Eric wrote:
>But, many others don't
>want to consider what's important because it may mean giving up things they
>hold dear.
Another view that fits here is that people are not aware of
the choices and some don't hear both sides of issues. For
example, on many issues we may not have to give up much of
importance. All that is required is to shift our priorities
and move in a different direction. This view is almost never
heard because it isn't news. Taking the forest issue as an
example... we hear about the Earth First struggles and some
very destructive clear cutting. What we don't hear about are
the thousands of small land owners who manage their trees for
sustainable yield and try to be good stewards of the land.
The issue becomes black and white. We either cut or we
don't. One side says jobs will be lost and the other says
more jobs will be created. The average person has no idea
what to choose because they are not exposed to objective ideas.
The idea of slowing log exports and increasing local mills is
not talked about nor is effective use of agroforestry. It is
either business as usual or stop all timber harvests.
I go to forestry meetings and a very common view is that
voters are the enemy and have no idea what a sustainable
forest is like. I hear the exact opposite view from some
ecology and environmental groups.
Where is the middle group that presents ideas and solutions
to voters. The lobbyists are either from industry or from
special interest groups each with a very narrow objective.
Some want to save fish, some birds, others want our ancestors
to have old growth forests.
What might help is objectivity, communication, and less
reliance on special interests. I wonder what would happen
if we eliminated all political lobbyists?
Grin, is that a rant? Must be time for me to go pull weeds
in the garden. I just finished a good book on simple living
and it even has a section on gardening plus one on cooking.
It is exciting to see these topics approached as serious
components of life. I knew this was a going to be a good
book when i found alternative energy mentioned. A review
will be posted in a few days.
----------
Jeff Owens ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Zone 7, http://www.teleport.com/~kowens
Underground house, solar energy, reduced consumption, no TV
