Steering our course
Published February 12, 2009 @ 04:47PM PT
Next steps for the National Sustainability Strategy
For years we heard about the "rising tide that will lift all boats." As if all the wealth created from tax cuts and corporate deregulation would somehow "trickle down" to the rest of us here moored at the docks. For many this tide appears more like a destructive flood, like those that devastated New Orleans. In both cases, the Precautionary Principle and other good sense viewpoints were recklessly ignored. Trust the market, they assured us, as boats and livelihoods were turned over, drowning dreams and prospects for a decent life.
Which brings us to that big Ship of State there in the bay, taking on its new crew: What direction is Captain Obama going to steer the country in these coming years?
The Campaign for a National Sustainabilty Strategy claims that to steer the right course we need sustainability as our compass and a strategy to get us where we want to go. This does not require a mystical faith, as with the invisible hand of the market (which had so many fingers in the cookie jar.) Rather, we are calling for a practical approach "not based on short-term fixes but on a long-range vision." We want decisions not dominated by powerful corporate lobbyists but a guided by a framework balancing social, economic and environmental priorities and engaging those affected by these decisions, not simply those profiting most from them.
In contrast to Plato's trust in the philosopher king, President Obama expressed his belief that the steering of this ship of state is not only the business of presidents and politicians (and lobbyists) but of concerned and informed citizens. He continues to encourage us to actively participate in shaping the direction we take. The Sustainability Campaign's current letter-writing action is one immediate response to his call (and please take a few minutes to send the President and Congress yours!)
In turn, your suggested actions to the Sustainability Campaign on how to move from idea to policy is the foundation stone for deciding our next steps and priorities. In the coming weeks we will explore these suggested ideas and ways to put these into action.
Comments
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Author
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Jeffrey Barber
- Silver Spring, MD
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Jeffrey is the National Coordinator for the Citizens Network for Sustainable Development , which continues to promote and help build the sustainability movement in the United States. He is also Executive Director of Integrative Strategies Forum, based in Silver Spring, Maryland, encouraging collaborative action and knowledge exchange.
Sure would appreciate suppport from the Obama health reform team , and enthusiasm in a NAU TV show about CHANGING our medical system from western to more genuine healing with NO side effects that damage forever the body's intelligence. Preventative and ALTERNATIVE would be so refreshing . leaving little need for insurance that achieves no good, but creating real health and therefore JOY.
www.Heatherheals.com
Posted by Heather Bostian, Lmt,RYT, Cht on 02/12/2009 @ 06:57PM PT
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