Showing posts with label sustainability. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sustainability. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
UPDATE on HB 2165: A Bill to Decriminalize Cannabis
See Finally, A Good Idea regarding the Decriminalization bill.
As predicted, The Texas House of Representatives failed to pass the popular HB 2165, claimed to be the most comprehensive and full repeal of marijuana prohibition proposal in the country (June 6, 2015 NORML).
On we march.
The Green Association for Sustainability
Thursday, October 2, 2014
WRITING A PITCH STATEMENT (FICTION WRITING)
PITCH STATEMENT: My Novel theme in a single sentence.
When writing non-fiction, essay, journalism, it is easy to answer when asked, "What are you writing about?" I could just repeat my Thesis Statement using two easy formulas: Aristotle's 3 part Minor Premise, Major Premise, and Conclusion; or an abbreviated Toulmin method of Warrant, Support, and Claim. And journalism requires that the first 37 words answer who, what, where, and when.
But what about Fiction? How do I cut away the side-stories and get straight to the main plot? Here's an exercise I did that helped me to do just that. This is a process, as my WIP (Work in Progress) is in progression from a Nanowrimo draft to a first draft.
Within the first ten pages of her non-fiction book Goosing the Write Brain, A Storyteller's Toolkit, Chris Rogers, Author and Writing Instructor challenges the reader to state their idea in twenty-five words or less. She advises to create a "one-sentence concept" which defines the character, goal, and conflict. Rogers provides a detailed exercise which is easily followed.
Then I started brain-storming. I started writing by hand, with a cup of morning joe and a spiral notebook. I wrote three pages of various statements (some of which are repeated below). Many were the same story with different words. I set it aside for a while, came back to it. Wrote some more. Set it aside again. Reviewed again. Wrote some more...then rinse. Repeat. You get the idea.
Meanwhile, I pick the best one to date, and USE IT! When someone asks what my book is about, I have a one sentence answer (though just try to stop me there...).
Second, I put it out there. On social media, in conversations, at writing groups, workshops and write-ins (you know the drill, tell us your name and what you're working on). I'm observing how people react to it, making tweaks, and repeating again.
In doing this, I have discovered another very helpful and motivating advantage from this process. With this concise, focused, oft-repeated statement on my mind, I am always aware of the main story line as I write. Even if I am in the middle of an intense sub-plot related scene, the Pitch statement is unconsciously guiding me to remain focused and true to my main story.
I have also found this useful on a smaller scale, too. I started using this formula in my first re-write, one for each Part and Chapter, and even when writing Scenes.
This is a sample of some of the pitch statements I came up with for my WIP, "GUAXU" (working title). My protagonist has a goal, BUT there is a conflict that must be overcome.
An enchanted Meso-American princess with a cursed destiny wants to free her people from their wandering existence, but must first battle the witch who controls the tribes sustainability.
The princess of a pre-historic clan tries to overcome a cursed destiny and free her people from a dependent existence, but she must first outwit a powerful and controlling witch.
A predestined Meso-American Princess of hunter-gatherers, sees agrarianism as the sustainable future of her clan; but, she must first outwit the powerful, controlling witch, who refuses to release the secret magic of the seed.
In Meso-America, a princess envisions an agrarian existence for her people; but, she must first outwit and battle a powerful witch for the secrets of the seeds.
A tribal princess in Meso-America envisions agrarian sustainability for her hunter-gatherer clan, but must first overcome the dictatorship of a powerful witch.
In early Meso-America an enchanted girl wants to free her people from their hunter-gatherer existence, but must fight a powerful witch.
An orphaned girl raised by a Meso-American tribe dreams of an agrarian society, but must overcome her destiny and outwit a powerful witch.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Giving Thanks to Nanowrimo, Happy Writing! Tell me YOUR experiences, processes and ideas with Pitch Statements! And while you're here, join the Green Association for Sustainability to help promote and support Social Sustainability through the Arts.
AG
When writing non-fiction, essay, journalism, it is easy to answer when asked, "What are you writing about?" I could just repeat my Thesis Statement using two easy formulas: Aristotle's 3 part Minor Premise, Major Premise, and Conclusion; or an abbreviated Toulmin method of Warrant, Support, and Claim. And journalism requires that the first 37 words answer who, what, where, and when.
But what about Fiction? How do I cut away the side-stories and get straight to the main plot? Here's an exercise I did that helped me to do just that. This is a process, as my WIP (Work in Progress) is in progression from a Nanowrimo draft to a first draft.
Within the first ten pages of her non-fiction book Goosing the Write Brain, A Storyteller's Toolkit, Chris Rogers, Author and Writing Instructor challenges the reader to state their idea in twenty-five words or less. She advises to create a "one-sentence concept" which defines the character, goal, and conflict. Rogers provides a detailed exercise which is easily followed.
Then I started brain-storming. I started writing by hand, with a cup of morning joe and a spiral notebook. I wrote three pages of various statements (some of which are repeated below). Many were the same story with different words. I set it aside for a while, came back to it. Wrote some more. Set it aside again. Reviewed again. Wrote some more...then rinse. Repeat. You get the idea.
Meanwhile, I pick the best one to date, and USE IT! When someone asks what my book is about, I have a one sentence answer (though just try to stop me there...).
Second, I put it out there. On social media, in conversations, at writing groups, workshops and write-ins (you know the drill, tell us your name and what you're working on). I'm observing how people react to it, making tweaks, and repeating again.
In doing this, I have discovered another very helpful and motivating advantage from this process. With this concise, focused, oft-repeated statement on my mind, I am always aware of the main story line as I write. Even if I am in the middle of an intense sub-plot related scene, the Pitch statement is unconsciously guiding me to remain focused and true to my main story.
I have also found this useful on a smaller scale, too. I started using this formula in my first re-write, one for each Part and Chapter, and even when writing Scenes.
This is a sample of some of the pitch statements I came up with for my WIP, "GUAXU" (working title). My protagonist has a goal, BUT there is a conflict that must be overcome.
An enchanted Meso-American princess with a cursed destiny wants to free her people from their wandering existence, but must first battle the witch who controls the tribes sustainability.
The princess of a pre-historic clan tries to overcome a cursed destiny and free her people from a dependent existence, but she must first outwit a powerful and controlling witch.
In Meso-America, a princess envisions an agrarian existence for her people; but, she must first outwit and battle a powerful witch for the secrets of the seeds.
A tribal princess in Meso-America envisions agrarian sustainability for her hunter-gatherer clan, but must first overcome the dictatorship of a powerful witch.
In early Meso-America an enchanted girl wants to free her people from their hunter-gatherer existence, but must fight a powerful witch.
An orphaned girl raised by a Meso-American tribe dreams of an agrarian society, but must overcome her destiny and outwit a powerful witch.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Giving Thanks to Nanowrimo, Happy Writing! Tell me YOUR experiences, processes and ideas with Pitch Statements! And while you're here, join the Green Association for Sustainability to help promote and support Social Sustainability through the Arts.
AG
Saturday, December 21, 2013
SHOULD CANNABIS SEEDS BE ILLEGAL?
QUESTION: Should Cannabis/Hemp Seeds be illegal/highly regulated/prohibited, regardless of the legal or medical status of cannabis?
Cannabis seeds contain zero levels of cannabinoids. However, the bractlets which surround the seeds contain the plants' Highest concentration of cannabinoids (see picture). Even washing with an organic solvent can leave trace amounts of cannabinoids on the seeds.
Interestingly, even after germination and the presence of the two "seed" leaves (cotyledons), the sprouting plant has no measurable cannabinoids.
It is not until the first pair of true leaves appear that a measurable amount of cannabis can be determined.
SOURCE: Starks, Michael (1990) Marijuana Chemistry. Ronin Pub: Oakland.
Archive photo from Bing Search.
Cannabis seeds contain zero levels of cannabinoids. However, the bractlets which surround the seeds contain the plants' Highest concentration of cannabinoids (see picture). Even washing with an organic solvent can leave trace amounts of cannabinoids on the seeds.
Interestingly, even after germination and the presence of the two "seed" leaves (cotyledons), the sprouting plant has no measurable cannabinoids.
It is not until the first pair of true leaves appear that a measurable amount of cannabis can be determined.
SOURCE: Starks, Michael (1990) Marijuana Chemistry. Ronin Pub: Oakland.
Archive photo from Bing Search.
Monday, January 23, 2012
GLOBAL POWER
The dynamics of Power have been frequently and fully illustrated in the mass-media technology of recent years. Global abuses of power and wealth both shock and mesmerize; national abuses in politics, the banking industry, health care, and big business have led us down an unsustainable course of economic hardships, while our public and private freedoms are shamelessly trampled by local government agencies, with no recourse. The concepts of sustainable finance, sustainable business, sustainable government, and sustainable citizenry are lessons still being learned.
Every now and then we are reminded of TRUE power: The Power of the Earth. And though we give homage to the power and the beauty that such power represents, it renews us and touches a part of us that realizes man's arrogance against a never-ending, continually renewing, and infinitely sustainable Earth, under our stewardship. How humble we become, and how respectful are those who attempt to reach into and touch that power...
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The Green Association for Sustainability
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Friday, December 11, 2009
ENVIRONMENTAL DISCOURSE: Bioregionalism
Bioregionalism and Ecosystem Management:
Healing Man’s Relationships with Nature
Bioregionalism is a viable ecosystem management praxis because it combines the romantic aspect of conscious human awareness of nature as a nurturing, cooperative, and healing force, with the rationalistic tools of practical application. It is an ecological discourse that seeks to define and inform. The definition of ecosystems by their biological nature and the importance of informing the human species about their environment are both underlying premises of Bioregional success: Before the correction of any environmental problem can take place, the ecological system– the bioregion–must be fully understood Since Bioregionalists believe that ecosystem destruction is directly related to the activities and philosophies of man, equally important to the Bioregional philosophy is an examination of human impact on ecosystems. Armed with information and understanding, the praxis of Bioregionalism is completed with the implementation of a holistic vision of place-based living and global environmental consciousness. Only then can we begin to restore man’s relationship with nature .
Defining Bioregionalism
Bioregionalism is a combination of green romantic and rationalist theories. Romantic Bioregionalism promotes the fundamental reconciliation of a historically adversarial relationship between humans and nature, into a cooperative and consciousness enlightening experience. Rationalistically, Bioregionalism is an environmental management system in which attention is placed on the particular biology of an area. Using the ecological distinction of the geographic zones, bioregions are created based on environmental criteria such as watershed, biotic shift, land form, and even vertical elevation. Proposed bioregions have also included such intangibles as “spirit places” (such as Mt. Shasta or the Red Rocks of Sedona) and the “human” sense of place (you are where you think you are). Humans and their cultures are also seen as part of the natural biological elements of the bioregion, which places humans in a new relative position to nature: Egalitarianism and communitarianism rather than hierarchy and domination. A goal of Bioregionalism is to promote synergy between the cultural, space-place identity of a person’s home territory and the natural ecosystem of that same territory.
Once a bioregion is defined and made tangible in the human belief system, the next step involves the creation of some form of governance. Solutions to this complex issue range from the subtle reorganization of existing administrative systems, to the radical global replacement of current political, economic and social institutions. Ultimately, Bioregionalism involves the interconnection of the resultant web of synergistic, regionally governed home-places, in a promotion of global sharing of experiences and information.
Ecosystem Management
The importance of place in human culture is not restricted to environmental discourse: Place is also an important concept in geography. A “sense of place” is what defines an area on a human cultural scale; it is what makes a place memorable. Socially, it is what makes a geographic location a home, what gives it character. This character is created through cultural influence, physical landscape, and relative location . Bioregionalism can use this established social and geographic paradigm to reach its goal of eliminating human domination over nature. The introduction of the home-place bioregional axiom is an important aspect to the part of Bioregionalism that seeks a cultural harmony with the earth and an altruistic conscience that has transcended the anthropocentricity of industrialism.
Human Destruction of Ecosystems
The deleterious effect of human cultures on ecosystems is well documented and thoroughly debated common knowledge. Environmental destruction is the resultant combination of political, cultural, and social schemes that are themselves dependent upon biologic and geographic systems. Responsibility for global environmental degradation considers a range of relationships between humans and the environment. At one end of the spectrum, man is a parasite to natural systems and laws and thus is the culprit of environmental damages as he drains nature for his own purposes. The opposite archetype considers nature as an adversary to be conquered, and places man’s domination over natural forces as the entity responsible for ecological destruction. In contrast, Bioregionalist philosophies, like the Green Romantic discourses, place man as part of the ecosystem rather than a foreign force that is either a dependent biological entity or an independent master-species. Although the romantic aspects of Bioregionalism may be difficult to achieve, in order for this ideology to prevail as a viable ecosystem management scheme, this change in human belief systems must take place. Changing the thinking of six billion minds seems a daunting task; however, history has shown that global paradigmatic changes can and do occur.
Indigenous Ancestral Generations
During the gestation of Bioregionalism as an ecological discourse during the tumultuously environmental 70s, writers Peter Berg and Gary Snyder called for the rise of “indigenous activist-cultures”. This axiom is rooted in understanding an ecosystem’s physical characteristics and the management techniques used by ancestral and surviving indigenous cultures to successfully sustain their home-places. It requires comprehensive knowledge of ancient cultural traditions, and the problematic ability to adapt these methods and traditions on the modern environmental complexities of ecosystem management. Indigenous activist-cultures believe that the future sustainability of the world lies in the adaptation of these early practices of original inhabitants and their surviving indigenous populations. By using the genetic and environmental management systems that indigenous ancestral generations used, Bioregionalists believe that sustainable ecosystems will emerge that are ecologically unobtrusive .
Governance and Bioregionalism
Kirkpatrick Sale, writing for the Sierra Club’s 1985 publication Dwellers in the Land: The Bioregional Vision, claims that politically, Bioregionalism is “connected to anarchist, utopian socialist and regional planning traditions.” Under these traditions, Bioregionalism offers an alternative paradigm of the human relationship to nature based on: 1) division of the earth into natural, nested regions; 2) self-sufficiency within the bioregion; 3) decentralization of governance; and, 4) the integration of urban, rural and wild ecosystems.
Political ideologies of Bioregionalism run from anarchy to a global interconnection of governance. Yet these two seemingly opposite ideologies can be combined into a nested ecosystem governance such as heteronomy. Heteronomy has been proposed as an appropriate Bioregional organizing principle that allows for distinct functional jurisdiction across one or more social, political and ecosystem boundaries.
Bioregionalists encourage identification with the natural ecosystem that is an individuals home-place, rather than any ethnic or national identification. The rationalist aspect of Bioregionalism sees the discourse as a political program concerned with economic and governing institutions. Here, Bioregionalism would attempt to reconcile these political, cultural and economic boundaries to better fit the ecosystems in which people live. This is not a new idea: According to John Dryzek, some administrative agencies have considered redefining their jurisdictions according to bioregions instead of state or county borders. At this level, Bioregionalism is not necessarily radical; however, Bioregional radical elements would go beyond the reorganization of field offices to the replacement of current government with administrative, legislative, executive and judicial institutions defined by bioregions. In this aspect, Bioregionalism is the epitome of ecosystem management. The ecosystem becomes an all-important aspect of human life -- politically, culturally and socially defining who we are and where we are.
In his article, Bioregionalism, civil society and global environmental governance, Ronnie D. Lipschutz deliberates the issue of ecosystem governance. His answer to the poor fit between governmental jurisdictions and natural bounds is the world wide incorporation of Bioregionalism. This process could take place through a nested system of governance and regional jurisdiction, in which networks overlap into social, political, economic, and physical places .
A Brave New Bioregional World
Author Jim Dodge’s forceful commentary on bioregional government borders the Lockian philosophy of a duty to revolt. After a stinging list of American political and social foibles, Dodges writes, “It seems almost a social obligation to explore alternatives.” As frightening as radical philosophies and social revolutionaries may seem, the ends of the Bioregionalist vision are harmonic, peaceful, and inclusive.
Bioregionalists envision a world where technology is unobtrusive and ecosystems are managed in a cooperative effort with nature. The world is restored to a natural condition and re-inhabited by a new human consciousness. The world carries a “healthy and spare population of all races, much less in number than today.” Government in Bioregionalism is democratic and participatory. Economically, the Bioregional world seeks to achieve a cooperative self-sufficiency, with locally manufactured and maintained technology.
Bioregionalism is a radical ecological discourse. It calls for fundamental changes in the political and social institutions of the world. It also calls for a deep paradigmatic realignment with nature. The whole “plot” of the story of mankind, is based on an adversarial relationship with nature. Domination of nature is the ruler by which we measure our success as humans. Human culture has romanticized this philosophy since the beginning of recorded history. As the second millennium comes to a close, this logic from which we have created an entire civilization is called into question – or even more drastically, is touted as an erroneous belief.
WORKS CITED
Aberly, Doug. Interpreting bioregionalism: A story from many voices. rpt by rpt. by D. Schlosberg for NAU. (1999)
Dodge, Jim (1981) Living by Life: Some Bioregional Theory and Practice. rpt. by John Dryzek and David Schlosberg (eds.) (1998) Debating the Earth: The Environmental Politics Reader. New York: Oxford Press.
Dryzek, John S. (1997) Saving the world through new politics: Green Rationalism. The Politics of the Earth: Environmental Discourses. New York: Oxford Press.
____________. (1997). Saving the world through new consciousness: Green Romanticism. The Politics of the Earth: Environmental Discourses. New York: Oxford Press.
Lew, Alan (1999) Geography: Place and Space. Geography USA. Coursewise: Madison, WI.
Lipschutz, Ronnie D. Bioregionalism, civil society and global environmental governance. rpt. by D. Schlosberg for NAU. (1999)
McGinnis, Michael. (1999) Bioregionalism is about place-based living and thinking. Author critique of Bioregionalism. www.amazon.com accessed 11/2/99.
Healing Man’s Relationships with Nature
Bioregionalism is a viable ecosystem management praxis because it combines the romantic aspect of conscious human awareness of nature as a nurturing, cooperative, and healing force, with the rationalistic tools of practical application. It is an ecological discourse that seeks to define and inform. The definition of ecosystems by their biological nature and the importance of informing the human species about their environment are both underlying premises of Bioregional success: Before the correction of any environmental problem can take place, the ecological system– the bioregion–must be fully understood Since Bioregionalists believe that ecosystem destruction is directly related to the activities and philosophies of man, equally important to the Bioregional philosophy is an examination of human impact on ecosystems. Armed with information and understanding, the praxis of Bioregionalism is completed with the implementation of a holistic vision of place-based living and global environmental consciousness. Only then can we begin to restore man’s relationship with nature .
Bioregionalism is a body of thought and related practice that has evolved in response to the challenge of reconnecting socially-just human cultures in a sustainable manner to the region-scale ecosystems in which they are irrevocably embedded. --Doug Aberly, Interpreting Bioregionalism: A story from many voices
…a place or community, linked to nature, and with which residents identify in historical, cultural and material terms… --Ronnie D. Lipschutz, Bioregionalism, civil society and global environmental governance
“…nothing short of total transformation…” --Gary Snyder, Pulitzer Prize winning poet
“…a decentralized, self-determined mode of social organization; a culture predicated upon biological integrities and acting in respectful accord; and a society which honor and abets the spiritual development of its members.” --Jim Dodge, Living by Life: Some Bioregional Theory and Practice.
Defining Bioregionalism
Bioregionalism is a combination of green romantic and rationalist theories. Romantic Bioregionalism promotes the fundamental reconciliation of a historically adversarial relationship between humans and nature, into a cooperative and consciousness enlightening experience. Rationalistically, Bioregionalism is an environmental management system in which attention is placed on the particular biology of an area. Using the ecological distinction of the geographic zones, bioregions are created based on environmental criteria such as watershed, biotic shift, land form, and even vertical elevation. Proposed bioregions have also included such intangibles as “spirit places” (such as Mt. Shasta or the Red Rocks of Sedona) and the “human” sense of place (you are where you think you are). Humans and their cultures are also seen as part of the natural biological elements of the bioregion, which places humans in a new relative position to nature: Egalitarianism and communitarianism rather than hierarchy and domination. A goal of Bioregionalism is to promote synergy between the cultural, space-place identity of a person’s home territory and the natural ecosystem of that same territory.
Once a bioregion is defined and made tangible in the human belief system, the next step involves the creation of some form of governance. Solutions to this complex issue range from the subtle reorganization of existing administrative systems, to the radical global replacement of current political, economic and social institutions. Ultimately, Bioregionalism involves the interconnection of the resultant web of synergistic, regionally governed home-places, in a promotion of global sharing of experiences and information.
Ecosystem Management
The importance of place in human culture is not restricted to environmental discourse: Place is also an important concept in geography. A “sense of place” is what defines an area on a human cultural scale; it is what makes a place memorable. Socially, it is what makes a geographic location a home, what gives it character. This character is created through cultural influence, physical landscape, and relative location . Bioregionalism can use this established social and geographic paradigm to reach its goal of eliminating human domination over nature. The introduction of the home-place bioregional axiom is an important aspect to the part of Bioregionalism that seeks a cultural harmony with the earth and an altruistic conscience that has transcended the anthropocentricity of industrialism.
Human Destruction of Ecosystems
The deleterious effect of human cultures on ecosystems is well documented and thoroughly debated common knowledge. Environmental destruction is the resultant combination of political, cultural, and social schemes that are themselves dependent upon biologic and geographic systems. Responsibility for global environmental degradation considers a range of relationships between humans and the environment. At one end of the spectrum, man is a parasite to natural systems and laws and thus is the culprit of environmental damages as he drains nature for his own purposes. The opposite archetype considers nature as an adversary to be conquered, and places man’s domination over natural forces as the entity responsible for ecological destruction. In contrast, Bioregionalist philosophies, like the Green Romantic discourses, place man as part of the ecosystem rather than a foreign force that is either a dependent biological entity or an independent master-species. Although the romantic aspects of Bioregionalism may be difficult to achieve, in order for this ideology to prevail as a viable ecosystem management scheme, this change in human belief systems must take place. Changing the thinking of six billion minds seems a daunting task; however, history has shown that global paradigmatic changes can and do occur.
Indigenous Ancestral Generations
During the gestation of Bioregionalism as an ecological discourse during the tumultuously environmental 70s, writers Peter Berg and Gary Snyder called for the rise of “indigenous activist-cultures”. This axiom is rooted in understanding an ecosystem’s physical characteristics and the management techniques used by ancestral and surviving indigenous cultures to successfully sustain their home-places. It requires comprehensive knowledge of ancient cultural traditions, and the problematic ability to adapt these methods and traditions on the modern environmental complexities of ecosystem management. Indigenous activist-cultures believe that the future sustainability of the world lies in the adaptation of these early practices of original inhabitants and their surviving indigenous populations. By using the genetic and environmental management systems that indigenous ancestral generations used, Bioregionalists believe that sustainable ecosystems will emerge that are ecologically unobtrusive .
Governance and Bioregionalism
Kirkpatrick Sale, writing for the Sierra Club’s 1985 publication Dwellers in the Land: The Bioregional Vision, claims that politically, Bioregionalism is “connected to anarchist, utopian socialist and regional planning traditions.” Under these traditions, Bioregionalism offers an alternative paradigm of the human relationship to nature based on: 1) division of the earth into natural, nested regions; 2) self-sufficiency within the bioregion; 3) decentralization of governance; and, 4) the integration of urban, rural and wild ecosystems.
Political ideologies of Bioregionalism run from anarchy to a global interconnection of governance. Yet these two seemingly opposite ideologies can be combined into a nested ecosystem governance such as heteronomy. Heteronomy has been proposed as an appropriate Bioregional organizing principle that allows for distinct functional jurisdiction across one or more social, political and ecosystem boundaries.
Bioregionalists encourage identification with the natural ecosystem that is an individuals home-place, rather than any ethnic or national identification. The rationalist aspect of Bioregionalism sees the discourse as a political program concerned with economic and governing institutions. Here, Bioregionalism would attempt to reconcile these political, cultural and economic boundaries to better fit the ecosystems in which people live. This is not a new idea: According to John Dryzek, some administrative agencies have considered redefining their jurisdictions according to bioregions instead of state or county borders. At this level, Bioregionalism is not necessarily radical; however, Bioregional radical elements would go beyond the reorganization of field offices to the replacement of current government with administrative, legislative, executive and judicial institutions defined by bioregions. In this aspect, Bioregionalism is the epitome of ecosystem management. The ecosystem becomes an all-important aspect of human life -- politically, culturally and socially defining who we are and where we are.
In his article, Bioregionalism, civil society and global environmental governance, Ronnie D. Lipschutz deliberates the issue of ecosystem governance. His answer to the poor fit between governmental jurisdictions and natural bounds is the world wide incorporation of Bioregionalism. This process could take place through a nested system of governance and regional jurisdiction, in which networks overlap into social, political, economic, and physical places .
A Brave New Bioregional World
Author Jim Dodge’s forceful commentary on bioregional government borders the Lockian philosophy of a duty to revolt. After a stinging list of American political and social foibles, Dodges writes, “It seems almost a social obligation to explore alternatives.” As frightening as radical philosophies and social revolutionaries may seem, the ends of the Bioregionalist vision are harmonic, peaceful, and inclusive.
Bioregionalists envision a world where technology is unobtrusive and ecosystems are managed in a cooperative effort with nature. The world is restored to a natural condition and re-inhabited by a new human consciousness. The world carries a “healthy and spare population of all races, much less in number than today.” Government in Bioregionalism is democratic and participatory. Economically, the Bioregional world seeks to achieve a cooperative self-sufficiency, with locally manufactured and maintained technology.
Bioregionalism is a radical ecological discourse. It calls for fundamental changes in the political and social institutions of the world. It also calls for a deep paradigmatic realignment with nature. The whole “plot” of the story of mankind, is based on an adversarial relationship with nature. Domination of nature is the ruler by which we measure our success as humans. Human culture has romanticized this philosophy since the beginning of recorded history. As the second millennium comes to a close, this logic from which we have created an entire civilization is called into question – or even more drastically, is touted as an erroneous belief.
WORKS CITED
Aberly, Doug. Interpreting bioregionalism: A story from many voices. rpt by rpt. by D. Schlosberg for NAU. (1999)
Dodge, Jim (1981) Living by Life: Some Bioregional Theory and Practice. rpt. by John Dryzek and David Schlosberg (eds.) (1998) Debating the Earth: The Environmental Politics Reader. New York: Oxford Press.
Dryzek, John S. (1997) Saving the world through new politics: Green Rationalism. The Politics of the Earth: Environmental Discourses. New York: Oxford Press.
____________. (1997). Saving the world through new consciousness: Green Romanticism. The Politics of the Earth: Environmental Discourses. New York: Oxford Press.
Lew, Alan (1999) Geography: Place and Space. Geography USA. Coursewise: Madison, WI.
Lipschutz, Ronnie D. Bioregionalism, civil society and global environmental governance. rpt. by D. Schlosberg for NAU. (1999)
McGinnis, Michael. (1999) Bioregionalism is about place-based living and thinking. Author critique of Bioregionalism. www.amazon.com accessed 11/2/99.
Friday, July 3, 2009
2009-07-01 Green Party responds to Bill Maher's call for
2009-07-01 Green Party responds to Bill Maher's call for "an actual progressive party": We're here already!
GREEN PARTY OF THE UNITED STATEShttp://www.gp.orgFor Immediate Release:Wednesday, July 1, 2009Contacts:Scott McLarty, Media Coordinator, 202-518-5624, cell 202-904-7614, mclarty@greens.orgStarlene Rankin, Media Coordinator, 916-995-3805, starlene@gp.orgA Real Party for 'Real Time': Greens send an open letter to MaherWASHINGTON, DC -- The Green Party has sent an open letter to Bill Maher after a June 19 broadcast of 'Real Time' in which Mr. Maher said "[W]hat we need is an actual progressive party to represent the millions of Americans who aren't being served by the Democrats. Because, bottom line, Democrats are the new Republicans."The Green Party's reply to Mr. Maher: "Hey, Bill, we're over here! What you described is the GREEN PARTY! We already exist!"The progressive party sought by Bill Maher describes the Green Party: "Shouldn't there be one party that unambiguously supports cutting the military budget, a party that is straight up in favor of gun control, gay marriage, higher taxes on the rich, universal health care -- legalizing pot -- and steep, direct taxing of polluters?"The open letter urges Mr. Maher to acknowledge the Green Party and have a Green candidate or leader on the show. The text of the letter is appended below.The Green Party is currently preparing for its annual national meeting, to take place in Durham, North Carolina, from July 23 to July 26 (http://www.gp.org/2009-ANM http://ncgreenparty.org/2009-ANM.html). Reporters are invited to cover the meeting (http://www.gp.org/forms/media)."America's First Party" An Open Letter to Bill Maher from the Green PartyDear Mr. Maher,We were thrilled to hear you talk about us when you discussed the need for a new party -- a "first party" -- during the June 19 broadcast of 'Real Time.'The only part you left out were the words "Green Party."Here's what you said:"We don't need a third party. We need a first party. You go to the polls and your choices are the guy who voted for the first Wall Street bailout, or the guy who voted for the next ten.""Shouldn't there be one party that unambiguously supports cutting the military budget, a party that is straight up in favor of gun control, gay marriage, higher taxes on the rich, universal health care -- legalizing pot -- and steep, direct taxing of polluters? These aren't radical ideas. A majority of Americans are either already for them or would be if they were properly argued and defended.""[W]hat we need is an actual progressive party to represent the millions of Americans who aren't being served by the Democrats. Because, bottom line, Democrats are the new Republicans."Hey, Bill, we're over here! What you described is the GREEN PARTY! We already exist!Maybe you forgot about us because the major media have an aversion to mentioning the Green Party and our candidates. Maybe the FCC has banned "Green Party" along with the late George Carlin's seven dirty words, "Chomsky," "End the Drug War," and other language that offends delicate sensibilities.For the major networks, and apparently PBS and NPR too, the very idea of more than two candidates in an election makes talking heads explode.If Green candidates started getting elected to higher office, the radical ideas that aren't really radical would get a fair hearing and a chance of passage.Imagine if a few Greens got seated in Congress. Greens don't take corporate contributions, so they'd be immune to the influence of Exxon-Mobil, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Raytheon, Monsanto, etc. When Rep. Nancy Pelosi sends out orders not to seek a probe of Bush-Cheney officials who authorized torture dungeons, Greens could tell her to take a hike.A few Green congressional victories would cause a seismic shock to the political landscape. Democrats would no longer have Republicans as their sole competition. The scope of national debate would no longer be Dems on the left, Repubs on the right, a phony middle ground between them, and a narrow range of political ideas comparable to the corner grocery limiting your choice of beverage to Coke or Pepsi.With some Greens in Congress:Democrats couldn't pretend to be the antiwar party while voting for more war funding.Single-payer national health care would be on the table and might even pass. President Obama and most Democrats already know single-payer is the best proposal. But they feel compelled to appease the health insurance, pharmaceutical, and other lobbies and find common ground with Republicans who believe the free market has sufficient mojo to cure every illness and injury.We'd hear the truth: that "emissions trading" is a license for corporate polluters to keep polluting, that "clean coal" is a plot to turn West Virginia into a crater, that the trillion-dollar Wall Street bailout and confiscation of savings and pension money are the greatest transfer of wealth from working people to big banks in history. There's a bipartisan consensus that corporate profit margins always take precedent over Americans facing financial ruin over a health emergency or credit card debt or a mortgage or a lost job. Whenever you hear the word "bipartisan" on the evening news, check the silverware.What are we going to do about this situation, Bill? If you really want a "first party" for America, will you throw us a bone on your show? Will you have a Green candidate or Green leader on once in a while? (Ralph Nader doesn't count -- he's not a member of the Green Party.)How about Rev. Billy Talen of the Church of Life After Shopping (http://www.revbilly.com)? Rev. Billy is now a Green candidate for Mayor of New York City (http://www.voterevbilly.org).Rosa Clemente, our 2008 vice-presidential candidate, said that the Green Party "is more than an alternative, it's an imperative." Based on your comments, Bill, it sounds like you might agree with Rosa.We look forward to hearing back from you. You can see what we're up to on our web site (http://www.gp.org).Sincerely,The Green Partyhttp://www.gp.orgMORE INFORMATIONGreen Party of the United States http://www.gp.org202-319-7191, 866-41GREENFax 202-319-7193Green candidate news http://www.gp.org/2008-elections/candidate-news.phpGreen candidate database http://www.gp.org/elections.shtmlGreen Party News Center http://www.gp.org/newscenter.shtmlGreen Party Speakers Bureau http://www.gp.org/speakersGreen Party ballot access page http://www.gp.org/2008-elections2009 Annual National Meeting of the Green Party, Durham, NC, July 23-26 http://www.gp.org/2009-ANMMedia credentialing page http://www.gp.org/forms/mediaGreen Pages, Vol. 13, No. 1The official publication of record of the Green Party of the United Stateshttp://gp.org/greenpages-blog~ END ~
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GREEN PARTY OF THE UNITED STATEShttp://www.gp.orgFor Immediate Release:Wednesday, July 1, 2009Contacts:Scott McLarty, Media Coordinator, 202-518-5624, cell 202-904-7614, mclarty@greens.orgStarlene Rankin, Media Coordinator, 916-995-3805, starlene@gp.orgA Real Party for 'Real Time': Greens send an open letter to MaherWASHINGTON, DC -- The Green Party has sent an open letter to Bill Maher after a June 19 broadcast of 'Real Time' in which Mr. Maher said "[W]hat we need is an actual progressive party to represent the millions of Americans who aren't being served by the Democrats. Because, bottom line, Democrats are the new Republicans."The Green Party's reply to Mr. Maher: "Hey, Bill, we're over here! What you described is the GREEN PARTY! We already exist!"The progressive party sought by Bill Maher describes the Green Party: "Shouldn't there be one party that unambiguously supports cutting the military budget, a party that is straight up in favor of gun control, gay marriage, higher taxes on the rich, universal health care -- legalizing pot -- and steep, direct taxing of polluters?"The open letter urges Mr. Maher to acknowledge the Green Party and have a Green candidate or leader on the show. The text of the letter is appended below.The Green Party is currently preparing for its annual national meeting, to take place in Durham, North Carolina, from July 23 to July 26 (http://www.gp.org/2009-ANM http://ncgreenparty.org/2009-ANM.html). Reporters are invited to cover the meeting (http://www.gp.org/forms/media)."America's First Party" An Open Letter to Bill Maher from the Green PartyDear Mr. Maher,We were thrilled to hear you talk about us when you discussed the need for a new party -- a "first party" -- during the June 19 broadcast of 'Real Time.'The only part you left out were the words "Green Party."Here's what you said:"We don't need a third party. We need a first party. You go to the polls and your choices are the guy who voted for the first Wall Street bailout, or the guy who voted for the next ten.""Shouldn't there be one party that unambiguously supports cutting the military budget, a party that is straight up in favor of gun control, gay marriage, higher taxes on the rich, universal health care -- legalizing pot -- and steep, direct taxing of polluters? These aren't radical ideas. A majority of Americans are either already for them or would be if they were properly argued and defended.""[W]hat we need is an actual progressive party to represent the millions of Americans who aren't being served by the Democrats. Because, bottom line, Democrats are the new Republicans."Hey, Bill, we're over here! What you described is the GREEN PARTY! We already exist!Maybe you forgot about us because the major media have an aversion to mentioning the Green Party and our candidates. Maybe the FCC has banned "Green Party" along with the late George Carlin's seven dirty words, "Chomsky," "End the Drug War," and other language that offends delicate sensibilities.For the major networks, and apparently PBS and NPR too, the very idea of more than two candidates in an election makes talking heads explode.If Green candidates started getting elected to higher office, the radical ideas that aren't really radical would get a fair hearing and a chance of passage.Imagine if a few Greens got seated in Congress. Greens don't take corporate contributions, so they'd be immune to the influence of Exxon-Mobil, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Raytheon, Monsanto, etc. When Rep. Nancy Pelosi sends out orders not to seek a probe of Bush-Cheney officials who authorized torture dungeons, Greens could tell her to take a hike.A few Green congressional victories would cause a seismic shock to the political landscape. Democrats would no longer have Republicans as their sole competition. The scope of national debate would no longer be Dems on the left, Repubs on the right, a phony middle ground between them, and a narrow range of political ideas comparable to the corner grocery limiting your choice of beverage to Coke or Pepsi.With some Greens in Congress:Democrats couldn't pretend to be the antiwar party while voting for more war funding.Single-payer national health care would be on the table and might even pass. President Obama and most Democrats already know single-payer is the best proposal. But they feel compelled to appease the health insurance, pharmaceutical, and other lobbies and find common ground with Republicans who believe the free market has sufficient mojo to cure every illness and injury.We'd hear the truth: that "emissions trading" is a license for corporate polluters to keep polluting, that "clean coal" is a plot to turn West Virginia into a crater, that the trillion-dollar Wall Street bailout and confiscation of savings and pension money are the greatest transfer of wealth from working people to big banks in history. There's a bipartisan consensus that corporate profit margins always take precedent over Americans facing financial ruin over a health emergency or credit card debt or a mortgage or a lost job. Whenever you hear the word "bipartisan" on the evening news, check the silverware.What are we going to do about this situation, Bill? If you really want a "first party" for America, will you throw us a bone on your show? Will you have a Green candidate or Green leader on once in a while? (Ralph Nader doesn't count -- he's not a member of the Green Party.)How about Rev. Billy Talen of the Church of Life After Shopping (http://www.revbilly.com)? Rev. Billy is now a Green candidate for Mayor of New York City (http://www.voterevbilly.org).Rosa Clemente, our 2008 vice-presidential candidate, said that the Green Party "is more than an alternative, it's an imperative." Based on your comments, Bill, it sounds like you might agree with Rosa.We look forward to hearing back from you. You can see what we're up to on our web site (http://www.gp.org).Sincerely,The Green Partyhttp://www.gp.orgMORE INFORMATIONGreen Party of the United States http://www.gp.org202-319-7191, 866-41GREENFax 202-319-7193Green candidate news http://www.gp.org/2008-elections/candidate-news.phpGreen candidate database http://www.gp.org/elections.shtmlGreen Party News Center http://www.gp.org/newscenter.shtmlGreen Party Speakers Bureau http://www.gp.org/speakersGreen Party ballot access page http://www.gp.org/2008-elections2009 Annual National Meeting of the Green Party, Durham, NC, July 23-26 http://www.gp.org/2009-ANMMedia credentialing page http://www.gp.org/forms/mediaGreen Pages, Vol. 13, No. 1The official publication of record of the Green Party of the United Stateshttp://gp.org/greenpages-blog~ END ~
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Tuesday, June 9, 2009
LOOKING TO ENVIRONMENTALISTS FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH MODELS
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: Growing the U.S. Economy
Of the many diagrams for maintaining the global ecosystem, the term "Sustainable Development" has often erroneously been used to refer to all environmental ideologies, when it is in reality a single discourse. Out of the many solutions proffered for saving the world, the concept of Sustainable Development has risen to the top of viable ecological discourses. Why? What is it about Sustainable Development that has made it the buzzword of these environmentally unsure times?
Sustainable Development grew from the work of the World Commission on Environmental Development (WCED)[i], at a 1987 conference mandated by the United Nations to accomplish three objectives:
1. Re-examine critical environment and development issues and formulate realistic procedures for dealing with them.
2. Propose new forms of international cooperation on these issues; and,
3. Raise the levels of understanding and commitment to action.
Contemporary definitions of Sustainable Development are mostly a product of this conference and their published report, Our Common Future (1987), a document promising a combined prescription to issues of ecology, economy, development and growth, social justice, and intergenerational equity. According to these definitional benchmarks, Sustainable Development requires that poverty and global inequalities be eliminated before environmental issues can be resolved.
Growth is an essential concept of Sustainable Development. Economy has become inextricably connected with ecology. As it becomes increasingly apparent that environmental problems have global effects, this interdependence effectively eliminates the old political systems of national compartmentalization. According to the WCED, social, economic and political inequalities among nations are the main culprits of environmental problems. In light of these concepts, the WCED proposed the following prescriptive:
1) global democratization;
2) effective limits management;
3) population growth in harmony with the productivity of the ecosystem;
4) global equalization through “fair-sharing” of resources; and,
5) management on an international civic levels rather than the local or state level.
Most importantly, the WCED cautions that Sustainable Development requires global cooperation—not hierarchies and competition.
Sustainable development concepts are also based on the premise that the economy and the environment can be brought into global harmonic cooperation. As the World Commission on Environment and Development reported:
…We have in the more recent past been forced to face up to a sharp increase in
economic interdependence among nations. We are now forced to accustom ourselves
to an accelerating ecological interdependence among nations. Ecology and economy
are becoming ever more interwoven—locally, regionally, nationally, and
globally—into a seamless net of causes and effects.
The recession of 08/09 has made clear global economic interdependence. An example of how Sustainable Development theories are congruent with economic theories is apparent in the issues of dependence on foreign oil supplies and Western societies unquenchable thirst for oil. Under the Obama Administration, this has prompted the creation of new regulations regarding fuel usage and alternate fuels in the auto industry. New regulations, such as a 35mpg minimum requirement on new vehicles within the next few years, are not only important to the economics and future in the global market for US automakers, but also addresses all related environmental issues of procuring, processing, storing, distrubuting, and consuming gasoline. At the same time, it encourages the growth and development of sustainable industry and a sustainable world.
Works Cited in this blog:
[i] Copyright © World Commission on Environment and Development 1987. Reprinted from Our Common Future (1987).
Retired Generals, Admirals Consider Oil Dependence A Security Risk http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/19/retired-generals-admirals_n_205432.html
c 2009 kimmarie rojas
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Thus We Are Born Free, As We Are Born Rational: John Locke 1632-1704
John Locke believed the basic premise underlying human nature is that people are independent and self-interested.
Locke envisioned the nature of a newborn baby as a blank slate. On this blank state, a person’s experience creates their character. Locke was also influenced by the Enlightenment philosophy that placed art and science as the rationalization agent of all human nature. This belief in the individuality of human nature and the right to freedom manifested itself in the popular philosophy of government by the consent of the people. This is one of Locke’s lasting contributions to present day society and has influenced thinkers for centuries.
Locke believed that humans have a natural right to freedom, which includes a right to property. Property rights are an important element of Locke’s discourse, and such a discussion is essential to his paradigm of the human condition, especially in relation to nature. Nature holds a divine right to property; according to Locke, human agency is at the top of the natural hierarchy and as such, has full rights to the use of all natural resources, “so long as nothing perishes.” As such, the human dominion over earth comes with an awesome responsibility. Centuries before global urbanization and industrialization Locke recognized the power of the human agency, for growth or destruction, and the concept of sustainability.
This belief in the property rights and responsibilities of individuals also lead to his instructive ideology of equality. Consistent with the Protestant work ethic, Locke believed that those who work hard and put genuine effort and skill into a task will be successful. Based on the premise that if a government provides its people with human rights and the ability to obtain property, Locke claimed that equality can exist in a free and open society: The disadvantaged will become equal with the advantaged. His rational for this claim is that such a society disperses its resources equally, making opportunities available to all.
Yet, Locke held tightly to the belief that if a government of social consent fails to meet the needs of the population that brought it into power, it is then the right and the duty of that population to assert their self-interest and revolt against the failing government.
Works Referenced:
Locke, John. The Second Treatise on Civil Government. First published in 1690. This printing by Prometheus Books: New York. 1986.
John Locke believed the basic premise underlying human nature is that people are independent and self-interested.
Locke envisioned the nature of a newborn baby as a blank slate. On this blank state, a person’s experience creates their character. Locke was also influenced by the Enlightenment philosophy that placed art and science as the rationalization agent of all human nature. This belief in the individuality of human nature and the right to freedom manifested itself in the popular philosophy of government by the consent of the people. This is one of Locke’s lasting contributions to present day society and has influenced thinkers for centuries.
Locke believed that humans have a natural right to freedom, which includes a right to property. Property rights are an important element of Locke’s discourse, and such a discussion is essential to his paradigm of the human condition, especially in relation to nature. Nature holds a divine right to property; according to Locke, human agency is at the top of the natural hierarchy and as such, has full rights to the use of all natural resources, “so long as nothing perishes.” As such, the human dominion over earth comes with an awesome responsibility. Centuries before global urbanization and industrialization Locke recognized the power of the human agency, for growth or destruction, and the concept of sustainability.
This belief in the property rights and responsibilities of individuals also lead to his instructive ideology of equality. Consistent with the Protestant work ethic, Locke believed that those who work hard and put genuine effort and skill into a task will be successful. Based on the premise that if a government provides its people with human rights and the ability to obtain property, Locke claimed that equality can exist in a free and open society: The disadvantaged will become equal with the advantaged. His rational for this claim is that such a society disperses its resources equally, making opportunities available to all.
Yet, Locke held tightly to the belief that if a government of social consent fails to meet the needs of the population that brought it into power, it is then the right and the duty of that population to assert their self-interest and revolt against the failing government.
Works Referenced:
Locke, John. The Second Treatise on Civil Government. First published in 1690. This printing by Prometheus Books: New York. 1986.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Biotechnology in Agriculture and Pharmaceuticals
Biotechnology in Agriculture and Pharmaceuticals
INTRODUCTION
An innate sense of survival combined with curiosity and superior intellect gives humans a unique ability among biological beings to exterminate their natural predators. Science, technology and creativity have allowed humans to alter the natural biological processes to the infinitesimal proportions of the gene, where the creation of life-forms began.
These auspicious powers, usually thought of as only possible through the omnipotence of a Spiritual Being, are now in the human knowledge base. It is no surprise that such powerful abilities in the hands of any being would create fear and controversy. As a global community, we must weigh the possible consequences of our ability or lack of ability to control such power, against the biotechnological promises of a world without limits, a world able to ignore the barriers of physical law. The prevention and treatment of both genetic and predatory diseases, reduced economic inequality, hunger and disease may offer alternative mathematical models of global carrying capacity and life expectancy.
This paper is a discussion of the support of biotechnology and biogenetics in agriculture and pharmaceuticals, a review of supportive discourses and the importance of international cooperation and regime theory. In discussing the sympathetic viewpoint of biotechnology, many aspects of the opposing arguments are revealed.
BIOPIRACY
Critics of biotechnology point to the price that must be paid for these scientific marvels. According to Vandana Shiva, an active opponent of biotechnology, those who can least afford it must pay that price. She supports this claim with stories such as ecosystem destruction, the usurpation of indigenous knowledge and an andropogenic colonization of women, children, the weak and the under-privileged in a concept she calls Biopiracy (Shiva, 1997).
Bio-piracy as described by Vandana Shiva is a practice employed by multinational corporations where they “discover” a cultural knowledge and practice in food production or medical use. By altering the plant to make it a “novel” discovery, patents protect it, and the host culture is denied profit or acknowledgement (Shiva, 1989).
The term biopiracy is loaded with negative connotations, as Shiva meant it to be. Pirates, as witnessed by a currently running television commercial from the cheese industry, are still depicted as the barbaric, uncivilized dregs of society, interested in procuring their fortunes at any cost of life or limb, whether it be theirs or others. This "greed at any cost" mentality is depicted in the cheese commercial by a stereotypical pirate, a patch over one eye, a wooden leg and a silver hook for a hand (or in this case, a cheese-slicer). Pirates' named legacy comes from their activities of piracy, or thievery.
BIOMIMICRY
Biomimicry is an example of a cooperative effort among environmental discourse debates. In Biomimicry: Innovation inspired by nature (1997), author Janine Benyus' describes this multidisciplinary science as a plausible compromise between radical intervention and complete laissez-faire of indigenous areas and traditional knowledge.
The roots of the term biomimicry come from Greek origin: "Bios", meaning life and "mimesis", meaning imitation. Biomimicry is the imitation of life, not the creation of life, as is the concern of many opponents of biotechnology, who claim that life cannot be created (Shiva, 1997). Biomimicry also denotes a more positive connection with and study of biological systems. With this comes a new human understanding of biological innovation, invention and imitation.
According to Benyus, biomimicry is based on a three-pronged approach (1997):
1) Nature as model: Biomimicry takes inspiration from biological designs and processes to solve human problems.
2) Nature as measure: Biomimicry uses a 3.8 billion year long ecological standard to judge the "rightness of innovation".
3) Nature as mentor: As a new way of viewing and valuing nature, biomimicry is based not on what we can extract from the world, but what we can learn from it.
Supportive Discourses
Several widely accepted environmental discourses have the ideological elements necessary to support the implementation of cooperative uses of bio-science and technology:
Green Romanticism is an environmental discourse that espouses the nurturing and development of different kinds of subjectivity or ways that individuals can experience the world. Biomimicry also draws its inspiration "outside of the box", by observing and mimicking the different natural processes, although many of the Green Romantic theories are either essentially too liberal (i.e. Deep Ecology) or too conservative (i.e. Eco-theology) to support the cooperative essence of biomimicry.
Lifestyle Greens, a balanced off-shoot of Green Romanticism, believe that the essence of being green is not adherence to any philosophical analysis or collective action; instead it is a matter of lifestyle. For example, in implementing invention by biomimicry, such as substituting fuel cells developed from the same theories that allow plants to create energy through sunlight, will require a lifestyle alternative to fossil fuels.
Economic Rationalism is a discourse that relies on its entity actors: homo-economicus, free markets, property rights, and government rule. Although many horror stories of self-interest, competition, and strict hierarchies, ER is defined by its commitment to the intelligent deployment of market mechanisms to achieve public ends. Too its credit, ER relies on fair and appropriate property rights, a critical issue in the biotechnology debate.
Ecological Modernization promotes the natural processes, seeing nature as its own waste treatment plan. This discourse supports a capitalist economy, states sovereignty, and recognizes natural systems. The premise of EM is that the capitalist political economy needs conscious re-figuring and far-sighted action, so that economic development and environmental protection can proceed hand in hand reinforcing one another. EM is associated with the "tidy household" and "connections to progress" as metaphors, and is supported by Al Gore, Jr., Albert Weale, and Urlich Beck.
Bioregionalism, a popular discourse among environmentalists is supportive of biomimicry in its belief in the practical application of theory. Like bioregionalism, biomimicry is the combination of theory and practical applications. Bioregionalists believe in place-based ecology that recognizes sacred places and alternative methods for defining current politico-geographic boundaries. Aspects of bioregionalism appear to contain many of the necessary ideals for the implementation of cooperative theories.
Why do we need biotechnology?
Population Growth
Exponential population growth calls for safe, available and ecologically sound uses of science and technology in agriculture and pharmaceuticals. The lower mortality rates caused by elimination of natural predators through vaccines and pharmaceuticals combined with the mathematical concept of exponential growth and population limits creates a dangerous cycle:
· Larger and healthier populations
leads to
· the need of greater food availability, disease prevention and treatment
leads to
· lower mortality rates, again creating larger and healthier populations
leads toAn innate sense of survival combined with curiosity and superior intellect gives humans a unique ability among biological beings to exterminate their natural predators. Science, technology and creativity have allowed humans to alter the natural biological processes to the infinitesimal proportions of the gene, where the creation of life-forms began.
These auspicious powers, usually thought of as only possible through the omnipotence of a Spiritual Being, are now in the human knowledge base. It is no surprise that such powerful abilities in the hands of any being would create fear and controversy. As a global community, we must weigh the possible consequences of our ability or lack of ability to control such power, against the biotechnological promises of a world without limits, a world able to ignore the barriers of physical law. The prevention and treatment of both genetic and predatory diseases, reduced economic inequality, hunger and disease may offer alternative mathematical models of global carrying capacity and life expectancy.
This paper is a discussion of the support of biotechnology and biogenetics in agriculture and pharmaceuticals, a review of supportive discourses and the importance of international cooperation and regime theory. In discussing the sympathetic viewpoint of biotechnology, many aspects of the opposing arguments are revealed.
BIOPIRACY
Critics of biotechnology point to the price that must be paid for these scientific marvels. According to Vandana Shiva, an active opponent of biotechnology, those who can least afford it must pay that price. She supports this claim with stories such as ecosystem destruction, the usurpation of indigenous knowledge and an andropogenic colonization of women, children, the weak and the under-privileged in a concept she calls Biopiracy (Shiva, 1997).
Bio-piracy as described by Vandana Shiva is a practice employed by multinational corporations where they “discover” a cultural knowledge and practice in food production or medical use. By altering the plant to make it a “novel” discovery, patents protect it, and the host culture is denied profit or acknowledgement (Shiva, 1989).
The term biopiracy is loaded with negative connotations, as Shiva meant it to be. Pirates, as witnessed by a currently running television commercial from the cheese industry, are still depicted as the barbaric, uncivilized dregs of society, interested in procuring their fortunes at any cost of life or limb, whether it be theirs or others. This "greed at any cost" mentality is depicted in the cheese commercial by a stereotypical pirate, a patch over one eye, a wooden leg and a silver hook for a hand (or in this case, a cheese-slicer). Pirates' named legacy comes from their activities of piracy, or thievery.
BIOMIMICRY
Biomimicry is an example of a cooperative effort among environmental discourse debates. In Biomimicry: Innovation inspired by nature (1997), author Janine Benyus' describes this multidisciplinary science as a plausible compromise between radical intervention and complete laissez-faire of indigenous areas and traditional knowledge.
The roots of the term biomimicry come from Greek origin: "Bios", meaning life and "mimesis", meaning imitation. Biomimicry is the imitation of life, not the creation of life, as is the concern of many opponents of biotechnology, who claim that life cannot be created (Shiva, 1997). Biomimicry also denotes a more positive connection with and study of biological systems. With this comes a new human understanding of biological innovation, invention and imitation.
According to Benyus, biomimicry is based on a three-pronged approach (1997):
1) Nature as model: Biomimicry takes inspiration from biological designs and processes to solve human problems.
2) Nature as measure: Biomimicry uses a 3.8 billion year long ecological standard to judge the "rightness of innovation".
3) Nature as mentor: As a new way of viewing and valuing nature, biomimicry is based not on what we can extract from the world, but what we can learn from it.
Supportive Discourses
Several widely accepted environmental discourses have the ideological elements necessary to support the implementation of cooperative uses of bio-science and technology:
Green Romanticism is an environmental discourse that espouses the nurturing and development of different kinds of subjectivity or ways that individuals can experience the world. Biomimicry also draws its inspiration "outside of the box", by observing and mimicking the different natural processes, although many of the Green Romantic theories are either essentially too liberal (i.e. Deep Ecology) or too conservative (i.e. Eco-theology) to support the cooperative essence of biomimicry.
Lifestyle Greens, a balanced off-shoot of Green Romanticism, believe that the essence of being green is not adherence to any philosophical analysis or collective action; instead it is a matter of lifestyle. For example, in implementing invention by biomimicry, such as substituting fuel cells developed from the same theories that allow plants to create energy through sunlight, will require a lifestyle alternative to fossil fuels.
Economic Rationalism is a discourse that relies on its entity actors: homo-economicus, free markets, property rights, and government rule. Although many horror stories of self-interest, competition, and strict hierarchies, ER is defined by its commitment to the intelligent deployment of market mechanisms to achieve public ends. Too its credit, ER relies on fair and appropriate property rights, a critical issue in the biotechnology debate.
Ecological Modernization promotes the natural processes, seeing nature as its own waste treatment plan. This discourse supports a capitalist economy, states sovereignty, and recognizes natural systems. The premise of EM is that the capitalist political economy needs conscious re-figuring and far-sighted action, so that economic development and environmental protection can proceed hand in hand reinforcing one another. EM is associated with the "tidy household" and "connections to progress" as metaphors, and is supported by Al Gore, Jr., Albert Weale, and Urlich Beck.
Bioregionalism, a popular discourse among environmentalists is supportive of biomimicry in its belief in the practical application of theory. Like bioregionalism, biomimicry is the combination of theory and practical applications. Bioregionalists believe in place-based ecology that recognizes sacred places and alternative methods for defining current politico-geographic boundaries. Aspects of bioregionalism appear to contain many of the necessary ideals for the implementation of cooperative theories.
Why do we need biotechnology?
Population Growth
Exponential population growth calls for safe, available and ecologically sound uses of science and technology in agriculture and pharmaceuticals. The lower mortality rates caused by elimination of natural predators through vaccines and pharmaceuticals combined with the mathematical concept of exponential growth and population limits creates a dangerous cycle:
· Larger and healthier populations
leads to
· the need of greater food availability, disease prevention and treatment
leads to
· lower mortality rates, again creating larger and healthier populations
· the need for more food supplies…and on and on.
·
The late Donella Meadows and other environmental survivalists would argue that such exponential growth would eventually lead to practical limits of capacity (1972). Yet other mathematical concepts, such as a logarithmic statistical model, would support an asymptotic curve in place of a parabolic model. In other words, populations would reach a certain level, or carrying capacity, and then discontinue to grow. This theory of limits to growth is regularly seen in nature's own models of undisturbed ecosystems. Though human populations may be greatly expanded in the future and possibly much greater than current estimations, biotechnology holds a promise that the populations will be fed and healthy.
Agriculture
Perhaps the most oft heard defense of biogenetics is the promise to end hunger. The opposing argument claims that food is not scarce, and we do indeed have the global food resources to feed the world; the problem is the economics of food--the ability to get the food to those who need it most. While that may be true, the problem of poverty still exists and adequate economic solutions have not appeared. While perhaps the amount of food may only increase at the same rate as the populations, biogenetically modified foods offer alternatives to some of the global food problems. Biotechnology holds a promise of better and cheaper food, as well as drought resistant crops. Golden rice, a genetically modified food, contains the vitamin beta-carotene, which is said to be able to prevent blindness in children with malnutrition.
In the United States, about 63 percent of soybean crops will be genetically modified to resist pests. Only 24 percent of corn crops will be genetically modified, a mild one percent drop from last year. Author Peter Brasher believes that this drop is partially due to the negative public relations when the presence of "Star-Link", a modified crop designed for live-stock was found in the human food supply (Brasher, 2001).
A consumer study performed by the Wirthlin Group Quorum Surveys found that 79 percent of Americans knew something about biotechnology, yet only 2 percent responded "very well informed" when asked to rate their level of knowledge. Only 43 percent of the May 2000 survey answered YES, they knew that there were food produced through biotechnology in the stores; even more surprising is that 23 percent answered NO, while 34 percent failed to reply. Even more encouraging to the biotechnology argument is that 59 percent of respondents felt that biotechnology products would provide benefits within the next five years, while only 25 percent disagreed with 16 percent refusing to respond.
Vaccines
Along the path of development, humankind has learned to eliminate its predatory enemies, often to the point of extinction: even our pre-historic ancestors over hunted particular mammals. Throughout history, some civilizations have practiced intentional extermination of plants and animals felt to be unnecessary to the natural process, and oft thought dangerous to the proliferation of humankind. In the 20th Century, technology brought us to a different level of the extermination of human predatory species invisible to the naked eye. Dr. Jonas Salk's vaccine developed through biotechnological means in 1955 virtually exterminated this most feared virus. In 1955, the average estimated rate of polio contraction was 21,000 people annually; in 1995, there were only seven reported cases of polio. Dr. Salk continued researching genetic pharmaceuticals, especially related to multiple sclerosis, cancer and AIDS until his death in 1995 (Cassidy 2001). This biogenetic discovery had a profound impact on the world, and the future of health care and biotechnology in general. Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories recently developed a vaccine for the pneumoccocal bacterium, which became available to the public this year under the commercial name of Prevnar®. gPrevnar® targets seven strains of pneumoccocus, accounting for approximately 80 percent of the invasive disease in infants; it is manufactured by attaching the polysaccharides to a genetically modified nontoxic form of the diphtheria toxin protein. It is estimated that between 16,000 and 17,000 children are infected with some form of pneumococcus; 1,400 of those cases will progress to pneumococcal meningitis in children under five years old. Two year olds are at highest risk, with 1/2 of the cases erupting into meningitis, brain damage and hearing loss; death results in ten percent of these children. In trials, Prevnar® proved to be 100 percent effective in invasive pneumococcal disease, with a 90 percent efficacy rate in preventing all invasive pneumococcus.Insulin is one of the first genetically modified organisms produced in the laboratory. Developed by inserting a specific human gene into the genetic code of a bacterium, insulin has saved millions of lives, allowing diabetics to live a full life. Technology similar to that used in insulin production led to the production of the cancer treatment. Biogenetic engineering is also responsible for digoxin, a drug used to treat heart disorders (Pollack 2001)
Regimes, Patents and Indigenous Protected Areas
A premise that runs throughout most regime theories is that in exploiting our earth's ecosystems to dangerous levels, we are also destroying the traditional knowledge that has kept many of the worlds most biologically diverse areas sustainable. Destruction of traditional knowledge contributes to further degradation of the environment--and so the cycle repeats until it ends through apocrypha or salvation.Gonzalo Oviedo (1999) expands the concept of Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs) and patents by claiming that indigenous people have been removed from their traditional position as stewards of knowledge. This has been accomplished, writes Oviedo, through licentious exploitation of indigenous resources, without consideration that the stewardship of such traditional knowledge is essential to the sustainability of the ecosystem. A relevant and responsive international regime policy was drafted by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the World Conservation Union (IUCN). The draft is an effort to recognize and protect sacred lands and indigenous rights, and allow traditional people the right of self-development in their conventional land use and conservation patterns. In addition, the right to have input into land use management and active participation of protected land management is an important issue such a proposal would address (Oviedo and Brown, 1999).
It is easy to understand how traditional people around the world would be wary of national and international systems that have already stripped much of their land, denied them representation in declaring protected lands, and assumed management of those lands. Then, those governments and organizations suddenly promise under IPAs and similar plans to give back control of indigenous knowledge and protection of sacred areas. Such a need of respect for traditional peoples is a telling statement of how far conservationists and governments must go before mutually satisfying partnerships can be created. True respect can take generations to develop, and even then such relationships can remain tenuous.
TRIPS
Critics of introducing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) to the global food supply argue that through Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), multinational corporations will be given the legal ability to monopolize food production on a global basis. TRIPS was created by GATT/WTO, and has been criticized for supporting multinational corporations; yet, the creation of TRIPS was to protect Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs). Part of the problem with the MNC slant on such regimes relates to the fact that currently only 10 multinational corporations control 32 percent of the global commercial seed market, seeds being the most debated controversy of biogenetics (Shiva 2000)The patenting of life forms is the bio-colonization of nature argued against by Vandana Shiva (2000). Still others, such as Professor Paul Keim of the Northern Arizona University, disagree. Dr. Keim believes that patenting protects indigenous forms of biotechnology by releasing the processing information globally, protecting indigenous patent holders for twenty years, and releases corporate patent information in twenty years (Lecture, 2001). Patents are an essential ingredient to the production of new and inventive processes and the preservation of traditional knowledge. They are essential to replace those practices that are unacceptable to the sustainability of the earth, from energy production and fossil fuel extraction to protection of rubber-tapping processes of indigenous rainforest inhabitants.
CONCLUSION
Perhaps there is some important biological niche that disease causing bacteria hold, besides those that are responsible for decomposition properties. The first thing that comes to mind is human Population Control as a predatory species.
Critics argue that GMO’s are not being introduced into food production and medicine to help people, but to grow corporate power through profits and market share. The science of biotechnology is lacking in understanding all possible negative effects that GMO introduction into the environment may entail. While international environmental regimes provide incentives for the creation of new science and the protection of indigenous knowledge by recognizing and preserving it, these global commitments may not be enough.
Still, all parties agree that success for society is to be found by operating within nature’s processes, and the technology of nature has much to offer us in the form of Biomimicry. Therefore, the concept of Biomimicry should be further explored as a scientific, ecological, ethical and safe compromise to the Survivalist/Promethean debate. In addition, international regimes should provide incentives for the careful exploration of nature, while protecting the intellectual property right of indigenous knowledge. In this way, biotechnology and biogenetically engineered agriculture and pharmaceuticals address global agricultural and pharmaceutical issues while preserving the natural ecosystems.
The debate is wide regarding biotechnology issues, suggesting the need for common ground. The first debate to be settled, however, is the one that resides inside those of us who are aware of the dangers in biotechnology, yet also see the possibilities for good in the ability of man to manipulate his environment.
WORKS CITED/REFERENCED
Barsamian, David. (1997/09/01). Vandana Shiva: woman physicist, writer, activist, who directs the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology in New Delhi, India. Interview for "The Progressive". Electric Library. Accessed on 2001/03/07. http://wwws.elibrary.com
Benyus, Janine M. (1997). Biomimicry: innovation inspired by nature. New York: William Morrow and Co.
Berry, Wendell. (1996) The unsettling of America: culture and agriculture. San Francisco: Sierra Club Books.
Chowdry, Geeta, Prof. (2001/03/14) Biopiracy. Vandana Shiva, biotechnology lecture for MLS 602, Community Technology and Values, Profs. Marcus Ford and Miguel Vasquez. Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ.
Christensen, Jon. (2000/11/21). Golden Rice in a Grenade-Proof Greenhouse. "Scientists at Work". Ingo Potrykus, editor. Accessed on 2001/02/15. http://www.nau.edu/library.
Eichenwald, Kurt, et al. (2001/01/25). Biotechnology food: from the lab to a debacle. Accessed on 2001/02/15. http://www.nau.edu/library/courses/liberalstudies/mls602-ford/reserve
Hawken, Paul, et al. (1999). Natural Capitalism: Creating the next industrial revolution. New York: Little, Brown and Co.
Keim, Paul, Prof. (2001/03/14) Biopiracy. Vandana Shiva, biotechnology lecture for MLS 602, Community Technology and Values, Profs. Marcus Ford and Miguel Vasquez. Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ.
Ophuls, William. (1977). Ecology and the Policy of Scarcity. San Francisco: W.H. Freeman.
Oviedo, Gonzalo and Jessica Brown. (1999) "Building Alliances with Indigenous Peoples to Establish and Manage Protected Areas". Partnerships for Protection: New strategies for planning and management for protected areas. Earthscan Publications: London. Editors. Stolton, Sue and Nigel Dudley.,
Pollack, Andrew. (2001/02/04). Critics of biotechnology are called imperialists. Accessed on 2001/02/15. http://www.nau.edu/library/courses/liberalstudies/mls602-ford/reserve
Shiva, Vandana. (1997). Biopiracy: the plunder of nature and knowledge. Boston: South End Press.
______________ (1993/09/01). The seed and the earth: biotechnology and the colonization of regeneration (part 1) Contemporary Women's Issues Database, Electric Library. Accessed on 2001/03/07. http://www.elibrary.com
______________. (1993/09/01). The seed and the earth: biotechnology and the colonization of regeneration (part 2) Contemporary Women's Issues Database, Electric Library. Accessed on 2001/03/07. http://www.elibrary.com
______________. (2000). Stolen Harvest: The Hijacking of the Global Food Supply. South End Press. Cambridge, MA. 2000.
Stolen Harvest: Corporate Watch Interview with Vandana Shiva. (2000/03/17). "Seeds of Resistance: The Battle Against Genetically Engineered Food". Corporate Watch, editor. Accessed 2001/02/17. http://www.corpwatch.org/feature/biotech/vshiva.html
U.S. consumer attitudes toward food biotechnology. Wirthlin Group Quorum Surveys. Accessed on 2001/02/24. http://ificinfo.health.org/foodbiotech
Cassidy, David. (2001) Salk, Jonas. Accessed from internet on 2001/02/24 http://future.newsday.com/cards/card0224.htm
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Obama Validates Federal Unsustainability
As Obama targets wasteful spending and pet projects, with strong words he validates the basic premise of Green Associations for Sustainable Society..."OUR CURRENT SOCIETY IS UNSUSTAINABLE UNDER THE FEDERAL ADMINISTRATIONS OF THE LAST CENTURY"
Said Obama:
"As surely as our future depends on building a new energy economy, controlling healthcare costs and ensuring that our kids are once again the best educated in the world, it also depends on restoring a sense of responsibility and accountability to our federal budget," Obama said. "Without significant change to steer away from ever-expanding deficits and debt, we are on an unsustainable course."
(emphasis added)
Stop the War: Begin the Healing
Said Obama:
"As surely as our future depends on building a new energy economy, controlling healthcare costs and ensuring that our kids are once again the best educated in the world, it also depends on restoring a sense of responsibility and accountability to our federal budget," Obama said. "Without significant change to steer away from ever-expanding deficits and debt, we are on an unsustainable course."
(emphasis added)
Stop the War: Begin the Healing
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Can Sustainability be Achieved? A Brief Manifesto
Can Sustainability be Achieved in My Lifetime?
A brief manifesto
I cherish my time on this Earth, and block out prometheans who would quash my hopes and beliefs that a global paradigmatic shift in humanity's stewardship of the Earth is possible. History is replete with examples of major shifts in accepted realities. At one time to say, "The world is round" would be considered blasphemous. Only in modern times was Galileo finally pardoned for his ancient and fatal Platonic faux pas in announcing that the Earth revolves around the Sun.
I believe that a similar paradigmatic shift in global thinking is possible regarding the sustainability and compassion of humanity on our continuously evolving planet. Throughout my studies and in my writings, I refer to SUSTAINABILITY in general terms, so that it includes cultural, societal, environmental, and biological sustainability; that is, I believe that sustainability must be achieved on physical, spiritual and social planes. Ecological restoration cannot take place without dynamic changes in current political, social, and economic praxus; Social sustainability cannot survive in a hostile environment rife with hunger, disease, poverty and addiction. Yet achievable ideas go around and around, proving and disproving, in a never ending dance. Change is slow, and in this case, it is too slow: Watch the polar ice cap melt in front of our very eyes is frightening; empty shelves at community food banks in the U.S. is terrifying.
I believe that there is a compromise to the theoretical and practical dichotomies of every discourse, in the Physical, Spiritual and Social realms of reasoning-- there is a way to stop chasing the tail of the other in an infinite conundrum. To establish global sustainability is to enter the continuous cycle, to immerse in the ideologic quagmire and to listen to each other and to the earth's biology, analyze humanity's social contracts, and recognize the spiritual, until the paradigmatic shift necessary for true global sustainability has been reached.
A brief manifesto
I cherish my time on this Earth, and block out prometheans who would quash my hopes and beliefs that a global paradigmatic shift in humanity's stewardship of the Earth is possible. History is replete with examples of major shifts in accepted realities. At one time to say, "The world is round" would be considered blasphemous. Only in modern times was Galileo finally pardoned for his ancient and fatal Platonic faux pas in announcing that the Earth revolves around the Sun.
I believe that a similar paradigmatic shift in global thinking is possible regarding the sustainability and compassion of humanity on our continuously evolving planet. Throughout my studies and in my writings, I refer to SUSTAINABILITY in general terms, so that it includes cultural, societal, environmental, and biological sustainability; that is, I believe that sustainability must be achieved on physical, spiritual and social planes. Ecological restoration cannot take place without dynamic changes in current political, social, and economic praxus; Social sustainability cannot survive in a hostile environment rife with hunger, disease, poverty and addiction. Yet achievable ideas go around and around, proving and disproving, in a never ending dance. Change is slow, and in this case, it is too slow: Watch the polar ice cap melt in front of our very eyes is frightening; empty shelves at community food banks in the U.S. is terrifying.
I believe that there is a compromise to the theoretical and practical dichotomies of every discourse, in the Physical, Spiritual and Social realms of reasoning-- there is a way to stop chasing the tail of the other in an infinite conundrum. To establish global sustainability is to enter the continuous cycle, to immerse in the ideologic quagmire and to listen to each other and to the earth's biology, analyze humanity's social contracts, and recognize the spiritual, until the paradigmatic shift necessary for true global sustainability has been reached.
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