could have collaborated and synchronized You but I never said it was a competition. of the table to side one repeatedly so that you hands from your moved movements, your competed got than what you have Doing so would a higher score given you the other. against each other.” (even these expectations will wrong) influence if they’re Secondly, way because of habit. our view of the world will affect our behavior. words, In other our actions. In the 2014 spring issue of GH, I discussed something I call I discussed something collaborationship - the In the 2014 spring issue of GH, in which goal. people collaborateprocess a common and build synergies to reach in order Collaborationship and has been a vital part is a natural process for of human interaction than 200,000 years. more scholars build their theories what on example, For in human development. a central role is influenced by what others creative, no matter how A writer, others have discovered. Everyhave between written. a mixture degree is to some the market new on product skills and technology. knowledge, thoughts, idea and other people’s the inventor’s we seem determined to believe that most oftenand build synergies, people cannot to do it. tellscollaborate them what to do and how unless someone COLLABORATIONSHIP Complex World
Our view of the worldaffect will our behavior. 8 CHRISTIAN MONÖ
in a COLLABORATIONSHIP
...... 9 I’ve mentioned the speed at whichI’ve technology mentioned is developing In a hierarchy, control also becomes important. The decision- important. also becomes control In a hierarchy, a veryThis makes the decision-maker important person. its insufficient with hierarchies is problem Another the but they the least powerful are The people at the edge are havehierarchies is ineffective process This result, a and as DECENTRALIZATION AND COLLABORATION DECENTRALIZATION The alternative to a hierarchical structure is a decentralized easy to assume that it’s With a traditional mindset, structure. and decentralizationlead to disorder without decision-makers This does not at all seem to be effectiveness. reduced therefore the case. not a there’s Remarkably, and the effect the world. it has on runswho significantperson this single coordinates or process. get ideas inventors where market a self-regulated Instead it’s or believed needs the general of public. current desires on based it’llIf not, people will use it. is good, vanish soon If a product market. the from maker has to ensure that everymaker has to ensure individual obeys his/her demands. the center of the up-side-down far from If people stray too they shiftpyramid, of the structure the balance and the decision- the structure will collapse. Again, maker loses control. and progress structure, for the order, He/she is responsible This might be nice for the development of the organization. hardlybut organizationthe for which question, in individual have All to you vulnerable and easy to conquer. instead becomes do is to take out the decision-makers. canThis decision- the imagining by explained be adaptability. him sit his Around web. maker sitting in the center of a spider’s and so subordinates them sit their Around closest subordinates. of the web. the edge reach until we on first to observe on in the worldgoes what outside their structure. towards the information pass on they must If they see a threat, despite not having seen Then the decision-makers, the center. do. will decide what the organization must the actual threat, it will be passed back to the has been taken, Once a decision informing them what to do. people by the edge, not just They’re difficulty the to adapting ever-changing world. fast enough to tackle the challenges that face them. magazine horizon green Leaders are thought to create order in this complex in world. order to create thought Leaders are
2015
• leaders are thought to create order in this complex order thought to create leaders are Hierarchies are generally drawn as a pyramid, which says a lot about how we them. perceive which as a pyramid, drawn generally are Hierarchies However, I believe the opposite hierarchies tend to reflect However, This view that nearly is so established associations all states, term long instead creates that this approach in fact, I believe, These two factors play an importantThese two factors play when understanding role spring/summer Hierarchies are generally which are Hierarchies says lot a drawn pyramid, a as pyramidA making base wide a has them. perceive we how about and see down at the top will look The person it a stable structure. decision- the imagine we where is This organization. entire the The further we go down with most power. the one maker to be, Remove people become. the less powerful in the organization, of individuals at the base of the pyramidone and the structure stable. will remain we have the the bottom At – a pyramid its head. standing on structure by being He/she holds up the entire decision-maker. the furtherThe go, we up allmakes who decisions. the one the the decision-maker If we remove people become. less powerful structure will collapse. entire the at the bottom, WHY HIERARCHIES DON’T WORK WELL IN A COMPLEX WORLD and companies organizeand companies themselves in very hierarchical They on large sums of money tend to invest also structures. the and control leadership development to improve in order is to create they say, The objective, performance of others. stability and productivity. instability maximizing the performance and prevents us from organizationother or company state, in a work we whether structure. They make people collaborate, hence, without leaders, without leaders, hence, Theycollaborate, make people world. would be chaos! there why people don’t primarily collaborationship. focus on people don’t why LEADERSHIP THE PROBLEM WITH importancethe discussed I article, my previous In moving of is that One of the reasons and followership. leadership beyond tends to trigger ‘arm-wrestle’, word like the much ‘leadership’, that influence our and expectations a whole range of emotions often it is willleaders assumed that guide example, For actions. and motivate them into action. people in a certain direction Consequently,
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• spring/summer You can read the first chapters of his book at You CHRISTIAN MONÖ is an accomplished speaker and the author of Beyond the Leadership Myth: Why we follow leaders and lead followers. Christian has worked at the UNDP www.collaborationship.se. management conflict in trainings led he where Serbia, in This can be done without the need of large, existing This can without the need of large, be done the main focus on keep your startOnce you collaborating, also important levelsIt’s to accept different of engagement. identify a few key values/ starts network Once your to grow, if we want to change the world summarize, for the better, To Eachand every and skills us have of valuable knowledge one decision-makers. by traditional the game played play So don’t for NGOs, amongst other responsibilities. Since his return to Sweden in 2006 Monö has studied the art of followership and its relationship with leadership, while simultaneously testing his theories in practice - both as a subordinate and a manager. organizations or networks. Begin by talking to people. Listen to people. Begin by talking organizationsnetworks. or tellThen yours. them visions. and goals interests, their ideas, to find like-minded people with whom you This is how Network! new to gain a fantastic way also ideas. It’s canyou collaborate. many are that there but remember goal), desired objective (your Stay true main objective but avoid to your paths to a destination. have taken to obtain the that you locking in a position yourself the dictates person one if collaborationship not anymore It’s goal. rule A good to remember hierarchy). the others (that’s of actions performanceown your maximizing and objective the on is to focus of your ego. while letting go participate because they make a change if people don’t can’t We cannot Even choose modest input level their of involvement. output. a monumental produce with others, in cooperation can, startedthat MontgomeryThe by seen is 1955 in boycott bus It in America. end of segregation beginning of the as the many was made possible by African Americans simply to ride refusing the city buses in Montgomery. Once rules the framework that define your collaboration. of This let people act freely within this framework. this is done, The 12 step canpositive and lead to unexpected developments. used to is now for example, Anonymous, of Alcoholics program help people with other addictions. and control, hierarchies the answer is not found in leadership, control. decentralization and minimum but in collaborationship, but because democratic, becauseNot it sounds better or is more effective! it is more It’s that can world be used to make this complex a better place. our ability to build collaborationship that will determine how will be. successful the result will change and by doing so you the world. Change the game, magazine horizon green Even modest input can, in cooperation with others, produce a monumental output. a monumental produce with others, in cooperation can, modest input Even It boils down to two main factors. First is a clear of all there to two main factors. It boils down have these networks rules and values that define a Secondly, either by an authorityThe values or rules then monitored are The difficultynumber and level lies in setting the optimal Oftencolleaguea As fewer much need we rules think. we than A similar, well-known example is the food distribution example is well-known A similar, specific organizationsOther and networks examples of more All without of these organizations work and networks
CHANGE THE GAME, CHANGE THE WORLD we should avoid in this world, If we want to make a difference we ought Instead, structuring ourselves as yet another hierarchy. who share finding people building collaborationship, to focus on and start or interests building synergies.our vision So how can an organization like the AA, and a complex process process and a complex So can an organization how like the AA, without decision-makers? like food distribution work helping people deal with Be it selling food, objective or goal. people the program, computer a free or producing alcoholism, This is vital if we want to what their objectiveinvolved is. know form of collaborationship. build any food distribution, law regulates example, For clear framework. and open source AA has anonymity and its 12 step program, their coding can be used and copied by others. know programmers What’s or by the participants of the network/organization. important as people abide by these rules is that as long or values, the networks/ allows This as they to act see fit. free they are faster and much organizations to adapt to their surroundings better than in a hierarchy. rules many will limit people’s Too of rules and regulations. remember and follow. difficult both to to act and are freedom the balance It’s But without rules will be anarchy. or values there important.that’s “the game of soccer only has 17 rules and of mine pointed out It is simplicity so simple a child canthey’re understand them.” rules of of strategies.and restriction that open up for a multitude MAKING COLLABORATIONSHIP WORK MAKING COLLABORATIONSHIP process. Take a city like New York. No one controls the entire the entire controls one No York. a city like New Take process. food much even exactly one how knows No distributionprocess. beautifully works process and yet this self-regulating is in stock, people with food. provides Internet, the software, open source Anonymous, Alcoholic are The appearance of social media has peer-to-peer file sharing etc. the same who share People also opened up for collaborationship. without borders views another across with one network can now build synergiessharing by ideas and knowledge. delay, powerful successful, yet they are makers, and decision hierarchy stable than hierarchies. and more 10
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The Four Pillars are Four The
PAUL KRUMM PAUL is a semi-retired maker and repairer of things who lives the grid with his wife Micki in an earth sheltered home off Paul’s built. and designed he which Kansas Kanopolis, in theory, money Sociology, applied include interests other present project is making the Paul’s and alternative energy.
Only by promoting trust, respect, community, compassion compassion community, respect, Only trust, by promoting We need new rules. Let need new rules. us develop that give us ones simple We So that rules just let us remember in our deliberations are saying by Claudia Ellquist of the Arizona is this pithy There Only enemies. not your are with you who disagree “People This is by those who have historically that technique. used important more than whether we use a forummuch or email list. makes happen in a forum, as may into silos, discussions Moving difficult to participateit more in and integrate policy. of reflective be actions our having in aid that guidelines broad specific all whichof are Values, Key Ten Pillars and Four the of more have to require We of the Golden Rule. reflections of those who espouse ideas that we feelourselves require than we Golden Rule. with the not consistent are Personal Wisdom, Ecological Party: German the Green from and Non- Grass Democracy, Roots and Social Responsibility, the American from Greens: are Values Key Ten The Violence. Responsibility, Socialand Personal Justice Wisdom, Ecological Decentralization, Non-Violence, Grass Roots Democracy, Gender Respect for Diversity, Community-based Economics, Thinking to the Seventh and Global Responsibility, Equality, (sustainability).Generation will we actions and flexibilityown individual and group in our truly to the other side of (and creatively get the issues beyond) us. before need as well as our rules, and that we, guidelines in that process, built-in flexibility. wall the by my desk and helps me that hangs on Party Green to live in this way: how remember Learningpeople who try the enemies.” your are you to dominate effective. candifference more make us all so much lavender processing equipment that he designed for a local grower, who grower, local a for designed he that equipment processing lavender of a founders the among is him. Paul for design the merchandising now is nascent Green Party in Kansas.
magazine horizon green
This is the reason that This is the reason In rule making this means I believe that our issues with Simple rules/guidelines an are
2015
This is the essence of Gandhi’s Satyagraha. This is the essence of Gandhi’s • In Hillel’s paradigm, rules simply were guidelines paradigm, In Hillel’s
A part involves of that process negative the inverse
In other words, allowing anyone to act out of rigidity, fear, fear, to act out of rigidity, anyone allowing In other words, We need to learn to disagree without having to insist on insist on without having to need to learn to disagree We
Shammaihaveto need the in immersed was rules preventto bad Complex rules are an artifact of living in rigidity, fear, fear, rules an artifactComplex are of living in rigidity, of our important to teach one and issues is how As I see it, spring/summer It is a set of guidelines for living all of the time, not just in decision not just in decision It is a set of guidelines for living all of the time, making. decision or non-Green making—whether Green unified set of tactics and one rules. rulespromoting that prevent undue influence by those who rule making and that making and decision discussion, dominate together as equals. working promote which have been opposed posting, on limits I have promoted Greens (though no different in that regard than many others) than many in that regard (though no different Greens hate affair with rules.have a love PAUL KRUMM PAUL rulesold Jewish by the that is exemplified is the same one story to a man who came to Shammaicomparing the response and while he be explained to him Torah Hillel asking that the Shammai for dismissed the man as asking foot. one stood on but Hillel simply told him that was not possible, something “Whatis the this fellow: your to do not do you, to hateful is and learn.” go explanation; is the the rest Torah; whole and found it necessarybehaviors, system to have a complex of rules reinforcing as issue the saw hand, other the Hillel on that. do to behaviors. good fleshing out the Golden Rule. behavior, for good [Please how note this article dovetails last the with part of previous the article by Christian Monö. — Editors] Loving Rules/Hating Rules intolerance, and power without contrary and power is not following action intolerance, the Golden Rule! However in preventing or deterring such it is necessary“Do would not have unto others as you action, to them do unto you”. intolerance and power; the old paradigm we as Greens are are the old paradigm we as Greens intolerance and power; hopefully trying to replace. community and respect, trust, artifact in flexibility, of living compassion. community and respect, trust, practice living in flexibility, still immersed who are and aiding those to get there compassion, intolerance and fear in making the power, in the rule of rigidity, transition. of Christ’s positive statement of the Golden Rule The inverse The inverse positiveof Christ’s statement of the Golden Rule negative is a logical It states corollary if/then statement. of any would not that which“Do you to do unto you others not allow do to them.” 2015
• spring/summer historic harbingers of historic a new harbingers Or as “The Or as Greens: Or pick your own way of putting it. Write your thoughts and send Write Or of pick your own way putting it. magazine horizon green Lord of the Rings saga in this part of the Rings of the world New Zealand’s to millions Lord brought Origin stories, as Joseph Campbell also reminds, bring a challenge, a call, warnings a call, bring a challenge, Campbell also reminds, as Joseph Origin stories, forging powerful at work forces today are there is depicted in LOTR, Just as Mordor Steve Schmidt is introducing a theme that we want to build on. Please introducingis wethat theme a on. build to Schmidt want Steve NOTE: EDITOR’S “The canThe theme be variously described as Green into the discussion. consider getting in front.” but left Neither nor right, Party: beginning for humanity and the planet.” Or as “The fumbled Or Picking up the ball as for humanitybeginning and the planet.” Party: Green by the dominant parties.” [email protected] them to me, and New Zealand. Tasmania to back go The origins Party to 1972, of the Green the filming of Recently, the landscape soars wondrously. there country, remote Rugged, the this began their quest in The Greens writ nature awesome large. vistas, 360-degree land that is magical waysand clearly in many brings forth worth the message of nature – and not only but learning to liveprotecting protecting with and enjoy. R. R. J. on author based LOTR, in Hobbits fictional the of The quest a quest. and reveals a war-and-peace story 2, at its War experiencesWorld during own Tolkien’s are attempting to live their daily lives, Hobbits, human-like The diminutive, core. and the necessity of doom The threat in a distant realm. by a rising power confronted raises a ring allegory of power to destroy to Mount Doom to adventure to the next level would rathercavort and have a fine meal and of course, The Hobbits, — succeed or die. they the have no choice but to directly confront but times being what they are, wine, The Hobbit story a relevant remains it. end life to as they know that threaten powers grievous is a danger, there the message is the same: If the enemies have changed, tale. else. be confronted—or and it must afoot, danger, with its pursuit of the ring The allegory trilogy, of the LOTR of warfare. weapons past the colorful delivers who look a deeper meaning to those characters, of power, In spiders and trolls. elves and dwarves,the Hobbits and wizards, and dragons, eagles Today mad with revenge. gone a nation Hitlerian, the evil were forces time, Tolkien’s an Allied villain at war with a mustachioed and Axis nations not from come the threats stockpiles ill-defined and seemingly endless a gathering, global war, but from world, by a system coupled with natural on devastation at war brought of nuclear weapons, with itself.
GREEN DREAMS,
DETOURS & NEW VISIONS & NEW DETOURS 12 From the outset, nonviolence the outset, From values Green core and peace are the been pursued across that have political In this way the spectrum. neither LeftGreens are nor Right; they out across-the-spectrum, work of thinking in front conventional STEVE SCHMIDT
From Here to There and Back Again Back and There to Here From Neither Left nor Right, but in Front in but Right, nor Left Neither
...... 13 —a Green slogan The Global Promise promise_117208.htm GREEN POLITICS by Charlene Spretnak and Fritjof Capra Neither left nor right, but (we are) in front. but (we are) left Neither nor right, “We are neither left nor right; we are in front” “We Green parties have continued to be in front, forward-looking, forward-looking, partiesGreen be in front, to have continued parties worldthe Green of around role The for quest to is www.charlenespretnak.com/green_politics___the_global_ tragically murdered. I want to remind Green Horizon Green of remind I want to readers tragically murdered. which stood the test of time: has sayings, of Petra’s one that defy leading-edge solutions policies, politics, envisioning that should remember Greens as usual. politics (and business) Party of the Green the foundation its pillars key and values are the outset, From worldwideand burgeoning movement. green have values that been core Green and peace are nonviolence are Greens the this way In the political across pursued spectrum. in out Leftneither across-the-spectrum, they work Right; nor a visionary are The Greens party, thinking. of conventional front with ideas that is out in front a diverse movement a values party, that orthodox parties will and factions not and cannot take up, however evident the need or necessity. should be. landscapes of what can to picture be, better solutions, The draft Greens platformsdesigned to be realized. with ideas curve of the proverbial as independent in front are Greens and, pushing a rights agenda (and pushing back are political parties, task is to The Green against countries with rights violations). women’s human rights, advance ideas whose time has come: new peace strategies, ecological rights, civil rights, rights, military for the militaryroles other than war operations (e.g., security and environmental security), national aligned with and more. development, sustainable economic magazine horizon green
2015
• In Europe, halfway across the world from the magical, pristine the world across the magical, halfway from In Europe, The destruction and its war machine—the of Germany was in Europe that birthedThe political Party arena the Green • Ecological wisdom • Social justice democracy• Grassroots • Nonviolence But easy. wasn’t Europe in Party a Green of beginning The spring/summer The Greens are a visionary party, a values party, a diverse movement that is out in front with ideas that orthodox orthodox with ideas that that is out in front movement a diverse party, a visionary a values The Greens are party, however evident the need or necessity parties up, and factions will not and cannot take setting of New Zealand, where the Green party Green the where originatedas Zealand, of New setting began Greens the Party, Values the as known then was what their political reality journey. began an international and and tale Tolkien’s to sequel led to a LOTR—has of Mordor 2 gave way War World a warning be ignored. not to contains and world the brink on of global War a Cold to a new war, was the ruined country War of this Cold The frontline disaster. generation. by a younger which was being rebuilt of Germany, of the threat confronted Party, and Green This new generation, delivering of a flash Armageddon nuclear to fire, poised weapons Times announced by Gabriel’s eschaton not in the form of End a button. above via a human finger poised but delivered horn, Pushingtrigger it would not so euphemisticallywhat was called destruction.” assured “mutually for “MAD” high- standoff and post-war/new-war, set amidst an East-West The United States and the nuclear launch-ready weapons. alert, obliteration. almost instant threatened Soviet showdown Union Into this setting the newly began their journey named Greens The the Continent. a transformativeon to become realpolitik to preventof values in a set was rooted in Europe Party Green It to an anti-nuclear held war and at its core peace. belief in a forward-lookingadvanced on continued from path different forward It brought thinking and mobilization. four War Cold Green for the U.S. a foundation to become which were pillars, http://www.gp.org/tenkey.php key values: what in first happened It neverhas Green being easy. been then, Petra One of the leading voices was Germany. West was then a daring peace and human-rightswas activist who later Kelly, 2015
• spring/summer STEVEN SCHMIDT Institute online. Policy 360 and Green founded Global with Roger Morris, of Strategic Demands He is co-author, bit. for a New World of the 21st Century: A New Vision initial policy paper and the Green Institute’s ly/12DWYAB, conference in Washington organized the Surviving Victory Within this provocative setting, the work of the politics of of the the work Within setting, this provocative DC with the Institute bit.ly/1277ZiX. A key drafter of the founding national DC with the Institute bit.ly/1277ZiX. A key drafter Schmidt http://www.gp.org/platform2000.shtml, Platform Party Green from 1995 to 2001. He chaired the original platform committee, serving between the Association of initiated the first Common Ground platform Green Parties and assisted State Green Parties and European Federation of for ran he 1994 In Charter. Global Green first the draft to proposal the in with Roberto Mondragon, Lt. Governor on the Green ticket in New Mexico and over Green Party, achieving major party status for the New Mexico a legally recognized U.S. worked to organize the course of the 1990’s From 1995-1999, Green Party http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Schmidt. State Board of Education. he served with distinction on the New Mexico he established M Channel Recently president of a leading interactive firm, http://mchannelonline. to set up a forward-looking online media company Strategic Demands and com/. Steve can be followed on Facebook, Twitter, GreenPolicy360. to be carried by squadrons of next-generation F-35 fighters, the to be carried fighters, F-35 of next-generation by squadrons history. systemmost expensive weapons in the nation’s the war, of continued threats The continues. Greens peace by us remind or provocation, mistakes, potential for flashpoints, parties the Green started reason of the fundamental their work of nuclear fact that weapons The annihilation at the frontlines. planned configurations, “usable” being forged anewin are the Mideast, and of Europe to the frontlines for deployment quest Green demands a continued and Asia, East, the Near 100 in over now parties, The Green for peaceful solutions. values, to speak of out in front, to stay have a mission: countries, war, and policies than unending better solutions and envision and and the continuing of nuclearescalating threats delivery, inexplicable the natural assault on world which on we depend for our very lives. magazine horizon green http://www.greenpolicy360.net/w/Nuclear_Weapons http://strategicdemands.com/blip_on_the_screen/ http://strategicdemands.com/going_bzhrk/ http://www.greenpolicy360.net/w/Pope_Francis_on_the_Environment olicy360.net/w/New_Definitions_of_National_Security http://www.greenp As Green parties forwardAs Green look a wide-ranging to advancing it can parties be recalled be and should that the Green Again, politically situation the The current and across in Europe
14 REFERENCES Joseph Campbell — http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hero_with_a_Thousand_Faces Party of NZ) — http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Values_Party Party (the Green The New Zealand Values Closer to ‘Doomsday’ Climate Change Brings World Minutes to Midnight” — http://nation.com.pk/national/23-Jan-2015/climate-change-brings-world-closer-to-doomsday Now “Three — http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_operations_other_than_war Military Operations Other Than War and Fritjof Capra — http://www.charlenespretnak.com/green_politics___the_global_promise_117208.htm Charlene Spretnak by Politics: The Global Promise Green B61-12 by Hans M. Kristensen — http://fas.org/blogs/security/2013/04/b61-12tail/ , http://www.gp.org/tenkey.php — https://www.scribd.com/collections/4165209/Green-Party-of-the-US Party of the US – Platform and Key Values Green New Definition of National Security — rights agenda, forward-looking and green- rights practical agenda, solutions, importantthat the original it’s remember to best practices, spiritual with align that values from arose Greens the of vision cofounder many One of the principles and positions. Green in the United ideas and ideals who originated Green Greens social wisdom, “ecological wrote of CharleneStates, Spretnak, and gender nonviolence, democracy, grassroots responsibility, with coauthored Green Politics, book, Charlene’s equality.” helped birth the beginning of the U.S. Capra, Fritjof physicist establishment the to 1990s, the in led, that movement Green value beliefsThe expressed are Party. Green of the U.S. https://www.scribd.com/ founding documents - in Green collections/4165209/Green-Party-of-the-US in New Zealand sublime settings that feature began in beauty, confrontational and then came of age in a challenging, nature, of nuclear imminent threats post-war setting that featured war. movement of the anti-nuke at the forefront were The Greens in the years since the Greens’ politics and, in European a popularly of nuclear supportedfounding, drawdown weapons systemsnuclear and Europe in energy came in Germany be. to of cataclysmic the threat although having reduced Unfortunately, the treaties, nuclear war with a series and START of agreements New being reversed. is now peaceful coexistence toward trend War security of national definitions needed as a new are Cold nuclear the horizon. on are weapons “modernized” and new of nuclear palpable threat into the Middleregion East is a rising, ongoing set against are of larger conflict Threats escalation. the crisis the current in the Ukraine; specifically, wars, regional the betweenescalating and conflict the United tension States, alliances the entangling Russian and the Federation; EU/NATO, multigenerational and the Mideast’s and China; with Iran United the intends to States backdrop, this Against conflicts. of nuclear a next generation introduce (the B61-12), weapons
...... 15 JON OLSEN this is the real this is the real magazine horizon green Institution What castrates the effectiveness are of the institution
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•
The channeling of all“Security”(sic) truly important to the Council measures the most powerful of This SC is composed ratherthan the General Assembly. with a few who can along rate usually 2nd or 3rd powers countries, be bullied It is only for via votes in the SC that allow major powers. of the or more by one The Generalmilitary Assembly is devoid of such power. intervention. The of the five largest world the power powers. reinforcing of the veto, The power common. so vetoes are of these countries ofteninterest conflict, The concept of “subsidiarity” mentioned in earlier mentioned GH articles “subsidiarity” makes sense to me. of The concept to Despite the original United Nations of the design and presumably intention the Unfortunately the case of Sudan legacy points since the of a long is one of low I write to try such essay this unspeakables. from away to point a direction is that the U.N. The essential reason been so grosslyWhy impotent? has the U.N. 1. 2. to these structuralAdded flaws is the consistently meek subservience of the Secretary- Looking what is to be done? to the origin of the U.N after trials So, the Nuremberg spring/summer Recent issues of Green Horizon local of Recent issues of Green to state Magazine have discussed the relation of the myriad in the context to international government facing to national problems getting the right like to weigh in on I would balance. humanity. is essential. democratic with input, consistent What can effectively locally, be done as proclaimed often Order” by the heavies of the “TheWorld note New By contrast, Intrerestingly, Bush. George H.W. corporate including world, famously, bogey man for the far right and also ought to be for the left in which as well—one area is essentially envisioned Order corporate a World The New can be agreement. there TINA: Thatcherite slogan of embracing the famous world-wideregime, unified fascist Alternative. Is No There to the conclusion I have come abject failure that human rights, prevent wars and ensure cameI conclusionthis to body. once-proud that for appropriatethe is designation after years ago some accounts of the Sudan-government-backed having read militias then in Darfur children fire, into thatchedherding and setting the huts on huts as actions fail me, Words desperate their triedwho children. to rescue parents shooting Such our vocabulary—beyond behavior exceeds have failed in the U.N. barbarity and “permission” do nothing because to get the unable governments they are Yet genocide. imagine policemen being called to a of the Sudanese On a microcosm, government! to then being required was being brutalized a woman where home male partner, by her they leave the scene! “No,” told being her! Upon to rescue ask his permission East Guatemala, Cambodia, Indonesia, right afterWW II: founding of the U.N. canverdict The same and recentlyand Rwanda Darfur and Syria. Bosnia, Timor, about the CIA torture revelations program. should be applied to recent is organized in a profoundly of the global the interests undemocratic to protect way not to prevent atrocities. powers, two interlocked structural matters: strings puppets with many attached.They resemble General (s) of the U.N. Principles: The Nuremberg across we come “Never Again!” and the slogan is a Failed is The United Nations Nations United The 2015
• spring/summer It is evident all over the world, includingevidentis It world, the all over most
JON OLSEN is a long time peace and justice activist and a Green Party member for 25 years. A graduate of Bates College in Maine he went to the University with a degree in philosophy, Degree in the same field. He of Hawai’i for a Master’s returned to Maine in 2001, serving twice on the Steering Despite the original design ofDespite the United human wars and ensure to prevent Nations is the appropriate abject failure rights, I hasten to point out that I am in NO WAY calling for a world WAY I hasten to point out that I am in NO Let instituted first such a new organization begin at once, canmembers founding these freelythen implemented, Once Note: There is no exclusion for the invented term “enemy “enemy is no exclusion termThere the invented for Note: committee of the Maine Green Independent Party. He has conducted town He has committee of the Maine Green Independent Party. caucuses and gathered signatures for Green Party gubernatorial candidates. research describes the legal and historical book, Liberate Hawai’i, His recent of The book documents the illegal claim done by Hawaiian scholar-activists. the US to the sovereignty of Hawai’I and demonstrates its fraudulent nature as well. Olsen draws a parallel with the similar fraudulent attempt by the late USSR to do the same to Lithuania. definitely in the United states, that all of these provisions have been that all of these provisions definitely United states, in the as an entity to the U.N. Hence, with impunity. flagrantly violated, is utterly such wisdom a body of enforce Despite its ineffective. beyondis presentlyas constituted U.N. the beginning, promising Whatthe sufferinghelp and hope for of the world. people is truly democratic organization of a new, needed is the formation located (obviously neutralof nations on ground NOT in the country late Martin of the in the words Luther King, which is, purveyor“the greatest Earth.”) violence on of but sovereignty, of national nor abandonment government, lawlessness, (like gross conditions are merely stating that there and barbarity) under whichgenocide, of nations the sovereignty What not the centralization is needed is not be supreme. must but rather the effective universal government, into one of power in to stop atrocities governments of the many empowerment achieved?be to this is lame the with How Not tracks. their robust but a “sanctions,” of or implementation and tepid threat dozens of many consisting of nations peace force multinational acting quickly and decisively to intervene, not for the purpose and peace, but to enforce rather sides in civil conflict of taking for negotiation. matters to be brought forcing a neutral set in non-warmongering states, of all by the smaller, and emphatically the original reaffirming principleslocale, set forth above. the corporate-corruptedwithdraw en mass from United Nations, the shellwhich of an organization, then would be a hollow If the big powers a farce. would constitute thereof continuation states, rogue they will pariah become states, to cooperate, refuse Our rulesoutside the common by which civilized abide. nations survival as does that of our descendants. it, depends on any activityany or to perform aimed at the destruction act any any of set forthof the rights herein.” and freedoms The meaning is very these rightsto belong clear: combatant.” everyPERSON. designation for the once-proud United Nations. United designation for the once-proud magazine horizon green “Article 2: Everyone is entitled to all 2: the rights and freedoms “Article “Article 3: Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security Everyone liberty, has the right 3: to life, “Article “Article 4: No one shall be held in slavery, or servitude; slavery shall be held in slavery, one No 4: “Article shall be subjected to torture one or to cruel, No 5: “Article Everyone everywhere has the right 6: to recognition “Article Everyone has the right 8: by the to an effective remedy “Article shall be subjected to arbitrary one No 9: arrest, “Article the Declaration in Nothing be interpreted may as 30: “Article “Whereas States Member have pledged themselves to “Any person who commits an act which constitutes a crime an act which constitutes who commits person “Any under international the crimessubject to prosecution Among
16 of person. and the slave in all trade their forms. shall be prohibited or punishment. inhuman or degrading treatment the law. before as a person tribunals national the fundamental for acts violating competent rights or by law. granted him by the constitution or exile. detention rights any to engage in or person group, implying State, for any achieve, in cooperation with the United Nations, the promotion the promotion with the United Nations, in cooperation achieve, observance for and of universal respect rights of human and fundamental freedoms...” such kind, of any set forthdistinction without in this declaration, or other opinion, religion,political language, sex, colour, as race, birth or other status...” property, or social origin, national Crimes against humanity. Crimes against to the Universal Declaration of Human the Preamble of Portion Rights: War Crimes: War Violations but of war which include, of the laws or customs or deportation... ill-treatment murder, not limited to, are the on of prisoners of war or persons or ill-treatment murder or private plunder of public property, killing of hostages, seas, or villages or devastation not towns, destructionwanton of cities, Similar under descriptions come justified by military necessity.” Crimes against peace: Crimes against of aggression or waging a war initiation, preparation, “Planning, or agreements treaties, of international or a war in violation plan or conspiracy participation in a common for the assurances; the acts mentioned.” of of any accomplishment under international law is responsible therefore and liable for and liable therefore law is responsible under international internalThe fact that a does not impose law punishment. penalty a crime which for an act constitutes under international the act from who committed relieve person the law doesn’t who person The fact that a responsibility law. under international a crime an act which constitutes committed under international official Statelaw acted as Head of governmental or responsible law.” responsibility under international does not relieve him from law are:
...... 17 ROBERT SHETTERLY ROBERT it is inaccurate. The it is inaccurate. US foreign policy as US foreign might makes right, as might makes right, to describe the ethic of establishes ownership. establishes It’s not so much cynical not so much It’s proper phrase would be phrase proper might makes fact. Might might makes fact. She in magazine horizon green But it does have many startling But it does have many and I had recently in several been middle school HAWA I’I
Force andForce Fraud 2015
• “I have asked some of the great white chiefs their authority asked some of“I have they white the great to say to get where they where men going he sees white while in one place, the Indian that he shall stay me.” They cannot tell please. I asked the students where the ‘great white chiefs’ ’ authority came from. Some authority moral came ’ from. white chiefs’ ‘great the I asked the students where little of the history how book of Hawai’i I knew, I was surprised Olsen’s Jon reading spring/summer wanted no blood shed. wanted no blood shed. Jon Olsen’s excellently researched book on the history on book excellently the US researched explores Hawai’ of Olsen’s Jon what possibility He also explores intrigue to undermine and annex it. its sovereignty of the Reading it I was reminded be for Hawai’I may its independence. there to regain Perce. of the Nez Chief Joseph of words Liberate Hawai’i ! : Renouncing and Defying the Continuing Fraudulent US US Renouncing and Defying Hawai’i Fraudulent the Continuing Review ! : of Liberate Waldoboro, RiverGoose Press, Olsen, ofClaim to the Sovereignty Hawai’i,D. Jon [www.liberatehawai’ithebook.com] $17.00. 2014. Maine, discussing were we classroomswhere teaching Movement Rights Civil US the about helpful: was Chief Joseph this quote from I thought the legitimacy of power. nothing immediatelyThe students said that this authority power, came from precept? white When I pushed them further, they said. What Military, kind of power? else. profit. and economic supremacy mentioned and racism were many like so because story it’s Unexceptional and what a sad and unexceptional it is. other stories of US hypocrisy and imperialism. The plot to annex Hawai’i was not made by the US government moments. exceptional of in 1887 a small group Rather, plenty was although there Washington. of support in “Bayonet to as the referred what was re-wrote the Hawai’iconspirators first constitution, King Kalakaua brother mere into the queen’s becauseforced it way of the Constitution” then they and forcibly ousted the popular Queen Lili’uokalani status, figurehead in 160 ordered Stevens, US minister John by the led now The conspirators, January 1893. shots No palace. the Queen’s and surround Boston the ship US marines to land from Cleveland Grover that a later appeal to the US president sure The Queen, fired. were diplomatically. but to resist militarily, chose not to resist would reverse the coup, 2015
• issued spring/summer The apology really an insult because becomes ROBERT SHETTERLY ROBERT is an artist and writer who lives in Brooksville, Maine. His —- the Truth Tell Who Americans portraits —- of collection eight past the for country the around traveling been has years. (www.americanswhotellthetruth.org.) in the name of sovereignty and law. in the name of sovereignty That last sentence is why Jon Olsen’s book is so important. is so important. book Olsen’s Jon is why That last sentence strange chapterAnother historyin this in 1993 happened OlsenJon clear makes of Hawai’i that the US acquisition then he stands in solidarityAnd people the Hawaiian with with moral purpose, power we recouple King urged, as Dr. If, wins. Right is really Right is of prissy and is the concern irrelevant for fact wins. is the Ship Might of Statemoralists. the future, steaming into Once the wake. right life is the raft disappearing in the ship’s it will have no claim the facts of power. on liferaft is out of view, canwe still makes sure It legitimacythe see possibilityand of in a fascinating And far behind. somewhere Right bobbing along after its sovereignty Lithuania regained chapter a 50 how about Olsen the citizens suggests how of Hawai’iyear hiatus, might themselves US, the free to Lithuania of example the use from liberation to a genuine national amounts and what in fact today in Hawai’i. growing movement together with Congress, administration, when the Clinton a formal apology to Hawai’i of Queen for the overthrow Olsen what a curiousLili’uokalani. event explores was this apologizes the US, burglar, The powerful morally and politically. do nothing to rectify to but condescends Hawai’i, to its victim, remains Power not apologized was The annexation for. the crime. Usuallycriminal a in a subservient is determiningthe factor. and apologizes to seek the mercy at victim, of the position, The the moral is inverted. clemency order Here or forgiveness. criminal acts the part the criminal of the moral superior; controls the misused law. the power law and is meant to sanction it flaunts international Hawai’i is meant to be grateful for of the imperialist occupier. The US as collateral of empire. its role in the growth damage claim to Hawai’i territory as fraudulent under and state remains law. international moralswith do to nothing had --- onlyor ideals power, with and the strategy exploitation to expand that of how resources, power. to separate organizing themselveswho are the behemoth from to despoil the land with its militarythat continues and warp values with its materialism. Hawai’i’s a make-believe Even repudiating anything can be done. “statehood”
magazine horizon green It would seem that the only Jon Olsen Jon at this point that comments and ordered a full investigation. He understood He full a investigation. ordered and
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, “Never of thoughtful, doubt that a small group it’s citizenscommitted can indeed, change the world; the only that ever thing has.” “By an act of war, committed with the participation with committed “Byan act of war, of the United States representative of a diplomatic the Government and without authority of Congress, of a feeble but friendly people has been and confiding has thus been done A substantial wrong overthrown. character national of our as well which a due regard we should requires people as the rights the injured of endeavor to repair.” One cannot read Olsen’s fine book without thinking of another fine book One cannot Olsen’s read but it would thinking of positive Mead was change, Margaret cynical not so much It’s to describe the ethic of US foreign Lili’uokalani but the ordered reinstated The president And, curiously, Queen Lili’uokalaniright was both and wrong. curiously, And,
The annexation was approved, not by a treaty (which had failed was approved, The annexation due to lack but by a simple majority of a 2/3 vote) vote as a joint of Congress. resolution Philippines, the but also, US grabbedas the Hawai’i, not just and to be a nation “ceased it PuertoGuam, Rico and Cuba, became an empire.” Mead: Margaret from This one famous American quotation. often that more we can the same about negative say sadly, seem, ‘scheming,’ with ‘thoughtful’ Simply her words change. replace neo- of handful the of Think ‘conspirators.’ with ‘citizens’ and cronies or the coterie of LBJ’s War, the Iraq who engineered cons Tonkin. who lied about the Gulf of time the US has appropriately used its political and moral ideals to justify the birth of a country used to was when they were birthmidwife its own --- and then for the sake of convenience. phrase The proper as it is inaccurate. policy as might makes right, Might Might establishes ownership. would be might makes fact. and the military (sugar) interests both the financial interests who Polk unlike President (strategic port) but, of the plotters steal to order in War the Mexican to create in 1846 conspired the Mexican territory portion the of a great that would become Cleveland thought that US political ideals were western US, In his emphatic importantmore than added wealth and power. Cleveland denouncing the coup in Honolulu speech to Congress said: in a stalemate The matter ended there conspirators refused. in 1898 when the US president until the SpanishWar American William faulty that assumption Cleveland’s McKinley corrected primarythe United States’ not wealth and power. values were 18 Grover Cleveland of this gang Grover greed was appalled at the arrogant Cleveland treaty pulled the annexation conspirators. of rogue the Senatefrom
...... 19 STEVE WELZER normal. Don’t believe it. believe Don’t normal. will be presented to you as to you will be presented The stress and the suffering
magazine horizon green
2015
•
Psychologists tell us that people tend to attribute their struggles to their own Psychologists Still, that’s quite a challenge. We’ve discussed before how being human has some some has human being how before discussed We’ve challenge. a quite that’s Still, Look have to be this hard. is that it shouldn’t But the point of these notebooks important An Is Possible.” World Better “A Our has a slogan: movement spring/summer THE MYSTIQUE: “PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT” but it seems that to the New was traumatic, shift the OldThe long-ago Ways from the developmentalistonce trendlines established as our cultural norm a mystique were by those who most “progressive” as presented were Ways The New hold. about it took to foster generalacceptance of this idea—even It was in their interest though benefited. the truth was that the development of the urban-technological edifice made life harder for the vast majority. The supposition, coping better. to most people that others are It appears shortcomings. be manageable. our social reality must if others can manage it, tends to be: then, face a challengeModern youth of trying to craft the amongst of competence a persona People fall into depression technological and institutional minefields of the Leviathan. to the air of buoyancy too hard is too difficult, when the maintenance of the persona I don’t blame you for reaching for your earplugs. But, humor me... But, earplugs. your for for reaching blame you I don’t you’llthat noted will there that sense the in times special through living be We’ve civilizational-ecological background buzz associated with the looming be a growing necessarily be dramatic shifts as middle won’t class there But for you, Americans, crisis. will be the common yours likely, Most existence. day-to-day in your of circumstance challenge of living in this world as it is. of in a unique degree result and self-consciousness Consciousness issues. inherent of the cocoon we need why reason one That’s discomfort. “existential” anxiety and to be a human being. hard it’s Relative to other animals, culture. as normal. to you It will be presented the worldaround and the suffering. at the stress and we can make it better. it should be better, Life could be better, believe it. Don’t “better” lies in a very the news is to spread that that vision realizing step toward It will require cultural than our traditional values might suggest. direction different patientlyworking to counter a whole variety of deeply ingrained misperceptions. Grandchildren, in this final notebook entry I’m going to start entryAdvice. in this final notebook dispensing Grandchildren, I’m This is the sixth and final article in a series by Steve Welzer This is the sixth and final article in a series by Steve ...on What You’ll be Facing be What You’ll ...on
for My Grandchildren THOUGHTS
2015
• spring/summer It did concern many New LeftIt did concern many like myself activists that the An alternativeAn viewpoint or another variant one was based on Eachworldviewsof these critique trenchant a the of offered It seemed to decision. I listened to the arguments and made a A DEEPER QUESTIONING When of us first emerged it seemed to many movement the Green theof out come to movements “niche” the of another just like activists fully were supportive they all of the reforms advocated, We Sixties. them the need for fundamental upon but we hoped to impress Capitalist productive which we interpreted to mean: systemic change, socialism as the solution. as the problem, relations not often had proven socialism” existing “really experiments with The conventional wisdom, with which I was thoroughly familiar, which with thoroughlyI was familiar, wisdom, conventional The held that democracy attained under the of the kind and freedom of Life simply needed to be generalized. Way American “bourgeois Western that the standard It maintained of socialism. worldviewdemocratic” is flawed because the idea of it conflates for latter being a euphemism markets”—the “free with “freedom” system of the means of privatean economic based on ownership asserted It developmentsocial of a higher stage that production. could be attained only by extending democracy the political from via collective ownership. sphere into the economic The private enterprise“the people” advocates argued that other. industrial the collectively and control own in reality, could never, socialization Rather, modernapparatus of a complex economy. onlycould have deleteriousthe production of means the of in the hands of the state. power effect of concentrating more claimedcapitalist that under the other hand, on Socialists, and class relations could never division production be overcome, society as as long is riven public policy in that way will never be will it always be unduly the by influenced democratically, made plutocracy. owning classlessa of goal the that time the at me society be to needed to deal with the caveats be a way must I thought there central. higher “next about socialism such that an advancement into the of history for And stage” would be possible and successful. of human liberation. for that vision hard years I worked many
magazine horizon green for the vast majority for the vast of beings. human Each ofEach the twentieth century critique of a trenchant the other. ideologies offered The development of the urban-technological edifice has made life unnecessarily harder life unnecessarily made edifice has harder ofThe development the urban-technological Later, as a teenager, I made intensive I made inquiries trying to a teenager, as Later, was a But I noticed that there This seemed to make sense. The frustration the face of Mario was visible on Savio when he
understand the reasons for the social ills “all around.” My readings readings My around.” “all illssocial the for reasons the understand indicated of them could be attributed that many to scarcity, groups, whichhad historically people, among caused contention and acquisitive, led to belligerent, The contention and nations. efforts overcome to the modern Until era, exclusionary behavior. scarcity had never of an far enough as to make much gotten But advances associated with the Enlightenment and impact. the Scientific/Industrial humanity Revolutions presented with the opportunity realize to age-old dreams. forward to go raging debate about how this point in history. from A HISTORY OF “SCARCITY” A HISTORY even (and by the way, age when I was your Grandchildren, ninth birthday your I really partySarina, enjoyed week!) I last make sense in a world had the idea that war and poverty didn’t to my reading, In addition progress. that had seen so much and arithmetic skills I had fullywriting, absorbed the subtle but our society. of the touted progress regarding ubiquitous lessons the cars bigger got noticing how fully I was And of it, convinced and fancier every year. MarioSavio relativelya was privileged collegian a with young campus. was not yet an issue on VietnamThe War bright future. What was he railing against? racism? poverty? capitalism? MAKE WHAT STOP? MAKE WHAT spoke at Berkeley’s Sproul Hall in December of 1964. But it wasn’t But it wasn’t Sproul Hall in December of 1964. at Berkeley’s spoke “There’s fully clear what he had in mind when he proclaimed: so odious, of the machinea time when the operation becomes and you’ve . . take part . so sickmakes you at heart can’t you that the upon the wheels, the gears and upon body upon your to put got to make it stop!” got and you’ve . . all the apparatus upon . levers, sustain. This is a widespread affliction. If you understand that understand you If affliction. widespread a is This sustain. can you manage—then to realitysocial the problematic—hard is and the frustrations situation own your perspectivehave on some you’lland difficulties you try encounter as to cope. 20
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21 In 1930 the British economist John Maynard Keynes Maynard John In 1930 the British published economist since then productivity than has actually more increased Well, burdening We’re ourselves. not freeing we’re is: The problem we have not all the gains in productivity and efficiency, For productivityThe focus on has been successful within its the extent to which considered But we haven’t WE’RE NOT FREEING OURSELVES WE’RE NOT FREEING is it that the twin ideologies How might ask: you Grandchildren, of industrial modernism could have failed to recognize such The answer is that civilizational trajectories?problematic the Their focus was on a misguided value system. they shared of alleviating productivity. scarcity increasing through “panacea” for Our Grandchildren” an article Possibilities “Economic titled writing about But he actually wasn’t me!). (he stole the idea from he was writingwould about people who grandchildren, his own yearthe in primethe years in be hence, livestheir of hundred a that he predicted Due you! That’s to gains in productivity, 2030. by 2030 a 3-hour daily shift would and a 15-hour workweek norm. the become the middle classes—even and lower the in Yet he anticipated. stillaffluent countries—are most think we I very working hard. of the mystique as an exemplar of prediction can view Keynes’s “freeing ourselves.” We’re progress.” “making We’re development: nature.” “mastering We’re “getting somewhere.” We’re the culprit And is those hypertrophied civilizational ourselves. farther. faster, bigger, More, trendlines: Under the influence of misguided made life easier or better. “affluence” important more than values we’ve lost things that are for limits. lost appreciation We’ve and technological capability. lost our bearings—due to a lack in the of grounding We’ve due to a with the superficial; due to a preoccupation elemental; about what really freedom. constitutes misconception We’ve gained the ability to produce domain. self-reflexive services, and goods, energy, an enormous amount of food, that material now can we so much produce In fact, amusements. scarcity not for the highly be an issue if it were would no longer skewed distribution of It All. the scarcity we’ve been increasing of things that are vital to social and psychological health. more much managed to accumulate wealth and assert elite dominance, assert wealth and managed to accumulate dominance, elite The carrot of penury. to avoid labored while the masses The aggrandizement and the stick of anxiety fueled growth. objective both subjective, and inputs, more demanded growth and exhaustion. the verge of depletion on leaving us now magazine horizon green regarding the legacy of the process of “progressive development.” “progressive of of the process the legacy regarding
2015
• The Greens were questioning the common fundamental assertion of fundamental the common questioning were The Greens the two worldviews dominant Whereas that the capitalist and socialist ideologues agreed I came to feel could satisfactorily that only the Greens explain and numbers Scarcity to population relative is a concept humanity has “come far” and now just has to take one or another just has to take one and now far” “come humanity has leisure, set of further to achieve steps in order abundance, the reality of pointed out how the Greens and security, peace, in the 20th-21st centuries utterlyour circumstances contradicts facing we’re of abundance, Instead that sanguine perspective. of collapse! in jeopardy we’re of liberation, instead depletion; the human and beyond . . safety fraying . are nets States failing, are to In reference shocking. are planet the on the stresses sphere, mass extinction the sixth great living through the fact that we’re “If an extraterrestrial came to writes: Clark John of life earth, on visit and then went back what was happening here, to report on Earth: News from this would certainly item. be the number one ‘They’re a kind of planetary through going disaster that has only happened six times in several years!’” billion Rather than a beneficial things have arrivedhow at this point. they said that our of development, process and progressive historybe viewed should chronologythe as aberrant a long of war, power-lust, contention, with resource period replete such for hundreds Having endured and oppression. exploitation, seem normal, to has come of things state this of generations, We not so. But it’s a characteristic of the human condition. crucible a unique bloom entered when the human population That a criticalreached point prior Revolution. to the Neolithic into verycrisis a transition forced unnatural and uncomfortable struggled to cope with We became distorted. Values lifeways. by straining supplyto expand food situation the increase and of the expansion Doing so only fostered productivity in general. of running us to the plight the Leviathan, consigning faster and to nowhere. a treadmill faster on It was not an ever-lurking specter until urban felt needs. Ways” “New Only then did the life became predominant. the most aggressive the pattern whereby pattern take hold, very satisfactory. We contrived explanations, but during the contrived explanations, We very satisfactory. associated to ideas attention increasing 1980s I began to notice It paradigm worldview.” “new heralded as a with something the ideas surprise, my To very professed explanations. different clearly movement—which originatedhad Green the in had environmentalism. simple started issues far beyond to address taking the radical were step of that the Greens I discovered assertion fundamental twoof the common the questioning worldviews dominant legacy the of process the of regarding development.” “progressive spring/summer 2015
• spring/summer STEVE WELZER a co-editor of this magazine, has been a Green movement activist for over twenty years. He was a founding member of the Green Party of New Jersey in 1997 and recently served on the Steering Committee of the Green Party of the United from States. Steve holds a Masters degree in Economics Let’shumanitywhen back think crossroad fateful that to again is the possibilityof a deliberate in our time, What’s hopeful, least at to dates bloom species human the of onset The the I was to discover impacted about how before I mentioned full of a large indeed, the world surely is, Grandchildren, Rutgers University. He lives in East Windsor, New Jersey, and is pursuing a New Jersey, He lives in East Windsor, Rutgers University. project to establish an ecovillage in that state. entered the critical the ten thousand bloom entered our population of phase Let’shuman communities that most remember years ago. appropriately growth. population their limited and responded a not and likelywas It ecologicalof kind a reflex-response the macro- of consciousness on based deliberation of result the part on of humanity decision” “policy no was There situation. of the some Unsurprisingly, worldwide the right to do thing. to try they endeavored tribes not do the right did thing—rather, to support a path that led to the by taking a too-large population Ways. to the New transition misbegotten and increasingly very real, very the basis of a advancement on new, deep ecological consciousness. The urban-technological thousand years ago. a hundred a was built up over that has been so problematic hypertrophy arresting perspectiveA on periodgenerations. twoof hundred to the in relation be realistic must and reversing these trends back Can we get the human population to timeframes involved. generally, years? More of hundred within a couple billion three and a new of wisdom— kind humility, can we—with patience, shift ecological our civilizational trendlines and social toward sustainability? Even more analysis movement. of the Green paradigm” “new significant we’ve been” alternative its than “where explication of “where regarding guideposts in providing hope it engenders is the Ratheradvocatingthan new some socio-economic canwe go.” shrug off we can of the mystique, let go it suggests how system, and step off the treadmill. stop the machine, the burden, The most beautiful and wondrous number of felicitous things. have them nothing to do with monetaryamong expenditure, The of labor. division or complex industrial production, remote corporations, modern reality of states, monstrous real little of produces institutions and impersonal governments, well-being and peace of mind I hope the sake of your For value. of could be pioneers You you’ll alternative. the Green consider really but it’s sound like a big job, That may Turning. the Great Home. your way as simple as finding
magazine horizon green
The world is so fullof things, of a number we should all be as happy as kings. sure I’m live in a sea We and technology. Of neurosis The report of the extraterrestrial visitor might focus on reportThe extraterrestrialthe of on focus might visitor like to feel that the human race is capable of progress, If we’d The first entryfirst The succinct a contained you to notebooks these of There is truth in that, but it’s a truth related to just one a truth to just one but it’s related is truthThere in that, and psycho- the both represent to meant is here (Neurosis is so diametricallyThe latter to Robert opposed Louis’s
22 humanity’s crisis, but what he might miss—because it’s both miss—becausehe might what but it’s crisis, humanity’s something else; inchoate—is and something unprecedented that something underground; tenuous roots spreading that’s of could be a basis for optimism amid the prognostications civilizational collapse. to mean advancement of that notion we could re-frame the on case A that we’re then could be made consciousness. leap forward.verge of a real Grandchildren, strive to discern the truthGrandchildren, and to find balance. can of our problems recognize the profound You Meanwhile: from Esteem comes society without disdaining to participate. Live fully (“anyway”), out. drop Don’t participating and coping. care of Take with positive and even aspiration humor. with good families. your health, your yourselves, TOWARD ECOLOGICAL CONSCIOUSNESS TOWARD Robert Louis Stevenson My the first page of the poem from early together in your volumes that we read House Book years: THE SPECTRUM OF THE HUMAN CONDITION OF THE HUMAN THE SPECTRUM news reportsalmost every Grandchildren, reflect now day at the “trouble the civilizationalmanifesting crises as how are observe be that you may The result peers your periphery.” . “preservative” conservative. Or maybe we should say growing inclination in the sense that their will be to preserve . their . of encroaching in the face “normalcy” prosperityrelative and and the marginals, by the left-behinds, pathologies exhibited disease, terrorism, breakdown, The social the underprivileged. will be increasingly disquieting. there” “out etc. pole of the spectrum of the human condition. For balance, balance, For pole of the spectrum of the human condition. other pole: the of apropos couplet succinct another here’s of a civilization in crisis. sociopathologies consequential entiretythe institutional- the of represent to meant is Technology technological Leviathan, but especially the hypertrophied aspect of what Barry“technosphere.”) calls Commoner the a sense to give you in order purposely, . . . halcyon representation! Because only Be Facing.” “Whatof the full spectrum of You’ll the full spectrum is the truth.
...... 23 JEFF TAYLOR nation or world. to have a genuine affinity for his a genuine to have neighborhood or town is not likely neighborhood or town is not likely A leader who feels no loyalty to his no loyalty A leader who feels (PART TWO) magazine horizon green KEY VALUE KEY VALUE
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Among the constant facts and tendencies that are to be found in all political facts and tendencies that are the constant Among In to the most casual obvious is so eye. that it is apparent one organisms, two classes of people appear—a class . that rules and a class . all societies . performs all always politicalThe first the less numerous, class, that is ruled. brings, the advantages that power and enjoys monopolizes power functions, by and controlled is directed class, numerous the more the second, whereas from directly or indirectly . In the United flow States all powers . . the first The rich ordinarily feel a certain to entering aversion . . . popular elections and the poor a certain to choosing aversion the rich for electivepublic life, influential But that does not prevent a being more rich man from office. the politicians who control upon since he can use pressure than a poor man, being carried from It does not prevent elections on public administration. and It does not prevent whole legislatures of clinkingto the music dollars. feeling the influence of from congressmen numbers of national considerable corporationspowerful financiers. and great As Gaetano MoscaAs Gaetano observed ago: long spring/summer THE RULING CLASS is the latest political movement of traditional American manifestation Party Tea The grumbling about few, concentrated in the hands of the of power suspicion tendencies: toward and protectiveness for state and local control, preference big government, represented Streetmovement Wall the Occupy way, In its own individual liberties. same tendencies even of the some though it was often of depicted as the polar opposite Both have been frustrated with a corporate-dominated status quo where Party. Tea the seems to be a rigged game while the middle class—or the 99 percent—are Washington Tea discreetlygiven by a financial elite. leased empty by politicians who are promises the culprit apt to identify while Occupiers focused on as big government are Partiers a mutually-beneficial yet oftenbig business but both have been seeing the same thing: publicly-detrimental and private alliance between power. public power Americans have traditionally of highly been suspicious centralized government... by elitists and administered by remote because Becausewhy? it tends to be directed responsive are the elitists nor the bureaucrats neither In their view, bureaucrats. remote decentralism is often of ordinaryand desires to the actual needs In this way, citizens. rights this although Decentralization involves than states’ more linked to democracy. It also Amendment. Tenth principle the through is enshrined in the Constitution “bare bones” negativeThis is the state—a at everymeans minimalistic government level. decentralizationThe ultimate is individual self-governance to government. approach although few Americans anarchy) Much more have ever(i.e., embraced this as a goal. such as popular expressions through expressed is the idea the years, over common, country,” “it’sfree a “live “justlive,” and let be leftto want alone,” me,” on tread “don’t but individual for the respect This presupposes backs.” off our government the “get and it does not exclude the value of community.
Presenting the of Decentralism 2015
• spring/summer The localization has both potential and prudential power of Plato of democracy was no admirer theorist yet as a mature Beware of false messiahs who peddle false messiahs who Beware of of national their wares Berry between spellsthe connection out Wendell FOR GOOD AND FOR SAFETY Decentralization of power of cautionin order. is a word Finally, qualityThe locala at made decisions of state or panacea. a not is level is not necessarily better than the quality of those made at Sometimes better than those are such decisions higher levels. Sometimes Sometimes worse. they are levels. made at higher and the case as was segregation with glaringlytheyare worse, of the for most other places, among laws in the South, Jim Crow Fidelity to an abstract principle should not be twentieth century. the ground. human impacts on the real to obscure allowed If Lord for safety. and a force can for good It be a force aspects. in asserting corrupts—and was correct that power there Acton is every that to believe to reason that he was—it stands reason is most safelypower wielded when it is most widely dispersed Power and when it is closest to the people being governed. for question foundational The is the heartgovernment. of traditions, in both the Hebrew and Greek political philosophy, “Who The ancient Jewsis the decentralized, exchanged rules?” judges for the centralized of governance quasi-anarchistic rule of the judge/prophet the objection They did so over of a king. Samuel the warning and despite of God. in the small-scale of context he identified rule by the many, when formbest the as government of city-state, Greek the society of tradition. is corrupted by self-seeking and disregard rule people remains by the common Under adverse conditions, government unnatural form best the is but inefficient and of “The rule Plato of In his Statesman, wrote, because it is safest. is weak in everythe many good is not capable it way; real of any serious two with the other or of any [rule evil as compared of one salvation and global utopia. That is the way to regimentation and regimentation to way is the That salvationglobal utopia. and who truly Show or woman me a man neighbor a loves genocide. best in the me an internationalist will be showing and you propaganda Even if susceptible to pro-war sense of the word. his or her instincts and media, government by manipulators in Attachment to the local of and love human if not divine. remain encouragedthe little ought to be by all humanitarians and theists can one walk, crawlto before how becauseknow to needs one and one writes one before a book, the alphabet know must one can care for those who live nearby one empathizemust before with those who live thousands of miles away. “Community is a locally understood community and localism: local economy, local culture, of local interdependence people, is an idea that can of course, (Community, and local nature. but it only does so metaphorically. the local, extend itself beyond or global community is meaningless apartThe idea of a national of local the realization communities.)” from magazine horizon green The Ruling was Scienza Class (Elementi di Politica) It could be objected that not everyone has a backyard. This is It could be objected that not everyone has a backyard. can If you in a varietyA true of nature be enjoyed love of ways. Mosca’s Mosca’s
24 The matter of scale of The matter society to it comes when to is analogous by awed who are some are There nature. of perception our Majestic mountains a grand on scale. of nature the wonders certainlyand beautiful beaches are appealing but such macro not preclude does appreciation. of nature micro appreciation sitting of us who developed those of creation are a love There closely looking the lawn on at blades of grass and hills of ants. larger take To squirrels. of goings and watchingOr the comings of clouds the look we could mention as they driftexamples, All the sky or the feel up. of wind as a stormthrough is coming Such experiences backyard. own of these can in one’s be enjoyed do not need the infrastructure of the federal or government Theycost not do private interests. wealthy of philanthropy the and instructive as moving they as a are way, In their own money. Yellowstone. or trip to the Grand Canyon Modern urban life involves It is also part of the problem. true. quantity grass of much whereby is nature from a disconnect We experienced maintained by government. only a park through but and big cities have their charms, cannot all farms, live on everyone easily-accessiblecan offer that from spaces benefit dirt, To and open sky for clouds wildlife, and stars. vegetation, rock, Concrete and worship. pray study and connect, think and feel, Bill and plastic and man-made noise can only take us so far. “City made this point in the countryAnderson Lights,” song betweendistinguishing made and the lights the stars that God to recognize the One need not be a creationist that man makes. it is still not the As wonderful as civilization can be, distinction. “God William poet The put it this way: Cowper same as nature. and man made the town.” made the country, and distant, famous the showy, big and in the only interested are and egocentricity. be suffering shallowness may then you from often are the local scorned by and provincial In the same way, a national lusts lie on those whose political and power ambitions They care about humanity in the abstract but if not global scale. in livesproles of mundane the Instead, beings. human actual not countryfly-over geopolitically-inconsequential and the lives of to interest little of are wars collateralforeign in victims damage A leader who feels no loyalty to his neighborhoodelite classes. is not likelyor town to have a genuine affinity for his nation humans are the perspective of such a leader, From or world. to self- the way on stepping stones . . to be used . something is always bigger With better. that mindset, aggrandizement. NATURE AND DECENTRALISM NATURE first published in Italy in 1896. That was the same That populist year in Italyfirst published in 1896. William Bryan Jennings speech of Gold at the his Cross made received and first in the U.S. Convention Democratic National nomination. his party’s presidential
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25 JEFF TAYLOR JEFF TAYLOR science at Dordt College. He is professor of political is a former coordinator of the South Dakota Greens, and chair of the chair of the Missouri Green Party, Olmsted Co. Green Party (MN). He can be reached at [email protected]. This article is based on his new Politics on a Human Scale: The American Tradition of Decentralism Politics on a Human Scale: The American Tradition In an analysis of the future of American democracy, written In an analysis of American of the future democracy, Rather than This does not have to be viewed as a bad thing. can social fragmentation be welcomed ways, In some book, © Lexington Books, 2013. Used by arrangement with the publisher. All rights © Lexington Books, 2013. Used by arrangement with the publisher. reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or printed without permission in writing from the publisher. when it comes to news are two other signs of positive change. two to news signs of positive other when it comes change. are democratized the Decentralized, is becoming decision-making of society areas norm in some resistance understandable despite by established elites. as the twenty-first century political scientist and former began, asserted (D-AL) centrifugal that Glen Browder Congressman us toward “pushing are driven changes, by demographic dynamics, popular decentralization of the American He political system.” “While concluded, both community and diversity have always the prudent of American strengths been competing democracy, ‘unum’ and ‘pluribus’ which consciouslycourse is one balances [out of plures’ uno ‘ex of the possible consequences (and considers not only considers changes in the ethnic Browder many]).” one, but also ideological and theological of the U.S. composition “Whatever and partisan divisions polarization: their reasons, and conducting working residing, Americans be settling, seem to communities, their public lives in subcultural enclaves (regions, lifestyle, distinctlyand groupings) defined by their demographics, and voting behavior.” philosophical outlook, centrifugal democracy—emanating toward this trend resisting back stretching ties centuries local both deep and regional from with waves and dissatisfaction of immigration recent to more It and embraced. could be respected culture—it mainstream the point made by Anti-Federalist would be to acknowledge “Itwriter code of laws to one is impossible for Agrippa that to force and that it is absurd suit Georgia and Massachusetts” standard same “the diverseof millions Americans liveto under and of laws.” or habits, of morals, Leviathan, political in its and economic rather than feared. into dismantlement because it be forced may manifestations, too large and too has become The nation cannot be sustained. a not city, was a It polis. is of politics word The root diverse. once-were the To backget to time is It roots. our to colossus. of Jefferson, republics to the could-be ward city states of Greece, are We to the should-be reserved of the Constitution. powers cogs in a machine not of epic proportions. are We human beings. Let a human scale. us have politics on magazine horizon green
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• The Internet provides a wide diversityThe Internet and provides of opinion I do not mean to sugar-coat realityI do not mean to sugar-coat or inflate the claims of a spring/summer In an age of centralization, are decentralists doomed to wax decentralists doomed are In an age of centralization, engagement with their old days, nostalgic about the good contemporary sounding like the plaintive cry culture of a is there Yes, Maybemourning it is not as bad as all dove? that. is a countervailing but there concentration political and economic the mainstream hand, On the one social fragmentation. force: giant six with highly more ever, than concentrated are media corporations most of our news dominating and entertainment. hopeful signs. some are there Yet regulators as acting old establishment the without information the best of both worlds: provides Web The and gatekeepers. This is a very positive development. decentralized yet global. often are superficial Twitter and Social media such as Facebook but they do provide and lacking in intellectual content, decentralized by linking individuals together in communication as comments them to share and allowing an instantaneous way newspapers metropolitan The fact that corporate, they please. and closing with some altogether, down times, have fallen hard on televisionbig the that have networks influence of their most lost HOPEFUL SIGNS particular mode of governance. Town hall meetings, municipal municipal hall meetings, Town particulargovernance. of mode of manifestations and other rights, states’ government, But Plato in his ranking not perfect. decentralism was correct are In a corrupt a generous and a fallen age world, of constitutions. all It does not negate potential abuse, is best. sharing of power but the including of both minorities and majorities, oppression by tyrantsdamage done to a smaller is confined and oligarchs diversity the likelihood of proximate that It also increases scale. community is own when one’s counter-examples can provide of small- existence of a multitude The experiencing unjust rule. for avenues of individual escape if provides scale sovereignties if your In other words, cannotcommunity reform be achieved. a to be able to move city may you or state is poorly governed, nearbybetter servedis that community rulersits by laws. and of a single is under the control or nation region If the entire alternatives see to difficult more becomes it malevolentpower, reform and Such and to flee to those alternatives if need be. possible in a more not be easy but they are may emigration decentralized context. and rule of the few]. This is becauseis This democracya in sovereignty ruleand few]. the of divided out in smallhas been portions a large number among law- are that constitutions of all three Therefore, of rulers. the that flout the three but of democracy is the worst; abiding, democracy best. the is customs], social ethics, justice, [i.e., laws unprincipled are [forms government] of Thus if allconstitutions Democracy and is to livethe best thing to do in a democracy.” both are coincidentally, Not decentralization hand-in-hand. go values. Green 2015
• spring/summer HUMUS the fossil fuel companies are happy to provide the fuel and make record profits. profits. the fuel and make record happy to provide are the fossil fuel companies magazine horizon green Although soil has been largely ignored in the discussion of climate change, the fact is of climateAlthough soil has been largely in the discussion ignored change, by general writers is that carbon also ignored climate on change, issue, A second The conventional Where from? come does the carbon in the atmosphere dioxide More recently an increasing number of analysts recently an increasing than More more haveargued that much The General Assembly of the United Nations has declared 2015 the International Year Year The General has declared Assembly 2015 the International of the United Nations This can sharpen help to a neglected strategy the focus on in the mitigation of Soils. includes soil on This focus preventing further on an emphasis soil of climate change. which carbonof loss the to leads the in such causedthat as plowing, by degradation, includes It also is oxidizedsoil as its organic matter and escapes the as carbon dioxide. that soil can serverecognition carbon excess in the atmosphere as a sink for the dioxide carbon This excess and in plants canbe sequestered whichcauses warming. global to related is humus word The humus. soil as in the by photosynthesissoil stored and and can be used to characterize and human-scale a non-invasive human and humility, global warming. to reducing approach are organically crops such growing tillage, as without and farmingbetter that methods, grazing which Ranchers rotational of methods also adopting are practiced. being already These methods emerged as farmers and ranchers tried organic matter in the turf. restore carbon in the of them the issue of reducing many dioxide For soil fertility. to restore Such should have methods support the of climate scientists was secondary. atmosphere farming of reformation complete more a with along agriculturaland bureaucracies, This can be done to the soil. carbon the atmosphere methods that can from restore Hubris is a Greek “geo-engineering.” without the hubris involved in quite naturally, on the focus Unfortunately, pride. excessive implyingword from resulting arrogance thinkers seems to have blinded them “scientific” technology mainstream many among as the Dust it is better has illustrated, But, Bowl of biological processes. to the power rather than try with nature to work nature. to control for soil resource much-needed but a is not simplydioxide a pollutantrid to get of, So- is 58% carbon. which is necessary for soil fertility, Organic matter, improvement. of America) affirm that it is Carbon Farmers (see their website, farmers” “carbon called This the soil. sequester carbon also improve in the soil and thereby possible to do both: “both-and” is articulated emphasis in a new article Sacks by Adam and colleagues on which has This article, atmospheric carbon levels. to pre-industrial reducing dioxide generally supports, my thinking in this entitled Geotherapy been published in a book scientific evidence. paper with more climate many led This has burning fuels. fossil from comes twothat is answer thirds should be to urge that emissions such as Bill of 350.org, McKibbon change activists, This strategy has failed for a quarter of the burning of fossil fuels. by reducing reduced an want to continue People to rise. of carbon continue and emissions dioxide a century, energy-intensive of lifestyle And, and developing countries to develop. need fossil fuels course, The solution is to remove the carbon from the atmosphere by using the energy the carbon the atmosphere from is to remove of theThe solution carbon in the soil. restore plants and thereby of photosynthesis to grow sun in the process the and plowing deforestation of atmospheric from carbona third come has dioxide
26 The solution is to remove the The solution is to remove by the atmosphere carbon from using the energy of the sun and ofthe process photosynthesis to grow plants and thereby carbonin the soil. restore Organic matter, which is which matter, Organic necessary is for soil fertility, 58% carbon. A second issue, also ignored also ignored A second issue, writers on climate by general is that carbon dioxide change, to is not simply a pollutant a much-needed but rid of, get for soil improvement.” resource
MAYNARD KAUFMAN MAYNARD HUBRIS or
...... 27 Soil carbon scientists agree with older organic theorists, suchSoil carbon with older organic theorists, scientists agree is a strong a soil scientist at Ohio StateRattan University, Lal, THE CHALLENGES AHEAD techniques make it possible to take food production If reformed and its the air and fix carboncarbon from in the soil, dioxide ranches. These include These strategy Rodale the no-tillof organic ranches. grazing ruminants in rotational crops, farming with cover grazing patternsas specified by Allen Savory Holistic in the chisel Yoemans the using deep sub-soiling system, Management avoiding chemicals or chemical for pest control fertilizers, plow, in grown in which annual grainsare cropping, and pasture such as burning Other strategies, grasses. dormant perennial (pyrolysis)organic materials in the absence of oxygen to form manure composted returning soil, it on biochar spreading and and gradually for annual food substituting perennial to the soil, can in large or small be useful operations. possible, where plants, Brian Rumsey food crops reviewed the relevance of perennial developmentunder the Landat climateto Institute change in and found that issue of the Land Report, 2014, the Summer, best mimic the productivity crops of the native prairieperennial All will these approaches also and less tillage. with deeper roots and the avoidance of chemical fertilizers, fungicides, require practices. patented GMO pest control that plants thrive best in association as Sir Albert Howard, with mycorrhizal not only fungi that help to deliver nutrients but also help to build soil structure (grass and trees) to plants, particles of soil and the aggregation in the humification process. soil forremain in the to Once organic matter is humified it tends as as much that grow crops all And this is helped by cover decades. soil microbes. for “fuel” basis and provide a year-round possible on and advocate of carbon of sequestration in soils and plants, He mainlyhe suggests this could be done tillage. by avoiding the parts that getting does acknowledge per million of carbon levels pre-industrial to graduallyhappen would down dioxide such Other as writers a periodover of 50 years. and practioners, optimistic about more who are of America, the Carbon Farmers suggest that it could building and storing organic matter in soil, thinks it could be done Yeomans Allan rapidly. more be done carbon in soil not only sequestration case, In any in ten years. it buys time to implement the use of more soil fertility, restores energyof sources renewable energyof and modes conservation which the burning can of fossil fuels. reduce magazine horizon green
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providing more time to make the changes needed to reduce itsmost extreme impacts. needed to reduce time to make the changes more providing • thereby also make the soil more productive, it may be that the nightmare of global warming will be delayed, thus of warming will be delayed, global the nightmare it may be that productive, also make the soil more thereby Now, as we think ahead to a time when fossil fuels, as well as as fossil fuels, time when to a think ahead as we Now, If over half of soil carbon has been lost, the soil cansoil the easily carbonsoil of half over If lost, been has If reformed food production techniques make it possible to take carbon dioxide from the air and fix it in the soil, and the air and fix it in the soil, from carbon dioxide take to If make it possible reformed techniques food production spring/summer Soils that are rich in organic matter and humus provide a habitat a Soilsrich provide that are humus and matter organic in It is it. lifeon can that for microbial feedgrowing the plants this lack of organic matter that has made chemical fertilizers chemical But soil to fertilizers, according substitute. easy an actually scientists such as Christine or Elaine Ingham, Jones They in the soil. organic matter and humus disrupt and destroy and this is more, and need for more a creating thus addictive, are and/ extraction their for fuels fossil theysince require problem a chemical fertilizers emit even more Moreover, or manufacturing. which is 300 times oxide, They also emit nitrous carbon dioxide. best At gas. carbon potent than as a greenhouse more dioxide chemical fertilizers a temporary are technological fix. likelythe minerals used to make fertilizers, are to be increasingly which is it will be necessary organic matter, expensive, to restore A variety have of methods been proposed the soil. in 58% carbon, farmsfor large suitable and are and some this to accomplish THE NEED FOR MORE ORGANIC FARMING THE NEED FOR MORE ORGANIC FARMING accommodate at least twice as much as still remains in it. in it. as still at least twice remains as much accommodate to 1 to 2% in down now of organic matter in soils, Percentages Undisturbed prairie should be at least twice as much. cropland, In fact carbon soils can 10 to 20% of organic matter. contain the soil and constantly between air and soil and water, moves The authors of the Sacks has a vast capacity to sequester carbon. claim just half of the that replacing above, mentioned article, soil carbon lost in the past 10,000 years that was has the realistic atmospheric carbonpotential for reducing to a pre-industrial also a carbonThe oceans are sink, level of 280 parts per million. of absorbing increasinglybut as they acidic as a result become oceanic life is damaged. carbon, too much land which oxidizes the organic matter in or on the soil. How How land which the soil. oxidizesin or on organic matter the carbonmuch partly depends lost in this way was far how on William counted. backcarbon of are in time emissions dioxide industrial that while acknowledging may emissions Ruddiman, and deforestation from counts emissions also now, be greater back going the beginning of agriculture thousands to plowing While not likely are to estimates of past emissions of years ago. is excessive. the soil from matter of organic loss the be accurate, 50 to Christine Jones, soil scientist, to the Australian According (See website, her carbonsoil. the the of 80% from lost been has www.amazingcarbon.com). 2015
• spring/summer MAYNARD KAUFMAN KAUFMAN MAYNARD and retired from teaching courses on Religion Michigan University in Environmental Studies at Western a part-time Kalamazoo some years ago. He has also been Food and organic farmer and organized Michigan Organic Farm Alliance in 1991. USA, 2013. If this is all as obvious as it seems, why is it not happening? is it not happening? why If this is all as obvious as it seems, drycarbon it adds because and to the it is 58% carbon, periods, which converts that carbon into The humification process, soil. Above there. it remains makes sure soil, productive living and such naturallywillwe need more to provide soils productive all, petrochemical less dependence on enough food with far inputs. of version to a reformed a transition in short, will need, We soils in 2015 can focus on The United Nations organic farming. support this transition. largely the independent through begun, Of course it has already much But it has not yetefforts garnered of farmers and ranchers. which have a historysupport the Land Grant from universities, of They support financial have received organic methods. resisting agrochemical As the industriesfrom forward and look to more. and as the however, cost of agrochemical to rise, inputs continue possibility of building soil fertility by restoring organic matter is Farmers it will be imitated widely. a large scale, on demonstrated and many attentiveand ranchers to the success of others, are reports of such successes in independent farmread publications. it will attract governmental grows, the movement as And especially the amount of carbon as it reduces support, dioxide Eventually warmingglobal of mitigation the atmosphere. the in canThis ordinaryby done be willculturalmajor the be project. hubristhe without of manner, humble a in humus, with humans a large-scale technological could make things worse. that project magazine horizon green These questions relate to the main concern in this paper: to the main concern in this paper: relate These questions
28 Bates, Albert, The Biochar Solution: Carbon farming and Climate Change. New Society Publishers, 2010. 2008. Wang, Hill and New York: llace and Robert Kunzig, Fixing Climate. Wa Broecker, 2010. Columbia University Press, Fixing the Sky: The checkered history of weather and climate control. New York: Fleming, James Roger, 2013. University Press, Hamilton, Clive, Earthmasters. New Haven: Yale 2011. Henson, Robert, The Rough Guide to Climate Change. www.roughguides.com. Thomas Dunne Books, 2007. al., The Suicidal Planet. New York: et. Hillman, Mayer, Cole, The Potential of U. S. Cropland to Sequester Carbon and Mitigate the Greenhouse Effect. Boca Raton: Lewis Publishers, 1999. Lal, R., J. M. Kimble, R. R. Follett, and C. V. Lehmann, Johannes, and Stephen Joseph, (editors) Biochar for Environmental Management. Earthscan, 2009. 2014. Ohlson, Kristin, The Soil Will Save Us. Rodale Press, and Climate Change,” 2014. Rodale Institute, “Regenerative Organic Agriculture 1999. Plows, Plagues and Petroleum. Princeton: Princeton University Press, Ruddiman, William F. be published by (To Levels: Re-Establishing the Evolutionary Grassland-Grazer Relationship.” Sacks, Adam, et. al., “Restoring Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Levels to Pre-Industrial in a book entitled Geotherapy in 2014, edited by Thomas J. Goreau.) CRC Press Publishing, 2013. Schwartz, Judith D, Cows Save the Planet. Chelsea Green Mark, Restoration Agriculture: Real world permaculture for farmers. Austin, TX: Acres, Sheperd, BIBLIOGRAPHY 1950. Devin Adair, Crops: A Permanent Agriculture. New York: Smith, J. Russell, Tree Publishers, 2014. Chelsea Green Grass, Soil, Hope: A Journey Through Carbon Country. White, Courtney, 2007. gas offsets. and Bill Chameides, Harnessing Farms and Forests in the Low Carbon Economy: How to create, measure, and verify greenhouseDuke University Press, Zack Willey, 2005. we can beat global warming. Australia: Keyline Publishing Company, Allen, Priority One: Together Yeomans, planning for a future in which the use of fossil fuels will be planning for a future climateThese fuels make change worse, severely constrained. and impending shortages will make expensive, already they are A shift to no-till is organic agriculture expensive. them more necessary petrochemicals dependence on rather continued than which add carbon to the air rather than organic matter dioxide carbon in the atmosphere Although too much dioxide to the soil. So even in the soil. carbon is a valuable resource is a pollutant, if carbon could be buried deep in the earth dioxide or under the should possible as much as propose, geo-engineers as oceans, first be incorporatedto build up organic matter. in the soil nutrientsthe grow, plants make to provides matter Organic developsstructureby soil weather canthat extreme withstand in water in heavy rainabsorbing and hold that moisture more thereby also make the soil more productive, it may be that the be that the it may productive, also make the soil more thereby providing thus of global warming will be delayed, nightmare its most to make the changes time to reduce needed more to deter many of money seems But the lure impacts. extreme so we need of life, a sustainable way thinking about of us from One such reallya shift necessary fundamental and in values. their beyond shift leaders to move governmental is to convince as they money economy in the growth with economic obsession and burningfuels. of fossil the production to promote continue can we learnHow to recognize the illusory of money nature can giftsthe to comparison in givewe the up How nature? of in contentment seek instead, and, of material progress dream ratherto transformthan nature with to work learninghow technology?with nature can coming the into gear we how And which opens opportunities people for more era, post-petroleum to be involved and participate in food production in the planting and harvesting plants and trees? of perennial
...... 29 ROB RICHIE argument. Add in ranked choice choice Add in ranked the “spoiler” argument the “spoiler” voting, and we can kiss voting, always to vote for whom for whom always to vote they really want without want they really goodbye and allow people goodbye
of magazine horizon green -TA K E-A LL
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• PERILS
The core problem—which should be high on their list of things to do something things to do something their list of should be high on problem—which The core those 100,000 take We however. even close, democracyAmerican representative isn’t electorate white, of havetiny a had we when sense made may quotas Geographic In of winner-take-all. close about the problem are conversation to a national We how first visit to Idaho of his presidency underscores The fact that it was Obama’s and South Dakota, states of “red” South Carolina, Obama has yet to visit the firmly
WINNER in Diverse America The spring/summer serious about--is winner-take-all elections. A “representative democracy” should be, should be, democracy” “representative A serious about--is winner-take-all elections. then meeting, have an annual town If 100 community residents representative. well, but everyone Not will get their way, should haveeach a voice in that meeting. person by to be represented if 100,000 voters are In the same vein, they should be heard. to legislator a elect help to haveshould voters 1,000 then power legislators 100 the this basic principle to deviate be practical may of from reasons There be their voice. but that should be our starting point. representation,” “proportional and give each district one geographic districts, put them in 100 different people, “winner-take-all” rules that the candidate means with the The resulting representative. “voice”, everyone eacha 1,000 people get Somost votes represents yes, in the district. Where important not necessarily livewe more not is we than what it’s but voice. their think. they lived. where except interests common male property many who shared owners in this And and characteristics. have our voters interests a diversityBut today of views, with third fiercely partisan the two major parties figurativelyclimate where are at war, it makes less sense than ever. parties and independents sidelined as irrelevant, Barack Obama that theme a President stressed State speech, Union the of year’s this in 2004 at the Democratic convention. Party launched prominence him into national We states and blue states. “we of red than a collection still more He declared are that he visited two strongly Republican states, Days the United States later, are of America.” to explain his policy proposals. Idaho and Kansas, clashes“united with the unforgiving logic of winner-take-all rules states” of a his vision a is no way WhiteThere the and how House political team prioritizes swing states. at least 35 states that are are there and in fact, willDemocratic nominee win Idaho, party locked presidential up for one already election. in the 2016 Obama In 2008, Comparing South is instructive. with North Carolina Carolina Utah. look That may and 44.7% in South 49.7% of the vote in North Carolina won Carolina. It’s time for our nation’s leaders to go beyond rhetoric beyond go leaders to about what ails our democracy our nation’s time for It’s They and the dominant underlying the to confront structures that have led to its decay. corporate media like to cast individual Americans blame on for our historic low They resist turnout in the 2014 midterms – barely 36% of eligible voters participated. fundamental more that something to recognize, refuse or downright acknowledging, is wrong. 2015
• spring/summer ROB RICHIE Takoma in is office His 1992. since FairVote directed has Count. He Park, Maryland. He is co-author of Whose Votes is a guest on many national media including NPR, C-SPAN, the at speaker a been has Rob FOX. and CNN, News, NBC American Political Science Association conventions, National These reforms are no longer a pipedream. Even the president Even the president a pipedream. no longer are These reforms are of fair representation champions congressional Among what activist in 1985 would I have an answer: skeptics, For Latino Congresso, and the National Conference of State Legislatures. He Park. three children in Takoma live with their and his wife Cynthia Terrell for Congress would represent the left, rightand center of left, the would represent voting for Congress every of the country region while ensuring that every voter can ranked in Add take parta meaningfully in election. contested argument goodbye “spoiler” and we can kiss the choice voting, people alwaysand allow they to vote for whom really want without argument Obama a bill introduced as a state senator, has been a supporter; voting to Illinoisto bring and another bill to fair representation establish ranked choice voting (“instant runoff ”) for primaries. support the aisle for Reaching across to change winner-take-all he canis the best say elections live up to his rhetoric of wanting to end the political dead zones and blue states. in red Democrat. the third-ranking James Clyburn, South Carolina’s this year to establish it for congressional Expect legislation effort truly ticketthe it make to growing a more and to elections, democracy majorityrepresentative when a reform-minded wins Vote Popular new Expect state wins for the National elections. chance to an exciting to pass ranked choiceplan and look voting in a statewide in Maine in 2016. ballot measure Mandela would be have thought that a decade later that Nelson would be president of Southpresident African and LechWalesa Sometimesit simply systema so broken becomes Poland? of and Let’sto realize fair representation work cannot be sustained. ranked and states and keep choice ballots in our communities our eyes the prize our voices will on be where of a Congress heard. magazine horizon green Sometimes a system becomes so broken it simply cannot be sustained. it simply cannot be sustained. becomes so broken Sometimes a system Let’s work to realize fair representation and ranked choice ballots in our communities and states. ballots choice and ranked fair representation to realize work Let’s Why? For all of Obama’s hundreds of millions of campaign of millions hundreds all of Obama’s Why? For Winner-take-all that elections decisiveis so in congressional That predictabilitydue to partisan is not gerrymandering. America and blue This red also defines state legislative alternatives to winner-take-all are that there Fortunately,
30 like a small difference, but he visited North Carolina 18 times in but he visited North Carolina like a small difference, there. his first term and held the 2012 Democratic convention been back to South since his key primary Carolina he hasn’t Yet in Januarywin there 2008. simply his campaign there is no way turn could 44.7% dollars, nearly all competition Today, in 2008 into a win in 2012. between the major parties only within the 47% to takes place you’re Outside range, that narrow 53% spectrum of partisanship. running whether for president almost certainly wasting money, in single-winner districts. Congress in states or running for U.S. for the 2014 the outcomes in 2013 was able to project FairVote for 370 out of 435 races – missing only elections congressional than winners in more projected FairVote Looking to 2016, one. six out seven of U.S House seats only two days after the 2014 elections. Many single-winner districts. due to winner-take-all, It’s independent editorial writers seem enchanted with California’s winner. but winner-take-all is the real process, redistricting every districts, congressional 53 is single one Of California’s by a Democrat or Republican their shrinking despite represented of those congressional All but one votes. of registered share is of the same party representatives nominee of the presidential averagewho did better than his national in that district. than four in ten state legislative districts More had elections. nearly a all were Of the rest, only candidate one in 2014. have a the individual district At we don’t conclusion. foregone have winner- We two-party a multi-party let alone one. system, take-all domination. without touching the we can win with simple changes in law, plan for president Vote Popular The National Constitution. would make every vote in every every state in count election new incentives creating for equitable for great That’s equally. representation Fair not about representation. but it’s campaigning,
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TOM FUSCO TOM FUSCO has a MA in Psychology & Counseling and MS in Management/Organization Development. He has worked abuse, mental substance in the health and organization development field since 1970 providing a variety of services to individuals, families, and businesses. He worked and Pat LaMarche’s on Jonathan Carter’s campaigns for Governor of Maine as well as Presidential and David Cobb’s Ralph Nader’s campaigns. He was founding member of and co-chair of Brunswick Area Citizens for a Safe Representative to the Environment, Maine’s Green Party of the United States (2001 – 2002), appointed by Governor Angus King as member of Maine Environmental Priority Project, Co- Chair of Maine Green Party (1996 to 1998), elected to Maine Green Independent Party Steering Committee (1994 - 1996 and 1998 – 2000), member of Restoration Advisory Board for Brunswick Naval Air Station (1992-2006) and member of The National Restoration founding Advisory Board Caucus. He lives in Brunswick, Maine with his wife Terry. magazine horizon green
addresses the greed and abuse of power by and abuse of power the greed addresses is an excellent introduction to the historyis an excellent introduction of the
2015
•
Daddy, What’s the Middle Class? the What’s Daddy, she shows how homelessness got out of control in this country out of control got homelessness how as the wealth of she shows
is not an academic work of charts and statistics; is not an academic the Middle Class? of charts work What’s and statistics; Daddy, Interviews members make a compelling of labor leaders and rank-and- union file the struggles to form and get unions went through addresses workers The book a brief on information time in our history also presents and some when unions Pat Class? Middle the What’s Daddy, Pat exposed us to the horrors of homelessness of homelessness exposed us to the horrors Left Pat Out in America, In her first book, Daddy What’s the Middle Class? Shouldbe mandatory What’s every for Daddy reading school high spring/summer it’s a primer the history on it’s middle of the working It describes and their joys class. as well together to better their lives through coming as their successes when sorrows, unions. state and federal individuals and corporations and aid of local, wealthy with the consent of America the dream was sabotaged at the expense of how shows Pat governments. “We says As Pat the workers. them, is about The book and their families. workers those who stole Not set out to chronicle the lives made America of those who great: it.” created who the millions from greatness They important and their families. and are to workers were case labor unions for why and the federal state governments government corporations, stories of how also shared still trying today are hampering and ability unions workers to organize. to destroy for willing go to corporations some were/are low spellsIt how out recognized. them how It shows bullying and even murder. including bribery, and control, power money, slavery only its form has changed.. in the US; has not been eliminated but that time has been well sides, together to the benefit of both worked employers which impacts of the wealthy by the greed for decadesover and has been replaced ability to support their families and affects the overallthe workers’ health of their communities. the nation increasingly shifted to the 1%. increasingly shiftedthe nation to the 1%. Pat LaMarche is a world-class champion of people, and she works tirelessly at it, LaMarche tirelessly at it, is a world-class and she works Pat champion of people, or running for public office. helping the homeless, as a radio DJ, whether working getting run has she 2006), twice and (1998 Maine of Governor for role, lattter the In and preserveenough votes to secure Independent ballot Green status for the Maine candidate Party US Green was the she In addition 10% respectively). (7% and Party Vice in 2004. for President the Middle What’s In Daddy, in America poor. working and the the unemployed for both Class? by Pat La Marche Pat by jumping off the appendix makes a great middle finish the book, and when you class, history. labor exploringpoint to continue America’s student in America. Daddy: What’s the Middle Class? Middle the What’s Daddy: BOOK REVIEW: 2015
• We need We Justine McCabe New Milford CT New Milford spring/summer Third, the winner-take-allsystem is highly undemocratic Third, By checking changes in poll results, the Review the checkingBy the tested changespollin results, was could be found the only correlation time any In fact, statistically In the close similar results: Florida were there race, average five the Review’s poll showed moving Nationally, proportional representation, as well as other basic improvements as well as other basic improvements proportional representation, in the US electoral system. to two parties is highly undemocratic. Past isn’t prologue (as we prologue isn’t to two Past parties is highly undemocratic. for example.) suffrage, with slaveryknow and women’s especially like the US which is too politically a population in and culturally with diverse to be funneled into two candidates, at all if their choiceof two loses. no representation TO THE EDITOR: Review and Florida of national A study by the Progressive polls influence during indicates the 2000 election that Ralph Nader’s to non-existent. results was minimal the final on widely caused that Nader Gore’s held Democratic assumption actually was for Gore’s if Nader responsible Presumably, loss. if his tallies would change inversely to those of Gore: troubles, would do worse and vice versa. Nader did better, Gore points - that so small - 1 or 2 percentage when the changes were statistically when, hand other the On they were insignificant. average went up 7.5 poll result Gore’s in September of 2000, Similarly, only declined point. 1 by Nader’s August, over points average poll tally declined 5.7 points but Gore’s in November, only went up 0.8 points. Nader’s tally Gore the when only insignificant by changed correlation when the but dramatic non-correlation or twoone points, successive in nine surveys example, in For changebigger. was total varied by 7 Gore’s pulledwhich only Nader 2 or 3 points, was ahead Gore the election, As late as two weeks before points. as 7-10 points. by as much 15 point lead until he steadilyGore hacking at Bush’s away But this lead six points in September. was ahead by as much rapidly lead by until Bush was back disappeared in a narrow While the eventually Gore vote, the popular won early October. close was so stillelection within were polls that most projections of error. margin the standard Ann Arbor magazine horizon green That seems highlyThat seems (The 2000) Election Nader-Gore That means that Gore would That means that Gore John Howard Wilhelm, Ph.D. Wilhelm, Howard John University of Michigan (Economics) University of Michigan On this score, I would bring your On this score, Letters to the Editor the to Letters That seems highly undemocratic.” In reply, let me note that “political argot” or not, what is highly argot” or not, “political let me note that In reply, is highly limiting the field of candidates for president First, limits us to operate continuing as if the Constitution Second, Nearly one hundred thousand Floridians voted for Nader, and NearlyFloridiansthousand hundred one Nader, for voted less Although he got was a spoiler. Nader In political argot, surveya from Givenknow York I what New the by done
Professor Wilhelm writes: “In political argot, Nader was Nader “In political argot, Wilhelm writes: Professor of the vote in less than 2 percent Although he got a spoiler. Florida--he was clearly“irrelevant” in the sense of having no chance ended up determiningto win himself--he the outcome of the election. undemocratic in the 2000 and in every is election presidential this: 40 and a native US over anyone Nader—and undemocratic. citizen--has“two- every up to the It’s right to run for president. the better for that theyvoters candidatesparty” are to convince not limiting the playing field to win. job, TO THE EDITOR: attention to a quote from the Nobel economics laureate Eric laureate economics the Nobel to a quote from attention The Maskin in the book Arrow It is as . Impossibility Theorem follows: a large majority the ballot, had he not been on it is likely that, of some (of course, of these voters would have voted for Gore them might not have voted at all). if Nader quite handily, but won probably not only have won, had not run. of the vote in Florida--hethan 2 percent was clearly“irrelevant” in the sense of having no chance to win himself--he ended up of the election. determining the outcome (pp.47-48) undemocratic. Times and other newspapers after the Florida I think election, which statewidea havewould won recount Gore that doubtful it his team sought a partialwas probably why recount. TO THE EDITOR: ‘Spoil’ the “Nader Did Not assertion that Justine McCabe’s 2014) Fall/Winter (Green Horizon Magazine 2000 Election” unchallenged.should not go 32
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Movement of the the of Green EcologicalWisdom 1. Responsibility and Social Justice Personal 2. Grass Roots Democracy 3. Non-Violence 4. Decentralization 5. Community Economics 6. Diversity Respect for 7. Gender Equality 8. Global Responsibility 9. Thinking to the Seventh Generation 10. (sustainability). Betty Zisk and Terry (Edmund P.) Fowler have passed away have away passed Fowler P.) (Edmund Terry Betty Zisk and a member of our Green has been Terry last issue. since our Both he our beginning. since Board Horizon Foundation have contributed articlesstart, the from also and and Betty, mourn their We editorial assistance and valuable contacts. contributions celebrateand passing creative and steady their and Horizon—contributionsto Green they made as well, of the United States and Parties to the Green respectively, issue to mark will have articles in next Fall’s We Canada. talent, their passing and celebrate the heritage of wisdom, they have and love bequeathed to us steady commitment, [Editors] during 12 years our of publication. Ten Key Values We Mourn and Celebrate and Mourn We Sam Smith magazine horizon green Freeport, Maine Freeport,
2015
• According to exit polling, those who voted for Nader were were Nader those who voted for to exit polling, According first time voters, independent, disproportionately under 30, In other of no organized and religion. voters, formerly Perot of his voters did not naturally many to the belong words, Republicans half as many as In fact, Democratic party. Six of independents percent Democrats voted for Nader. supportedvoters onlywhile 2% of Nader 7% of Perot and Democrats did. This is like Tennessee. evenof state Gore lost his home flunking a political breathalizer test. factor mentioned, but seldom the most important, Perhaps 68% scandals. was the impact of the Clinton in the outcome in history down would go of voters thought Clinton more 44% said that the for his scandals than for his leadership. scandals somewhat to very were important and 57% thought the country moral the wrong track. to be on The public had a cynical view of both major candidates with 41% believing anything would say to win votes. that both either major candidate and honest Barely half considered reservations an astounding 51% had And about trustworthy. vote. their own During with the major Bush led Gore all almost 2000, of 20% Eisencher as Michael reportedin Z Magazine, Further, Gore’s for critics the same Nader who blame (Interestingly, Sincemythologythe of signs no shows election 2000 the of • • • • (aside the individual who did the most harm to Gore In short, spring/summer exception of a month-long period the Democratic following of a month-long exception was pulling Nader Duringconvention. for Gore, this high point While a running average true it is the polls. of 2-4% in that began pulling a running Nader average of 6% during October, to lose ground continued Gore was fading, at a time when Gore words, In other support to its final 3%. dropped even as Nader’s did worse. Gore Nader, despite the help of defectors from 12% of allidentified liberal self- voters, of all Democratic voters, of all one-third 44% of all seniors, voters, 39% of all women earningvoters per year$20,000 under earningthose 42% of and members cast and 31% of all union voting $20-30,000 annually, their ballots for Bush. Democratic victories in the for narrow loss fail to give him credit state.) Washington in such as the one Senate, a few worth other points are noting: fading, himself) from had distanced himself If Gore was Bill Clinton. moralthe Clinton miasma he would probably have won from the presidency. 2015
• “All our “All Perhaps it Perhaps spring/summer “His have all actions been legal We have only left. one We See you next week, but make it a little later See next week, you But there I go again, second guessing you, guessing you, second again, I go But there I’m just not getting enough sleep.” just not getting enough I’m HERSCHEL STERNLIEB writes: After a depression era childhood spent on a Connecticut farm and a pleasant journey through the Boston Public Schools, followed by an uneventful sojourn in Engineering Textile in degree a got I Army, States United the and spent 40 semi-profitable years managing textile mills, I know you’re doing the best job possible and you job possible and you doing the best you’re I know The next week, the fox reported that there were were reported that there the fox week, The next “What now?” “There the chickens among and when I was a violent row should be feeding we pugnacious, so perhapsif they’re “Pity, reported an inventory when the fox of only The next Friday, he confessed. what to make of it,” know “I don’t “No way,” answered the eagle. answered “No way,” to his spot in the sun and went lap dog returned A despondent and all the while gaining deep respect for people who do productive work for a living. For the past 30 years, I have tried to emulate Aesop and will serve to educate and amuse. [The Ambrose Bierce and trust my efforts exercising his editorial prerogative, adds this: Herschel Sternlieb is Editor, the Chair of the Brunswick Park and Garden Project which plans a state-of- the-art Garden on part of the 3000 acres of land in Brunswick being vacated an award from the Maine He received, in May of this year, by the U.S. Navy. Green Independent Party “In Recognition of a Lifetime of Contribution and Service.” Herschel lives in Brunswick, Maine with his wife Selma.] broke it up, one of them lay expiring of them lay in the dust.” one it up, broke them tranquilizers. President. Mr. do have all the facts. in the morning. the see to off sped and concerned grew lap dog the chicken, one blind eagle. chickens passing away. are would be best if we replaced the fox.” would be best if we replaced etcetera and indicationno is malfeasanceof etcetera, there and handing me a drum for the fox stick now if it weren’t besides, I would have starvedand then, days ago.” to death three back to sleep. suicide out of having committed no chickens the last one left, loneliness.
Gee, Gee, See you magazine horizon green After all, you are are you After all, We can model our We The lap dog canassume the Are you feeding you want to escape? would one Are why You are doing a great job and should be commended. doing a great are You
But the next week, the fox answered, “Three chickens.” answered, the fox But the next week, “Three?What happened?” so I had to dispatch“One of the chickens it.” tried to escape, “My my, oh than enough.” “More guess you. not for me to second it’s “Well, “How shall we divide our responsibilities?” asked the eagle. shall“How responsibilities?” we divide our the fox. replied “That’s simple.” And so, the eagle pulled out a bible and had the fox place his the eagle pulled out a bible and had the fox so, And God?” so help you the chickens, “Do swear to guard you “I do.” inventory swear to give me an honest do you every “And “I do.” out the lap dog sought the fox trueAnd to his oath of office, canine. asked the drowsy chickens many “How do we have?” “Four.” “Good. reported that he had only when the fox The next Friday,
34 Now, if you will excuse me, I shall return to my slumbers.” I shall return me, will excuse if you Now, them enough?” Once upon a time, a fox, a lap dog and a blind eagle inherited a lap dog and a blind a a fox, a time, Once upon chicken four chickens. coop with HERSCHEL STERNLIEB responsibilities on the great democracies with three equal equal democracieswith three the great on responsibilities branches of authority and duties. and in all and tell the executive what to do, of the legislature role suited to the presidency it would seem that I am more humility, canwho Eagle Blind an impartial of the role assume Mr. than judiciary.” it. on right forepaw asked the lap dog. morning?” Friday morning. the next Friday of all and I in possession the information are and the president will do only you and proper. that which is correct know time for my mid-morning nap. getting late and it’s it’s next week.” the lap dog actually stood up to two chickens in his inventory, him. question DEMOCRACY Barnyard
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...... green hori on . . . Z ...... Green Horizon Sustainers 2014-2015 . . . . Tony Affigne, Rhode Island Brandon L. Hewitt, Georgia Liz Rensenbrink, Maine . . . Theresa Amato and Todd Main, Illinois Doug Holden, Wisconsin Robert Richie and Cynthia Richie Terrell, . Maryland . Stephen A. Baker, Pennsylvania Fred and Hadley Horch, Maine . Barbara Rodgers-Hendricks, Florida . David and Gillian Bath, Florida Joseph R. Horgan, Maryland . . Jeanne M. Rosenmeir, California . John Battista and Justine McCabe, Connecticut Clare Howell, Maine . Kimberly Ruffin, Illinois . Ted Becker, Alabama Abhi and Sid Hudson, Florida . David Schwartzman, Washington D.C. . Dee Berry, Kansas Brenda Humphrey, North Carolina . . Evelyn Seberry, Michigan . Antonio Blasé, Maine Gus and Joanne Jaccaci, Maine . Robert Sellin & Natalie West, Maine . Peter S. Broeksmit, Illinois Christopher Jones, New York . Brian Charles Setzler, Oregon . Charles and Diane Brown, Kansas Maynard Kaufman and Barbara Geisler, Michigan . . Charles Sexton, Florida . Lisanne Gray Budwick, New Jersey Charles Keil, Connecticutt . Tammy Lacher Scully, Maine . Richard D. Burrill, Pennsylvania Brian Kent, Maine . Elizabeth Shanklin, New York . Caron Cadle and Ralf Remshardt, Florida Robert A. Kinsey, Colorado . . Judith Simmons, Maryland . J. Roy Cannon, New Jersey Ben Kjelshus, Missouri . Joseph Sirois, Maine . Jonathan and Dorothy Carter, Maine Barbard Knox, Maryland . Mark and Wendy Skinner, Pensylvania . Dana Cary, Maine David and Peg Krosschell, Ohio . . William Slavick, Maine . Russ Christenson, Maine Jim Krosschell and Cyndy Dockrell, Massachusetts . Sam and Kathy Smith, Maine . Roy B. Christman, Pennsylvania Kathryn Krosschell, Ohio . Thom Speidel, Washington . David Cobb, California Paul Krumm, Kansas . . James G. Speth, Vermont . Chris Cole, Maine Ellen La Conte, North Carolina . Herschel Sternlieb, Maine . Wallace L. Condon, California Eileen Landay, Rhode Island . Daphne T. Stevens, Massachusetts . Don Crawford, Illinois Henry Lawrence, Florida . . Dale Straugh, Illinois . Richard and Debra Csenge, Utah Paul Loney, Oregon . Jeff and Shirley Taylor, Iowa . Morgen D’Arc, Maine Audrey Marra, Maine . Lisa J. Taylor, California . Bob Dale and Jean Parker, Maine Jonathan Martin, Massachusetts . . Christine De Troy, Maine Linda B. Martin, Washington David Thompson and Leslie Pearlman, New . Mexico . . Jacqui Deveneau, Maine Jim McCarthy, Maine . David and Marilyn Tilton, Maine . Romi Elnagar, Louisiana Margie McWilliams, New Jersey . Victoria A. Tredinnick and Brian Linson, . . Paul Etxeberri, Nevada Kent Mesplay, Califonia New Jersey . . Richard Evanoff, Japan Al Miller, Maine Kathleen Vadnais, Minnesota . . Valerie Face, California Judith Mohling, Colorado John C. Van Pelt, Maine . . . Olenka Folda, Maine Terry Morgan, Maine Rhoda Vanderhart, Alabama . . Edmund D. Fowler, Ontario, Canada Daniel Moses and Charlene Spretnak, California Dorothy Vogel, Oregon . . Walter and Francine Fox, Pennsylvania Dean Myerson, Oregon Mike Wakefield, Maine . . . David and Melissa Frans, Maine Jason Nabewoniec, New York David Walker, Ohio . . Bruce Gagnon and Mary Beth Sullivan, Maine Magdalena R. Naylor, Vermont Victor Wallis, Massachusetts . . Jean Galloway Fine, Maine Michael Ochs, Pennsylvania Andrea Walsh and Andy Davis, . . New Hampshire . Betsy Garrold, Maine Jon Olsen, Maine . Ellen Wells, Florida . Greg Gerrittt and Kathleen E. Rourke, Esther Lacognata and Barclay Palmer, Maine . Rhode Island . Rosalie Tyler Paul, Maine Brielle Welzer, Maryland . . Rhoda Gilman, Minnesota Charles Payne, Maine Steve Welzer, New Jersey . . Art Goodtimes, Colorado David Whiteman, South Carolina . Andrew Perchlik, Vermont . Budd Dickinson and Jody Grage, Washington . Karen Peterson, New Mexico David and Regine Whittlesey, Maine . . David Greenwood, New Jersey Suzan G. Preiksat, New Jersey William T. Whitney, Maine . . Christopher Greuner, Massachusetts Julia Willebrand, New York . Joshua Roy Pritchett, Florida . Tian Harper, California . Virginia Rasmussen, New York Natasha Wist, California . . Holly Hart, Iowa Richard Reisdorf, Minnesota Paul Woodruff, Texas . . Gil Harris, Maine Peter and Margaret Zack, Maine . Carla and John Rensenbrink, Maine . Laura Hauck, New Jersey . Greta Rensenbrink and Kat Williams, Steve M. and Marcia Zettle, Pennsylvania . . Dorothy A. Hassfeld, Maine West Virginia Betty Zisk, Massachusetts . . Charles and Elizabeth McGee Hassrich, Illinois Kathryn Rensenbrink and Jon McMillan, Maine The Green Network, Missouri . . . . spring/summer • 2015 green horizon magazine 35 . GHM_31_covers.qxp_Green Horizon Quarterly 4/14/15 11:04 PM Page Cov4
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