I awoke this morning with the clear realization that I need to support this mission and do all I can in the Nashville area to spread consciousness about what the Common Good Bank represents, the potential for major change at the most fundamental economic level in the lives of those who need it most. As I continue to learn more about the Transition Movement (entirely focused on the combined realities of peak oil and climate change, and on developing community resilience through relationship building, skill networks, asset management systems and resource availability at the local level) and become increasingly aware of the inability of either state legislators or our Federal monetary system to act / operate in support of the common good of the American people, I am convinced that this mission is not only appealing in its vision, but essential if we are to preserve our collective ability to act decisively on our own behalf.
We can no longer afford to remain in denial, or wait in the vain hope that our political and financial systems will somehow change on their own. There is too much vested interest in ensuring that this does not happen. I believe we truly live in a world of abundance, but that such abundance can only be experienced when we redefine our understanding of what that means, to give of ourselves without hesitation, and refuse to believe in separation. The Common Good vision reminds us of this deep, abiding connection we all share with each other and with all of life. Let's move fearlessly forward on making it a reality!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
The Transition Movement
Basically, in short, "transition", as defined by Rob Hopkins (founder of Transition Town Totnes and "The Transition Handbook"; also responsible for the very first prototype of this initiative, created in Kinsale, Ireland, as a student design project) is a direct response to the dual crises of peak oil and climate change. It is a set of general principles and guidelines, for engaging communities to become more self-sustaining, more resilient to the potential shock of decreased availability of oil in an economy that is predominantly oil-based. Rob talks about creating an EDAP, or "energy descent action plan", individualized to fit the needs of a particularly community, which looks at central categories of resources and assets as well as weaknesses or vulnerabilities (e.g., food, water, transport, buildings, economy and exchange, medicine, etc.) within a community, and begins to identify ways in which to decentralize / relocalize availability of needed resources. There is major emphasis throughout all these processes on positive and proactive visioning, on building relationships, and restoring and strengthening bonds of trust and interdependance among members of the community, with specific techniques offered from the worlds of psychology and addictions counseling to begin to accomplish that. Many parameters for transition are left open, with the understanding that each set of complete circumstances in a given area / region / city / town is going to be different and require unique adaptations.
1st meeting on transition in nashville being held next Monday, Dec. 14th, 7-9:30pm. For more info., contact us.
1st meeting on transition in nashville being held next Monday, Dec. 14th, 7-9:30pm. For more info., contact us.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
11/28/09 My prayer tonight…
In all things, let me give thanks!!! In every moment, let me remember how fortunate I am to have enough food, clean water, a warm bed, a home, good health, family, friends, a loving partner, a job, and so much more. Let me remember that, while I give thanks for all these things with a heart filled with gratitude, there are others who do not have them. There are children who are hungry, or sick from contaminated water, or orphaned and alone in the world, or suffering from abuse or disease. There are people everywhere who are lost, tired, homeless, hopeless and in need of a helping hand. There is so much work to be done to heal this planet and it’s people. Let me be the change, be your humble servant, be a vessel for the light of love, hope and healing. Let me follow the amazing and inspiring lead of those who have gone before me, working to make this world a better place. It is in service of a higher truth that we are all lifted up. Thank you, great Creator, for this amazing gift of life!!
In all things, let me give thanks!!! In every moment, let me remember how fortunate I am to have enough food, clean water, a warm bed, a home, good health, family, friends, a loving partner, a job, and so much more. Let me remember that, while I give thanks for all these things with a heart filled with gratitude, there are others who do not have them. There are children who are hungry, or sick from contaminated water, or orphaned and alone in the world, or suffering from abuse or disease. There are people everywhere who are lost, tired, homeless, hopeless and in need of a helping hand. There is so much work to be done to heal this planet and it’s people. Let me be the change, be your humble servant, be a vessel for the light of love, hope and healing. Let me follow the amazing and inspiring lead of those who have gone before me, working to make this world a better place. It is in service of a higher truth that we are all lifted up. Thank you, great Creator, for this amazing gift of life!!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
A role model for the aspiring hero
Last night I went to hear Keith McHenry, co-founder of “Food Not Bombs”, speak at Vanderbilt about his many exploits over the 26 years that he’s been involved with one of the most prolific, widespread and influential peace movements ever established. He spoke with great humor and enthusiasm of quitting his job, along with several other like-minded individuals, to collect food from local establishments for cooking and serving to the poor and homeless. This small band of young idealists had this “radical” concept that by helping others and providing for their most basic need, by acting directly out of selflessness and compassion rather than selfishness or fear, they could create a genuine, community-centered alternative to the predominant mindset of individualism (‘I’ve got mine, Baby”), hoarding, controlling, intimidation and domination that seems to have forever been the hallmark of prevailing power structures (and consequently, much of society). They did this so well, in fact, despite constant arrests and harassment, that they succeeded in inspiring an ever-widening worldwide network of volunteer groups who’ve followed their model and made it their singular mission to help the needy and promote a culture of non-violence and giving. In the form of Keith McHenry is a brave and unpretentious man who has truly lived his deepest convictions, without regret or apology.
Why such an amazingly simple, pure idea is thought of as “radical” at all has always been somewhat of a mystery to me. What other way is there to true peace and healing in the world? Is that not what Jesus and every other great spiritual teacher has taught throughout the millennia? Is not our greatest happiness found in communion with others, and in the recognition that we really are, and have always been, our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers? Yet we allow this misguided notion to persist, based on fear and endlessly perpetuated by political leaders and mainstream media, that there is some reasonable alternative. We blindly accept the message that through suppression and control of others (invariably identified as the “problem” or the “enemy”), through the creation and acquisition of “goods” (and increasingly, entire resources), and through “protecting our own” – which automatically necessitates keeping someone else out – we can achieve… what? Security? Peace? “Freedom”? What kind of freedom is it that belongs to some more than others, and still others not at all?
If you look for good, you’ll find it everywhere. Conversely, if you look for reasons not to believe or have hope, you’ll find plenty of those, too. Cynicism and apathy are easy. Living in our highest truth, without excuses, maybe not so simple – although perhaps the only sure way to real happiness. When we’re able to catch a glimpse of what it means to be fully engaged in living that higher truth, such as the one offered by Keith McHenry, we should take heed.
Why such an amazingly simple, pure idea is thought of as “radical” at all has always been somewhat of a mystery to me. What other way is there to true peace and healing in the world? Is that not what Jesus and every other great spiritual teacher has taught throughout the millennia? Is not our greatest happiness found in communion with others, and in the recognition that we really are, and have always been, our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers? Yet we allow this misguided notion to persist, based on fear and endlessly perpetuated by political leaders and mainstream media, that there is some reasonable alternative. We blindly accept the message that through suppression and control of others (invariably identified as the “problem” or the “enemy”), through the creation and acquisition of “goods” (and increasingly, entire resources), and through “protecting our own” – which automatically necessitates keeping someone else out – we can achieve… what? Security? Peace? “Freedom”? What kind of freedom is it that belongs to some more than others, and still others not at all?
If you look for good, you’ll find it everywhere. Conversely, if you look for reasons not to believe or have hope, you’ll find plenty of those, too. Cynicism and apathy are easy. Living in our highest truth, without excuses, maybe not so simple – although perhaps the only sure way to real happiness. When we’re able to catch a glimpse of what it means to be fully engaged in living that higher truth, such as the one offered by Keith McHenry, we should take heed.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
No rest for the weary…
As you may know, a significant victory was achieved last Thursday when the Metro Planning Commission finally voted NOT to approve a zoning change for the Bell’s Bend area at a hearing that began at 4pm and went until 11pm (!!).
As with previous hearings, this one was very well attended by supporters on both sides of the debate: proponents of the massive “May Town” development proposal, and those of us who support instead the “Third Vision”, and wish to preserve the Bell’s Bend area as the rural, agricultural and sporting treasure that it is (although I’m quite happy to say we outnumbered May Town supporters by a margin of at least 3 to 1).
One after another, City Council members and individuals from Bell’s Bend / Scottsboro and all around Nashville stood before the Commission and offered impassioned and thoughtful arguments for why they wanted to preserve this area, concerns about the needs for multiple bridges and extensive infrastructure, major traffic congestion issues, serious economic concerns, the disregarding of community planning efforts, the John C. Tune airport and potential flight interferences / safety issues, the absence of solidly based evidence or examples to support the projected success of this proposal by the May family and developer Tony Giarratana, and so on.
We can breathe a sigh of satisfaction for the moment. Because the Planning Commission voted against Maytown, a full 2/3 of City Council would need to approve it in order for it to go forward, so things look optimistic. But it ain’t over ‘til it’s over! The hearing before the City Council will be held on July 7th at 6pm. Meetings are open to the public and are held in the Metro Courthouse, One Public Square.
As with previous hearings, this one was very well attended by supporters on both sides of the debate: proponents of the massive “May Town” development proposal, and those of us who support instead the “Third Vision”, and wish to preserve the Bell’s Bend area as the rural, agricultural and sporting treasure that it is (although I’m quite happy to say we outnumbered May Town supporters by a margin of at least 3 to 1).
One after another, City Council members and individuals from Bell’s Bend / Scottsboro and all around Nashville stood before the Commission and offered impassioned and thoughtful arguments for why they wanted to preserve this area, concerns about the needs for multiple bridges and extensive infrastructure, major traffic congestion issues, serious economic concerns, the disregarding of community planning efforts, the John C. Tune airport and potential flight interferences / safety issues, the absence of solidly based evidence or examples to support the projected success of this proposal by the May family and developer Tony Giarratana, and so on.
We can breathe a sigh of satisfaction for the moment. Because the Planning Commission voted against Maytown, a full 2/3 of City Council would need to approve it in order for it to go forward, so things look optimistic. But it ain’t over ‘til it’s over! The hearing before the City Council will be held on July 7th at 6pm. Meetings are open to the public and are held in the Metro Courthouse, One Public Square.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Street Fest and Bell's Bend
6/21/09
I don’t write in this blog as often as I should. There’s so much happening on the local scene, both environmentally and in general. But it’s as if I’ve burdened myself with the expectation of needing to write a full and formal report or essay on every issue I wish to address in here. Given a limited amount of time to do this, that’s just not realistic. There are plenty of paid journalist and reporters out there to do that. So instead, I’m gonna make it easy and enjoyable for myself and just give ya’ my brief, relatively informal take on things and not worry about dotting every “i”, crossing every “t” and researching every detail… It’s my own darn blog, after all!
Today, there was a street festival in the heart of Sylvan Park, coordinated by Jen Casale at “The Green Wagon”, and her significant other, Jonathan. It was a great event, with lots of vendors, both profit and non-“”, fabulous artist and bands throughout the afternoon (including, among others, the awesome Darrell Scott, and a singer named Maureen Murphy who blew the roof off with killer soul vocals and a rockin’ band), and a pretty good turnout of local folk. I was the “emcee” for the day, introducing the bands, thanking the sponsors, plugging our show, praising the vendors, etc.. Given the fact that it was Father’s Day, with a 100 degree heat index and a number of other major events happening concurrently around town (as is often the case here), I’d say it was a major success!
Part of the purpose for this eco-event, in addition to enabling local “green” businesses to ply their wares and social and environmental organizations to share their mission with attendees, was to help Jen and Jonathan raise money to begin a non-profit called “RENEU”, which stands for Regional Educational Network for Environmental Understanding. I love her passionate commitment to raising awareness about issues that so deeply affect us all. I wish her God-speed in creating her own good in the world, as I do mine, and as so many people do, here and everywhere, blessing all of us with their vision and inspiration for creating a better world. And I hope the “Green Wagon Street Fest” becomes a regular (annual? Twice a year?) event on the calendar for Sylvan Park.
The Bell’s Bend vs. May Town Center saga continues with another Metro Planning Commission hearing this Thursday, June 25th, 4pm at Genesco Park, 1417 Murfreesboro Pike. I pray that we can balance the arguments in favor of STOPPING this extremely infrastructure-intensive proposal in its tracks and preserving the rural nature of this beautiful area for generations to come, per the wishes of the community there, and an increasing number of Nashvillians who are justifiably concerned about major traffic increases, competition with local businesses that are already feeling the pressure of a slow economy, the potential tax drag of the build-out of more than one bridge, in addition to water, sewer, electric, streets, signals, schools, fire dept., medical and other social services and on and on – not to mention the loss of even more local agricultural land and the environmental impact of all of this.
To be continued, sooner than before…
I don’t write in this blog as often as I should. There’s so much happening on the local scene, both environmentally and in general. But it’s as if I’ve burdened myself with the expectation of needing to write a full and formal report or essay on every issue I wish to address in here. Given a limited amount of time to do this, that’s just not realistic. There are plenty of paid journalist and reporters out there to do that. So instead, I’m gonna make it easy and enjoyable for myself and just give ya’ my brief, relatively informal take on things and not worry about dotting every “i”, crossing every “t” and researching every detail… It’s my own darn blog, after all!
Today, there was a street festival in the heart of Sylvan Park, coordinated by Jen Casale at “The Green Wagon”, and her significant other, Jonathan. It was a great event, with lots of vendors, both profit and non-“”, fabulous artist and bands throughout the afternoon (including, among others, the awesome Darrell Scott, and a singer named Maureen Murphy who blew the roof off with killer soul vocals and a rockin’ band), and a pretty good turnout of local folk. I was the “emcee” for the day, introducing the bands, thanking the sponsors, plugging our show, praising the vendors, etc.. Given the fact that it was Father’s Day, with a 100 degree heat index and a number of other major events happening concurrently around town (as is often the case here), I’d say it was a major success!
Part of the purpose for this eco-event, in addition to enabling local “green” businesses to ply their wares and social and environmental organizations to share their mission with attendees, was to help Jen and Jonathan raise money to begin a non-profit called “RENEU”, which stands for Regional Educational Network for Environmental Understanding. I love her passionate commitment to raising awareness about issues that so deeply affect us all. I wish her God-speed in creating her own good in the world, as I do mine, and as so many people do, here and everywhere, blessing all of us with their vision and inspiration for creating a better world. And I hope the “Green Wagon Street Fest” becomes a regular (annual? Twice a year?) event on the calendar for Sylvan Park.
The Bell’s Bend vs. May Town Center saga continues with another Metro Planning Commission hearing this Thursday, June 25th, 4pm at Genesco Park, 1417 Murfreesboro Pike. I pray that we can balance the arguments in favor of STOPPING this extremely infrastructure-intensive proposal in its tracks and preserving the rural nature of this beautiful area for generations to come, per the wishes of the community there, and an increasing number of Nashvillians who are justifiably concerned about major traffic increases, competition with local businesses that are already feeling the pressure of a slow economy, the potential tax drag of the build-out of more than one bridge, in addition to water, sewer, electric, streets, signals, schools, fire dept., medical and other social services and on and on – not to mention the loss of even more local agricultural land and the environmental impact of all of this.
To be continued, sooner than before…
Friday, April 24, 2009
Learning the talk and walking the walk
4/24/09
Astounding… did you know that over 40% of the world’s almonds come from California, and that 50% of the nation’s bees are required to pollenate them? Did you know that migratory beekeepers are responsible for sustaining much of our agricultural system by transporting thousands of bee colonies all around the country to pollenate various crops throughout the growing seasons, but that it’s becoming harder and harder to maintain their profession as more and more bee colonies die off each year from mites, pesticides, transport and a variety of issues that most of us have never have to think about?
Did you know that buying “regular” coffee from one of the major manufacturers often means cheating hard working farmers and their families out of a livable wage, as corporations seek to buy in bulk from these farmers at the lowest possible price (sometimes as low as $.07 per pound!!)? BUT, by buying “fair trade certified” coffee, for a few cents more, ensures that farmers in Costa Rica, Peru, or some other country in which their beans are grown and harvested will receive a fair wage for their labor. Did you also know that, because everything is a cycle that affects everything and everyone else (yes, the old Bell telephone commercials were right; we really are all connected!), this kind of exploitation is a large part of the reason for the issue of so many immigrants coming over the border? If you knew that you couldn’t make a living or hope to support your family where you were because you were not being paid fairly for your work, wouldn’t you abandon it and seek a better life, too? Think about it.
Did you know that by buying a share or half-share of seasonal produce from a local farmer, you are greatly increasing your food’s freshness factor while reducing transport miles WHILE helping to sustain local agriculture! Such a deal! If that farmer grows his or her produce organically, you are also greatly increasing the nutritional value of your food due to healthier growing soil and elimination of toxic pesticides and petroleum-based fertilizers.
Did you know that if we all carried travel mugs with us whenever we purchased coffee and stopped using paper cups with plastic lids, we could save literally millions of trees from being cut down and keep tons of plastic out of yet another landfill? What about a sports water bottle? There’s another couple hundred thousand tons of non-biodegradeable plastic spared from the landfill. How about those reuseable cloth grocery bags? Mine are insulated and carry a ton of stuff (unless I forget to put them in my car, which I still do on occasion). Maybe we can stop adding acreage to those massive garbage swirls in our oceans that, like the dead zones, are growing by leaps and bounds each year and killing vast quantities of fish and other sea life.
There’s no end to the simple, non-sacrificing things each of us can do which, when taken together, add up to make a huge difference. Our choices are NOT irrelevant! Every action we take, every vote we make with our purchasing dollars reverberates somewhere in this connected universe, for better or worse. The more I learn, the more astounded I become at the truth of this – and the more committed I become to try harder, to not fall asleep at the wheel or wait for someone else to come and fix the mess we’ve made, and to do what I can, ALL I can, to ensure that mess is not passed on to the next generation.
I believe if we really wanted to, if we really LIVED the values we say we believe in and stop getting sucked into our small, fear-driven, greedy little egos, we really COULD heal the world, end hunger and poverty, and learn to live in peace with our neighbors. You might say I’m a dreamer… but I’m not the only one.
Astounding… did you know that over 40% of the world’s almonds come from California, and that 50% of the nation’s bees are required to pollenate them? Did you know that migratory beekeepers are responsible for sustaining much of our agricultural system by transporting thousands of bee colonies all around the country to pollenate various crops throughout the growing seasons, but that it’s becoming harder and harder to maintain their profession as more and more bee colonies die off each year from mites, pesticides, transport and a variety of issues that most of us have never have to think about?
Did you know that buying “regular” coffee from one of the major manufacturers often means cheating hard working farmers and their families out of a livable wage, as corporations seek to buy in bulk from these farmers at the lowest possible price (sometimes as low as $.07 per pound!!)? BUT, by buying “fair trade certified” coffee, for a few cents more, ensures that farmers in Costa Rica, Peru, or some other country in which their beans are grown and harvested will receive a fair wage for their labor. Did you also know that, because everything is a cycle that affects everything and everyone else (yes, the old Bell telephone commercials were right; we really are all connected!), this kind of exploitation is a large part of the reason for the issue of so many immigrants coming over the border? If you knew that you couldn’t make a living or hope to support your family where you were because you were not being paid fairly for your work, wouldn’t you abandon it and seek a better life, too? Think about it.
Did you know that by buying a share or half-share of seasonal produce from a local farmer, you are greatly increasing your food’s freshness factor while reducing transport miles WHILE helping to sustain local agriculture! Such a deal! If that farmer grows his or her produce organically, you are also greatly increasing the nutritional value of your food due to healthier growing soil and elimination of toxic pesticides and petroleum-based fertilizers.
Did you know that if we all carried travel mugs with us whenever we purchased coffee and stopped using paper cups with plastic lids, we could save literally millions of trees from being cut down and keep tons of plastic out of yet another landfill? What about a sports water bottle? There’s another couple hundred thousand tons of non-biodegradeable plastic spared from the landfill. How about those reuseable cloth grocery bags? Mine are insulated and carry a ton of stuff (unless I forget to put them in my car, which I still do on occasion). Maybe we can stop adding acreage to those massive garbage swirls in our oceans that, like the dead zones, are growing by leaps and bounds each year and killing vast quantities of fish and other sea life.
There’s no end to the simple, non-sacrificing things each of us can do which, when taken together, add up to make a huge difference. Our choices are NOT irrelevant! Every action we take, every vote we make with our purchasing dollars reverberates somewhere in this connected universe, for better or worse. The more I learn, the more astounded I become at the truth of this – and the more committed I become to try harder, to not fall asleep at the wheel or wait for someone else to come and fix the mess we’ve made, and to do what I can, ALL I can, to ensure that mess is not passed on to the next generation.
I believe if we really wanted to, if we really LIVED the values we say we believe in and stop getting sucked into our small, fear-driven, greedy little egos, we really COULD heal the world, end hunger and poverty, and learn to live in peace with our neighbors. You might say I’m a dreamer… but I’m not the only one.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Fun for All at Centennial Park Celebration
4/20/09
Nashville’s Eighth Annual Earth Day Celebration at Centennial Park this past Saturday, 4/18, did not disappoint. Despite the imminent threat of rain for parts of the afternoon, and even a few drops here and there, the nice weather held out, and so did the crowds.
Exhibitors turned out to represent every area of environment and sustainability. Metro Water gave out information on water use, Tennessee Environmental council gave out free baby trees, local organic farmer’s gave out samples of their food, a Cool People care Guy dressed as a clown on stilts mesmerized the younger visitors while beaming parents looked on, Elephant Sanctuary and Lightning 100’s “Team Green” and recyclers and a wide range of other non-profits and “green” businesses peddled their informational wares, in the hopes of creating a more enlightened, earth-friendly and eco-conscious Nashville, per Mayor Karl Dean’s oft repeated pledge to make us “the greenest city in the south”.
I affirm for you the courage of that conviction, Mayor Dean – esp. in this challenging economic time, which just might present a unique opportunity for truly creative thinking in bringing about needed changes: job creation, reduced waste and increased efficiency, better public transport (love those big hybrid buses), etc.. You’ve already got a broad constituency that largely supports these ideas and many more. Now you just need the time, will, imagination, resources and STAFF to bring them to fruition.
And can I just say, for the record, that the music was excellent (what I saw of it), and that Susan Tedeschi ROCKS! And for Rhythmystic fans (including myself), the hypnotic drumbeat dancing interludes between acts were as much fun as the acts themselves – or even more!
The only lame duck in the shooting gallery was the food: long lines and limited selections that in no way reflected the theme – a definite area for future improvement!
Nashville’s Eighth Annual Earth Day Celebration at Centennial Park this past Saturday, 4/18, did not disappoint. Despite the imminent threat of rain for parts of the afternoon, and even a few drops here and there, the nice weather held out, and so did the crowds.
Exhibitors turned out to represent every area of environment and sustainability. Metro Water gave out information on water use, Tennessee Environmental council gave out free baby trees, local organic farmer’s gave out samples of their food, a Cool People care Guy dressed as a clown on stilts mesmerized the younger visitors while beaming parents looked on, Elephant Sanctuary and Lightning 100’s “Team Green” and recyclers and a wide range of other non-profits and “green” businesses peddled their informational wares, in the hopes of creating a more enlightened, earth-friendly and eco-conscious Nashville, per Mayor Karl Dean’s oft repeated pledge to make us “the greenest city in the south”.
I affirm for you the courage of that conviction, Mayor Dean – esp. in this challenging economic time, which just might present a unique opportunity for truly creative thinking in bringing about needed changes: job creation, reduced waste and increased efficiency, better public transport (love those big hybrid buses), etc.. You’ve already got a broad constituency that largely supports these ideas and many more. Now you just need the time, will, imagination, resources and STAFF to bring them to fruition.
And can I just say, for the record, that the music was excellent (what I saw of it), and that Susan Tedeschi ROCKS! And for Rhythmystic fans (including myself), the hypnotic drumbeat dancing interludes between acts were as much fun as the acts themselves – or even more!
The only lame duck in the shooting gallery was the food: long lines and limited selections that in no way reflected the theme – a definite area for future improvement!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
"This time we need everybody" - or do we?
4/16/09
“This time we need everybody”... this is a phrase I’ve heard used by my good friend Jim Deming; pastor, philosopher, environmental educator and activist, when he’s twice been a guest on the show. He says this in reference to the latest wave of “green” hitting the shores of our consciousness (too often in the form of frightening statistics and apocalyptic prophesies which, even if true, can paralyze rather galvanize behavioral change).
In a recent filming (airing all this week), my friend Nell Levin also used this phrase, although in a slightly different context. She (Coordinator of Tennessee Alliance for Progress) and Dr. Sekou Franklin (political science professor at MTSU) came on the show to talk about establishing a “Green Jobs Corp.” here in Nashville / Davidson County, which would fuse two very fundamental social and structural challenges, that of poverty elimination and the creation of an economy based on sustainable choices and clean energy, in a meaningful and effective way. While this is one of the most exciting initiatives (largely inspired by the work of Van Jones) to come down the pipeline recently, and while I agree that we need to build sustainability in this country in a way that cuts decisively across racial, economic and other barriers, I do not believe that “we need EVERYBODY” - in the literal sense - or that such an idea is even attainable. I just think we need enough people who see the truth and are willing to go to the mat for it. Change is an ongoing process, with few absolutes except that it will continue to occur, whether “everybody” likes it or not.
There was a time, not so long ago in the great scheme of things, when our country engaged in a civil war over the abolition of slavery, because enough people (including our president of the time, Abraham Lincoln) saw that the enslavement of another human being, of ANY race or culture, was absolutely and unequivocally wrong – a fact made clear by our own Declaration of Independence nearly 100 years earlier, which stated that “All men are created equal…”. Not everyone agreed – but the truth prevailed, nonetheless, because enough were willing to fight for it. Now we have one of the finest men I’ve seen in my lifetime occupying the White House as our President, who also happens to be a black man. While clear evidence of racism still exists in our society, and is still problematic for many, it is no longer the prevailing norm or standard by which society operates. There is obviously still much work to be done, but look how far we’ve come! Indeed, change continues…
About 60 years later, women in the United States won the right to vote when, after years of brave and heroic struggle by numerous leaders like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Stanton, who formed the National Woman Suffrage Movement, the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified, guaranteeing that the right to vote could not be denied based on gender. Many (of both genders) did not agree, but once again enough people saw the truth and were willing to fight for it. Now it is the accepted norm here, which no right-thinking U.S. citizen would question. Other cultures’ ideologies run the full spectrum on this issue, and here again we still are very far from attaining the agreement of “everybody” concerning what is right. But, viewing change as a continuum, I believe we have come an enormously long way.
So it is with the “green” movement. To expect or insist upon full consensus is to be guaranteed disappointment, as evidenced by the complete lack of interest of about 90% of the students who passed by my table yesterday at an Earth Day mini-fest at Nashville State Community College, shattering to pieces my illusion that “most young people really understand and care deeply about this stuff”. They liked the magician, the belly dancer, and the free food the best. Me and my little show were fairly irrelevant to the majority. Oh well. A few took interest. My hope remains undiminished. I know there will be more next time. And I know that laws that support clean energy and sustainability by facilitating the kind of economic and infrastructural changes we desperately need will come into being, as enough of us become willing to fight for them. In this sense, “everybody” is merely a euphemistic, dreamy notion not required to fulfill the vision.
“This time we need everybody”... this is a phrase I’ve heard used by my good friend Jim Deming; pastor, philosopher, environmental educator and activist, when he’s twice been a guest on the show. He says this in reference to the latest wave of “green” hitting the shores of our consciousness (too often in the form of frightening statistics and apocalyptic prophesies which, even if true, can paralyze rather galvanize behavioral change).
In a recent filming (airing all this week), my friend Nell Levin also used this phrase, although in a slightly different context. She (Coordinator of Tennessee Alliance for Progress) and Dr. Sekou Franklin (political science professor at MTSU) came on the show to talk about establishing a “Green Jobs Corp.” here in Nashville / Davidson County, which would fuse two very fundamental social and structural challenges, that of poverty elimination and the creation of an economy based on sustainable choices and clean energy, in a meaningful and effective way. While this is one of the most exciting initiatives (largely inspired by the work of Van Jones) to come down the pipeline recently, and while I agree that we need to build sustainability in this country in a way that cuts decisively across racial, economic and other barriers, I do not believe that “we need EVERYBODY” - in the literal sense - or that such an idea is even attainable. I just think we need enough people who see the truth and are willing to go to the mat for it. Change is an ongoing process, with few absolutes except that it will continue to occur, whether “everybody” likes it or not.
There was a time, not so long ago in the great scheme of things, when our country engaged in a civil war over the abolition of slavery, because enough people (including our president of the time, Abraham Lincoln) saw that the enslavement of another human being, of ANY race or culture, was absolutely and unequivocally wrong – a fact made clear by our own Declaration of Independence nearly 100 years earlier, which stated that “All men are created equal…”. Not everyone agreed – but the truth prevailed, nonetheless, because enough were willing to fight for it. Now we have one of the finest men I’ve seen in my lifetime occupying the White House as our President, who also happens to be a black man. While clear evidence of racism still exists in our society, and is still problematic for many, it is no longer the prevailing norm or standard by which society operates. There is obviously still much work to be done, but look how far we’ve come! Indeed, change continues…
About 60 years later, women in the United States won the right to vote when, after years of brave and heroic struggle by numerous leaders like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Stanton, who formed the National Woman Suffrage Movement, the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified, guaranteeing that the right to vote could not be denied based on gender. Many (of both genders) did not agree, but once again enough people saw the truth and were willing to fight for it. Now it is the accepted norm here, which no right-thinking U.S. citizen would question. Other cultures’ ideologies run the full spectrum on this issue, and here again we still are very far from attaining the agreement of “everybody” concerning what is right. But, viewing change as a continuum, I believe we have come an enormously long way.
So it is with the “green” movement. To expect or insist upon full consensus is to be guaranteed disappointment, as evidenced by the complete lack of interest of about 90% of the students who passed by my table yesterday at an Earth Day mini-fest at Nashville State Community College, shattering to pieces my illusion that “most young people really understand and care deeply about this stuff”. They liked the magician, the belly dancer, and the free food the best. Me and my little show were fairly irrelevant to the majority. Oh well. A few took interest. My hope remains undiminished. I know there will be more next time. And I know that laws that support clean energy and sustainability by facilitating the kind of economic and infrastructural changes we desperately need will come into being, as enough of us become willing to fight for them. In this sense, “everybody” is merely a euphemistic, dreamy notion not required to fulfill the vision.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
You Say You Want a Revolution...
4/14/09
Ah, yes, the smell of “green” revolution is in the air like Spring; so pungent and bittersweet as to be palpable. Evidence of its proliferation is all around me; in conversation, in newspapers and books and magazines, it’s heroes and proponents scattered across the web, and across the globe, like stars in a deep country night sky – too numerous and brilliant to even comprehend. Al Gore, Paul Hawken, Michael Pollan, Van Jones, Majora Carter, CEO’s like Ray Anderson of Interface and Gary Hirschberg of Stonyfield Farms – just to name a few proud trailblazers of the domestic brand, each representing a different aspect (or multiple aspects) of the way before us: clean energy, resource conservation, protection and valuation, healthy food systems, green jobs, innovative manufacturing and product design,rebuilding of our urban landscapes to reflect hope and balance rather than ugliness and despair, and so much more...
And behind each of these many luminous individuals march thousands, perhaps millions, of warriors and footsoldiers for sustainability whose names never arrive in the cultural mainstream, toiling tirelessly in the trenches of social apathy, conditioning, ignorance, skepticism and even blatant resistance to sow new seeds of consciousness, to create new laws and policies or protect those under siege by Titans of the old paradigm and corporate emissaries seeking to preserve their kingdoms of wealth and comfort, built at great cost to Mother Earth. Their voices all too often dominate the political dialogue that - as Prez Obama continues to deeply and gracefully remind us - is SUPPOSED to be about “we the people”.
Yet, even with millions of us (esp. here in the capital of the industrialized world) “getting it”, closing loops, changing habits and lifestyles, embracing a “new” (and very, very old) way of being that returns us to a saner sense of our place in the great natural scheme of things and reminds us that we MUST honor and respect this miraculous, mysterious, ever unfolding gift of life on planet Earth - or neglect to do so at our own peril… even with the messages of this shift in cultural consciousness being shouted from every proverbial hill and dale, THE CHALLENGE HAS JUST BEGUN!! Revolution is not an undertaking for the faint of heart, and once begun, quitting is never, ever an option. Let the games begin.
Ah, yes, the smell of “green” revolution is in the air like Spring; so pungent and bittersweet as to be palpable. Evidence of its proliferation is all around me; in conversation, in newspapers and books and magazines, it’s heroes and proponents scattered across the web, and across the globe, like stars in a deep country night sky – too numerous and brilliant to even comprehend. Al Gore, Paul Hawken, Michael Pollan, Van Jones, Majora Carter, CEO’s like Ray Anderson of Interface and Gary Hirschberg of Stonyfield Farms – just to name a few proud trailblazers of the domestic brand, each representing a different aspect (or multiple aspects) of the way before us: clean energy, resource conservation, protection and valuation, healthy food systems, green jobs, innovative manufacturing and product design,rebuilding of our urban landscapes to reflect hope and balance rather than ugliness and despair, and so much more...
And behind each of these many luminous individuals march thousands, perhaps millions, of warriors and footsoldiers for sustainability whose names never arrive in the cultural mainstream, toiling tirelessly in the trenches of social apathy, conditioning, ignorance, skepticism and even blatant resistance to sow new seeds of consciousness, to create new laws and policies or protect those under siege by Titans of the old paradigm and corporate emissaries seeking to preserve their kingdoms of wealth and comfort, built at great cost to Mother Earth. Their voices all too often dominate the political dialogue that - as Prez Obama continues to deeply and gracefully remind us - is SUPPOSED to be about “we the people”.
Yet, even with millions of us (esp. here in the capital of the industrialized world) “getting it”, closing loops, changing habits and lifestyles, embracing a “new” (and very, very old) way of being that returns us to a saner sense of our place in the great natural scheme of things and reminds us that we MUST honor and respect this miraculous, mysterious, ever unfolding gift of life on planet Earth - or neglect to do so at our own peril… even with the messages of this shift in cultural consciousness being shouted from every proverbial hill and dale, THE CHALLENGE HAS JUST BEGUN!! Revolution is not an undertaking for the faint of heart, and once begun, quitting is never, ever an option. Let the games begin.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
On UT's plan to open acreage for drilling; 4/11/09
Astonishing, but true – I’m blogging!! Yes, after months of “never having time” (which, even when the reasons are perfectly legitimate, makes one feel somehow remiss), and due to an excessive imbibing of that most regrettable of mixtures, wine and beer (definitely more fun in the consuming than in the inevitable payback), which has prevented me from going to my friend Monette’s Creek Clean-up (so much for my “dedicated environmentalist” image) - when the mere quest to be vertical for any significant length of time has caused hellish and previously unimagined upheaval from within (storms now beginning to recede gradually, taking with them every last ounce of unclaimed material once destined for cellular assignment by my digestive tract) – I have decided this to be the perfect time to reinstate myself as “one who blogs”. Perverse, perhaps – but there it is. Numerous of my remaining, alcohol addled brain cells may be shouting in shocked protest – but alas! Onward! To wit I aspire…
There was a recent article (4/7/09) in the Tennessean penned by Anne Paine, environmental journalist extraordinaire and recent guest on our show, talking about University of Tennessee’s intention to requisition a portion of their beautiful, pristine wooded acreage for shale drilling by CNX, a natural gas company based in Pittsburgh that is part of the coal company Consol Energy, in the hopes of some meager, fractional compensation for a $100 million cut in state funding, which also comes at a time of declining student enrollment revenue.
To read this account - especially in light of the relatively small monetary gain to be made (approximately $300K annually) in proportion to the hugely significant amount of land to be conscripted for this purpose (8,600 acres), sends shudders of horror down my spine!! I completely understand that the university needs funds right now in order to stay afloat, and that this appears to be a possible, temporary source for these funds. But surely there is another, saner answer to UT’s dilemma than the destruction of one more irreplaceable tract of Tennessee’s rapidly diminishing forestland, one more precious wildlife habitat, one more intact ecosystem for which the value to us all can never really be overestimated! Have we, as a society (represented here by the “Powers That Be” at ol’ UT) become so complacent in our alienation from the planetary ecology that is our life’s blood, so desperate in our need for immediate gratification of a perceived need as to readily seize it by conquest rather than find it through faith in a better solution, and so utterly devoid of creative problem solving ability that this can somehow be seen as a reasonable exchange? If that’s true, then the cynics are right - it really is too late for us.
The State Building Commission is reported to be considering this plan for approval on April 20th. School spokesman Hank Dye stated that the drilling would be done “with sensitivity to the environment” and that “every state regulation would be in play”, but it is truly a fool’s game to think that such an undertaking can be accomplished without irrevocable environmental damage and loss as well as serious potential contamination of natural aquifers and, ultimately, our water supply.
If you have somehow managed to stumble upon this humble blog (I’m into silly rhymes today), and find yourself in agreement at the cruel absurdity of this proposal, I strongly encourage you to a.) read the full article HERE, and b.) join me in diplomatically expressing your protest - whether by phone, email, or letter - to both Hank Dye and the State Building Commission. If not us, then who? If not now, then when?
There was a recent article (4/7/09) in the Tennessean penned by Anne Paine, environmental journalist extraordinaire and recent guest on our show, talking about University of Tennessee’s intention to requisition a portion of their beautiful, pristine wooded acreage for shale drilling by CNX, a natural gas company based in Pittsburgh that is part of the coal company Consol Energy, in the hopes of some meager, fractional compensation for a $100 million cut in state funding, which also comes at a time of declining student enrollment revenue.
To read this account - especially in light of the relatively small monetary gain to be made (approximately $300K annually) in proportion to the hugely significant amount of land to be conscripted for this purpose (8,600 acres), sends shudders of horror down my spine!! I completely understand that the university needs funds right now in order to stay afloat, and that this appears to be a possible, temporary source for these funds. But surely there is another, saner answer to UT’s dilemma than the destruction of one more irreplaceable tract of Tennessee’s rapidly diminishing forestland, one more precious wildlife habitat, one more intact ecosystem for which the value to us all can never really be overestimated! Have we, as a society (represented here by the “Powers That Be” at ol’ UT) become so complacent in our alienation from the planetary ecology that is our life’s blood, so desperate in our need for immediate gratification of a perceived need as to readily seize it by conquest rather than find it through faith in a better solution, and so utterly devoid of creative problem solving ability that this can somehow be seen as a reasonable exchange? If that’s true, then the cynics are right - it really is too late for us.
The State Building Commission is reported to be considering this plan for approval on April 20th. School spokesman Hank Dye stated that the drilling would be done “with sensitivity to the environment” and that “every state regulation would be in play”, but it is truly a fool’s game to think that such an undertaking can be accomplished without irrevocable environmental damage and loss as well as serious potential contamination of natural aquifers and, ultimately, our water supply.
If you have somehow managed to stumble upon this humble blog (I’m into silly rhymes today), and find yourself in agreement at the cruel absurdity of this proposal, I strongly encourage you to a.) read the full article HERE, and b.) join me in diplomatically expressing your protest - whether by phone, email, or letter - to both Hank Dye and the State Building Commission. If not us, then who? If not now, then when?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
COMMUNITY ADVOCACY / Jan. 20th, 2009
Metro Council's Green Infrastructure Legislation Bill- BL 2008-345 passed second reading.
This Bill is an important step towards protecting our water resources and "reducing costs of our water and sewer rate payers."
The Bill (BL2008-345) requires Metro Water Services to incorporate the use of Green Infrastructure into their capital planning- "Green Streets" are "a way to manage stormwater that uses natural techniques like rain gardens, bio-swales, tree boxes and planters instead of or in addition to conventional engineering that uses concrete pipes and culverts." This ordinance "does not mandate any projects or require that Metro spend any money, only that this approach be included when projects are proposed... and is cheaper for the City." You can support and thank our Council for this important Bill via email at councilmembers@nashville.gov.
Metro Council's Green Infrastructure Legislation Bill- BL 2008-345 passed second reading.
This Bill is an important step towards protecting our water resources and "reducing costs of our water and sewer rate payers."
The Bill (BL2008-345) requires Metro Water Services to incorporate the use of Green Infrastructure into their capital planning- "Green Streets" are "a way to manage stormwater that uses natural techniques like rain gardens, bio-swales, tree boxes and planters instead of or in addition to conventional engineering that uses concrete pipes and culverts." This ordinance "does not mandate any projects or require that Metro spend any money, only that this approach be included when projects are proposed... and is cheaper for the City." You can support and thank our Council for this important Bill via email at councilmembers@nashville.gov.
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