>
>You are pretty right in saying we must fight, but where I'm not convinced
>is when you say "fight against" whatever, because then we are spending our
>energy. I think we must "fight for" something and use our energies in
>defining what this "something" is.
Georges, of course we must fight "for" something, but I think that
something is different depending on the circumstances. Although if the only
point is to destroy this unsustainable system then one not need to fight for
anything just against[I believe some anarchists see it this way]. Certainly
though I myself think that we must have a longer term vision in mind when we
pick our battles.
>Once more you're right when you insist on the fact that we, people living
>in the first world, are able to change the things positively even if we
>stand on the core of the capitalistic expansion system. Which place could
>be a better one than inside the castle of the powerfuls to change their
>thoughts and define common new goals?
>
>Of course the powerful wouldn't leave their privileges if they are not
>oblige to it, and here lies a deeper explanation I could resume with few
>questions:
>
>- Does the powerfuls are aware they haven't found the right solution for a
>worldwide sustainable development?
Some are and some aren't. I think there is always the concern that if
things get to bad for the average core citizen then they could be in for
trouble. I would suspect we may see some keynesian ideas being put forth if
the social costs start to become to disruptive to continue business as
usual. Also I believe that we could see some drastic environmental
initiatives if the evidence of impending catastrophe becomes to strong for
even those in the boardrooms to ignore. Of course they will do all that they
can to pass the costs off on to the public and to peripheral nations.
>- Do they think they are building the correct frame for a sustainable
>development?
I think they are in the beginning stages of figuring out what they want
to do, from what I can tell there is a lot of differences within elite
circles. Eventually I think the system itself is so focused on growth and
profit that they will never be able to do what is necessary.
>- Do they realize the current system require real changes to avoid the
>coming deeper crash in the human history, a worldwide crash?
All this is just guessing, but I think they have been so successful in
the past in adapting, that they are not terribly concerned. Systemic change
of the capitalist system is not on their radar screens, only some tinkering
would be proposed.
>- Or do they duck it all and just want to enjoy present time and private
>wealth?
Yes and no, if there is one unifying trait among elites, it is that they
are always on guard to protect their power and wealth.
>Whatever could be their answer, we must prepare an alternative concept for
>a sustainable future which should be based on concrete proposals. We must
>also be ready to use the most powerful tool we can still manage by our own:
>consumption. Last ten years development lies on an overwhelming increase of
>US and European domestic consumption. The crash already occurred in Japan
>because of the domestic consumption slowdown...
>
>A future sustainable development requires a sustainable consumption, it's a
>bedrock for its implementation worldwide. I mean, if we, in our first world
>countries, are not able to live without destroying the global ressources,
>how can we promote equity troughout the world? But the most interesting
>point is that by slowing down our consumption, right now, we can provoke a
>destabilisation of the current trends, and thisaction will create a real
>trouble in the mind of speculators, politically correct analysts and
>several CEO. Provoking an earthquake in the so happy world of capitalistic
>promotors is a way to change their conceited mind and create the correct
>situation to propose the alternative we must work on.
>
Organizations have proposed modest movements in this direction. Things
like no shopping day and such. I think many systemic changes will have to
occur before our addiction to consumer goods is lessoned, it is an
acceptable way of dealing with ones alienation from society and feelings of
powerlessness. You may not be able to have a say in how the world works, but
you have tremendous choice in what and how you consume.
I also am not convinced that Japan has crashed, they are certainly
suffering from a long recession, but the damage is no where near
irreversible. The youth of that country are buying like crazy, they just
haven't been able to convince the middle age Japanese that they won't be
destitute if they spend their money now.
Thanks for your response to my post, Aaron.
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