vision2020
Re: New book
One has to wonder "which West" he was genuinely interested in, that
overlaid with eastern urban culture, or the one that has roots in
wholesome (there are some) human relationships with the natural world. No
urban society in history has been able to sustain itself for long without
predatory domination over the resources of other, "less developed"
communities. How are we different? We have yet to prove that our
insatiable energy needs can continue to be met and that our material life
styles lead to perpetual survival. We have no goals other than productive
and consumptive expansion and freedom to exploit the earth. Culture forms
shaped by sensate and narcissistic values are non-fulfilling. These
features are well displayed in the series, "Cadillac Desert" about the
rape of California resources (I grew up there) -- Cf. KCET, CVP
Documentary (1-800-343-4727). No, Tuscon and Orange Co. are the epidomy
of urbanism/suburbanism's self-centeredness and insensitivity to society
at large. Moscow-Pullman offer far superior models for quality of life
and are feasible if major community reinvestment policies could ever gain
ascendancy in a power-hungry world. Small, highly interactive communities
with strong particpatory habits offer the only hope for a sustainable
future. But it's probably too late. This merits an open forum for full
discussion.
------------------------
William K. Medlin
dev-plan associates
930 Kenneth Street
Moscow ID 83843
208/892-0148
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