The Irish potato famine has always intrigued
me. As the facts have surfaced over the years
the picture has changed. At least it seems different
from what i learned in the early 50's. Here is
the current picture:
1. Due to limited ways to enjoy life and cultural
repression the Irish population exploded. At
the time of the famine it was the most populated
area in Europe and possibly the world.
2. Economic policy and greed had eliminated land
ownership by Irish and reduced the number of
crops that could be grown. Most agricultural
output was exported (like third world countries
today).
3. Education and freedom to build solutions was
suppressed (political repression)
the ecology lessons are: diversity is important
resources need to be cycled
population balanced with resources
chaos theory (ability to change)
These problems were never solved. They were deferred, ignored,
and moved to other areas. We blamed the potato and the Irish.
We argued economic theories.
----
jeff owens, [EMAIL PROTECTED], http://www.xprt.net/~jko
underground house, solar power, self-reliance, edible landscape
eco lifestyle discussion: subscribe ecopath -> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
