Hey Ara --
We're all friends here. While we may see the world in slightly different
ways, they are variations within a broad theme. The vigorous debate may
obscure the substantial agreement. I think you may also find that many of
the frequent contributors to the discussion are anything but affluent.
White, middle-aged, and educated, (the lack of diversity is itself a
concern), but certainly not affluent. It is difficult to attain affluence
and "power down" at the same time.
Speaking for myself, I very much value the critical thinking that is
evident in the back and forth on this listserve. That is hard to find in
any environment, including academic ones. It is hard to overestimate its
value as we grope for effective strategies and actions to address the
fundamental challenges to how our world is organized and functions. We all
recognize the unsustainability of it all, and we are all doing something
about it. I think it is fair to say that we are also acutely aware of our
inadequacies, and the associated frustration probably shows once in a while.
Thanks for your example. We need a lot more like you.
Joel
At 01:24 PM 12/16/09 +0000, you wrote:
As an earnest skulker and learner of this newsgroup, I must say, I'm
really too through with the in fighting. As much as I have enjoyed the
past couple of years, I'm close to unsubscribing. This hurts too much. I
do what can. Gave up my car entirely, moved back into the city. I do all
of my errands on foot. My apt. is much smaller, energy efficient and I now
spend paying for all just slightly more than I paid for just electricity.
I take out one little grocery bag a week of garbage. I'm conscious! If
this were multiplied by millions, the effect would be corporate. My job in
this life is to do what I'm aware of at the time, protest for and against
what I believe in (we should certainly reinstate the draft, for instance).
But as I sit here consciously making choices, a Cornell grad, like many of
you, I view some of this through different lenses. I was a Social Worker
before I became disabled w/ a chronic pain condition. Spent my life
working with those in need. I live well below the poverty level. I do
fine. But my priorities are probably quite different materially than the
average poor person culturally. But this high toned affluent, white tower
talk, going on and on for weeks is really enough. It's the height of
arrogance. Can we please find something to agree on or argue via private
email. Way too much drama for this simple steward.
With the best intentions,
Ara
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
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_______________________________________________
For more information about sustainability in the Tompkins County area, please
visit: http://www.sustainabletompkins.org/
RSS, archives, subscription & listserv information for:
[email protected]
http://lists.mutualaid.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainabletompkins
Questions about the list? ask [email protected]
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