Permaculture as political party

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Permalink Reply by Ruby Sheffer on March 8, 2010 at 8:12am

Let me say at the outset that any permie called to political service has an obligation to get out there and pour all into it. That said, we have tended to keep it solutions oriented and that's a good thing but we need a lot of work on the practical and philosophical underpinnings. Once you declare a politcal party, you start trying to jam complex, multifaceted issues into dichotomies and making some people right and some wrong. What, for instance, would you do with Permie who is throughly pro-ecological conservation, pacifist, deeply pro-life in every sense of the word, who also believes that ecological and species conservation and social justice go hand in hand and must be done well and at the same time? Is such a person in or out?
Is Joel Salatin in or out?
Is Paul Hawkin in or out?
Gregror Mendel?
I have seen a tendancy in local permaculture to set up systems based primarily on the needs of the self without reference to the existing ecosystem and the needs of other native entities. Over and over again, permies make a plan, scrape the place clean of 'weeds' and 'useless stuff' and set up our systems: only the 'useful' need apply. I suppose if you start with a throughly trashed deeply urban place that works. But what happens when Permies (usually relatively new ones although, unfortunately, not always) lay out plans to setting up a community complete with all sorts "useful" plants that fit the design (good so far), in places that still have plently of native species without any sense at all of the consequences of jamming a bunch of non-native plant and animal species into a place and forcing the existing entities to compete with them. This nearsightedness makes us just as dangerous as any other basically extraction minded group out there, if a little more subtle about the delusion. Until we have a real sense and respect for, place, and fellow entities we will lack the't the maturity to enter the political realm as a group without a substantial risk of being twisted into just another form of psuedo green. And one more thing, if/when we get there, there will still be the question; Is another political group really the way to change the heart, soul and mind of a society? Who is in?? Who is out??

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Permalink Reply by Chris Byers on March 8, 2010 at 8:20am

Darwin?

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Permalink Reply by Ben Ruesga on March 8, 2010 at 9:37am

Well said Ruby.

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Permalink Reply by Charles Calbom on March 9, 2010 at 6:54pm

I have spent the last three years trying to find something to join. I am completely disallusioned with our current government. I continue to believe that government is an extension of myself, not somesort of force to be countered. Your insights are thaughtful and I am exploring them. We have to do something, Permaculture is the sanest voice I've found.

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Permalink Reply by Ruby Sheffer on March 9, 2010 at 8:00pm

I agree, on all fronts. Especially the part about government as an extension of ourselves, that's why the more who participate honestly (without merely jockeying for power) and inform the process the better. (By the way, you'd be surprised how many 'public servants' see themselves as exactly that, servants.)
Generally speaking, permaculture in it's 'group' form tends to manifest as non-profit 501c3 and in service. This allows it to inform the culture and not get caught up in divisive processes. We can discuss what our relationships to earth and each other (including the non human players) are currently, and how we can make them healthier and more caring. We can do all of this without ever discussing parties, PACs, or office holders (let alone candidates).
All we need to do is remember the three broadest and most basic principles (paraphrasing with apologies to Holmgren):
Care for the earth (we all live here, and it's all connected)
Care for people
Avoid avarice, and share the surplus.

We can discuss how these play out in practical terms without advocating for any political party, PAC, or candidate.

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Permalink Reply by Charles Calbom on March 13, 2010 at 5:18am

If Government is an extension of ourselves, than politics is the way we discuss our common issues. If an entity espousing permaculture principals should ascend to power here in the United States, that would be the best way to care for the planet right now. We the American People, because our vote can still control our military, have the best position to positively effect the planets future. The American People did a lousy job the last thirty years, if we cease to act now, I fear we are destined for a pathetic spot in history.

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Permalink Reply by Ruby Sheffer on March 13, 2010 at 6:07am

Totally agree. We should speak. We should act. We can join politcal parties. We must vote (can't specifically discuss which way on this site but the discussions lead in a pretty clear direction). There probably should be an independent site for discussion of how to put permaculture principles in action in society through the political process without getting caught up in the process.

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Permalink Reply by Admin on March 8, 2010 at 9:18am

Just so we are perfectly clear here:

Disclaimer
The views expressed on this site are those of the authors alone. They do not represent the views or opinions of Arizona Homegrown Solutions, or its staff or volunteers, nor do they represent the views or opinions of the Arizona Community Tree Council. As a 501c3 organization we are strictly prohibited from either supporting or opposing any candidate for public office, any political party, or any political action committee.

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Permalink Reply by Alex Prescott on March 9, 2010 at 11:10am

heeheeheehee

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Permalink Reply by Alex Prescott on March 9, 2010 at 11:11am

well, as i understand, permaculture is a way of life. so i guess that could include politics, if one so chooses. i'd choose not to, though

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