Ara, Thanks for the view from outside the ring. As incredible as it may seem, given the stuff some of us have posted at times, I believe that we are all indeed on the same side and with our eyes all on the same prize - a just and sustainable society. It's not the destination that is the issue, it's the matter of how we can get there. We are a passionate bunch, some of us too passionate for our own good. But at the same time I think that we all have great respect for the diverse array of unique experiences and educations that we individually bring to the debate. I appreciate the fact that we are looking at the issues through a variety of lenses, and that my fellow list serve members are willing to question and challenge me on the positions I've taken. Marcellus shale drilling is is an issue that touches us all, and has major implications for the future of our land and waters. Although passionate discourse can be exceedingly uncomfortable at times, it is also a sign of a vibrant, healthy democracy. George Frantz
--- On Wed, 12/16/09, [email protected] <[email protected]> wrote: From: [email protected] <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [SustainableTompkins] The morality question To: "Sustainable Tompkins County listserv" <[email protected]> Date: Wednesday, December 16, 2009, 1:24 PM As an earnest skulker and learner of this newsgroup, I must say, I'm really too through with the in fighting. As much as I have enjoyed the past couple of years, I'm close to unsubscribing. This hurts too much. I do what can. Gave up my car entirely, moved back into the city. I do all of my errands on foot. My apt. is much smaller, energy efficient and I now spend paying for all just slightly more than I paid for just electricity. I take out one little grocery bag a week of garbage. I'm conscious! If this were multiplied by millions, the effect would be corporate. My job in this life is to do what I'm aware of at the time, protest for and against what I believe in (we should certainly reinstate the draft, for instance). But as I sit here consciously making choices, a Cornell grad, like many of you, I view some of this through different lenses. I was a Social Worker before I became disabled w/ a chronic pain condition. Spent my life working with those in need. I live well below the poverty level. I do fine. But my priorities are probably quite different materially than the average poor person culturally. But this high toned affluent, white tower talk, going on and on for weeks is really enough. It's the height of arrogance. Can we please find something to agree on or argue via private email. Way too much drama for this simple steward. With the best intentions, Ara Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry _______________________________________________ For more information about sustainability in the Tompkins County area, please visit: http://www.sustainabletompkins.org/ RSS, archives, subscription & listserv information for: [email protected] http://lists.mutualaid.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainabletompkins Questions about the list? ask [email protected] free hosting by http://www.mutualaid.org _______________________________________________ For more information about sustainability in the Tompkins County area, please visit: http://www.sustainabletompkins.org/ RSS, archives, subscription & listserv information for: [email protected] http://lists.mutualaid.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainabletompkins Questions about the list? ask [email protected] free hosting by http://www.mutualaid.org
