I came across this article a couple of weeks ago, and it is actually posted on the WilderPress! blog site. It is a view on post- peak oil, post-civilization theory by environmental activist Jeffrey Free Luers. Luers is currently serving a 10 year prison sentence for his part in the arson of 3 SUV's in Eugene as a protest to deforestation, climate change, and excessive human consumption of natural resources. Jeffrey continues to remain active from prison and recently wrote an article entitled "Taking Power" that addresses issues of global energy decline, use of renewables, the collapse of modern civilization, and how localization and personal responsibility play into necessary future plans. While some of Luers' facts may be a little skewed I think the ideas are solid, and drastically important. Especially in an area like Durango, it is increasingly important that we focus on localization and sustainability. The days of products transported thousands, or even hundreds, of miles may well be over. We must return to a stronger sense of community and interdependence. We must meet our neighbors and furthermore begin to share with them- they may become much needed support in a future that promises to provide much less. Beyond just our needs it is important to focus on a reconnection to the land; to once again remember where our food comes from...to once again grow our own food, hunt, gather, build, invent, to once again get our damn hands dirty...I like to think of this as a new era of adult fort building! We should not feel threatened by the concept of localization, rather we ought to be excited, and relieved, to move into a lifestyle that is simpler, less chaotic, and more logical. Durango faces increased development in the future, and I believe it would be in our best interests to think long and hard about where we want this community to be in 10 years. In my mind sustainability does not equal growth, and growth does not necessarily equal progress. The future definition of progress will surely include a return to a simpler, more fulfilling life... Jeffery Luers article: http://wilderpress.blogspot.com/2009/01/jeffrey-free-luers-taking-power.html
Stay wild. Stay free...
1 comment:
Wow. I like.
I have to admit, I am too terrified of losing my freedom to be the sort of activist who courts jailtime...but boy, am I selfishly glad there are those out there whose callings are such that they fearlessly accept such consequences and, in turn, raise awareness about stuff... Luers sounds like an interesting man (Not sure how I'd feel if it'd been my SUV. Not that I drive an SUV. Just sayin'.)
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