THE BEST THING

I consider myself a conservative liberal or a liberal conservative. Never thought I’d say this, but I think the election of the current President of the United States is the best thing that could have happened for our country. Ack!

But think about this: 

—The uproar over his inconsistent statements and outrageous comments about many people and issues has stirred millions—MILLIONS!—of people to become more involved in issues facing our country. Those of us who were sitting on the sidelines thinking everything will be OK realized WE have to make everything OK. We have to speak up. Share our opinions. Listen to others and come up with new options for issues facing us. So instead of a handful of people in Washington, D.C. making decisions, “we the people” are stepping up and helping make decisions. I think this is excellent!

—Many of those who supported Trump are questioning their choice. QUESTIONING! What is true? This isn’t what I heard during the campaign. This isn’t what I intended, what happened? Again, I think this excellent! 

Of course, there are many people of many different opinions who won’t question. Who won’t change their minds. Who won’t get involved. And that’s their choice. 

But I think the questioning and involvement of millions of Americans in issues that are facing our country is the best thing that could have happened. Even if the catalyst was electing a person who brought millions to the point of deep grieving. Out of that grieving are emerging action and intelligent discussion on many sides of issues. 

And I think this is the best thing that could have happened for our country. 

HOPE

That is my takeaway from the incredible mass of humanity participating in the Women’s Marches around the world today. 

The turnouts seemed so large there wasn’t much room for marching, but all seemed peaceful, even light-hearted. 

And inclusive. 

Not just women of all ages, but men and children too, representing a myriad of cultures and colors and genders and backgrounds.

Though some signs offered pointed messages, most seemed to be creative and cheeky and heartfelt and humorous. And oh those pink hats—definitely a statement! 

I drew hope that there are many people who will stand up for their rights. Who will express their opinions while respecting the right of others to different points of view. Who can protest without destroying. Who have encouraged me to make my voice heard and take a more active role in social issues.

And to feel safe. 

As this marcher in LA said, “We can’t use violence to make our point, because the whole point is that people need to be safe.” 

FINANCIAL RABBLE-ROUSING

If you think individual actions can’t change anything, check out this article in Yes Magazine entitled, How Standing Rock’s Divest Campaign Can Stop Future Pipelines. 

Part of the article says the Standing Rock movement has brought a wave of financial rabble-rousing to the United States. 

Basically, individual account holders and organizations are pushing banks to sell off assets in companies involved in extracting fossil fuels. Without funding, these companies can’t continue activities that violate the rights of indigenous people, destroy the environment, and perhaps go against the policies of the financial institutions themselves. 

Like individuals voting with their wallets—boycotting companies that have practices they do not morally/ethically support—this movement takes putting your money where your mouth is to a much higher level.

FOSSIL FUEL WORKERS GOING SOLAR

Talk about coming (almost) full circle, the link to this bit of good news comes from Australian Permaculture Guru Geoff Lawton's Friday Five, referencing an article in Forbes magazine. 

"Job creation done right: News about the economy and job (in)security are topping headlines around the world. One approach put forth is to try and 'roll back the clock' to somehow hang on to jobs that are clearly not going to be part of humanity's future. Another approach is to understand where things are moving to, and to help affected workers retrain for what lies ahead. I was overjoyed to see this recent story about workers in the mining, oil, and gas industries being re-trained for jobs in the solar economy. A double-win: Transitioning not just to the future, but to one that is sustainable and consistent with ecological principles. Well done."

Lawton is considered the leading guru of Permaculture in the world (he's based in Australia), following the deaths of Bill Mollison and Toby Hemenway this past year. Lawton studied under Mollison, and was my introduction to the wonders of Permaculture--what I call beyond backyard gardening. I've learned an incredible amount from his videos and articles. Amazing stuff!

If you want to sign up for Geoff Lawton’s Friday Five, click here.

POLITICS IS…FASCINATING?

I NEVER though I’d say this, but I’m becoming intrigued—almost fascinated—with politics. 

The chaos and craziness of this past US election season has dragged me back into politics, an area I grew to intensely dislike over the decades I worked for the state of Oregon. Saw the hallway deals and general lack of integrity and truthfulness in how this system worked, though there were some shining examples of statesmen (and women).

The election this past November pushed me to face the fact if I didn’t like the way things were going, I needed to pull my head out and make sure my voice was heard. I haven’t taken a deep dive head first into politics, but I’m inching my way into these murky waters.

With many breaks to read positive news of people helping people and cuddling with my dogs, I’m also reading more articles and watching more videos of what’s going on in politics. Sometimes it’s difficult to find some semblance of truth, and sometimes I find out interesting information—like how to replace the president, which is outlined in Amendment XXV of the U.S. Constitution. I won’t spoil the surprise if you haven’t heard this. Look it up or watch this video from GQ with Keith Olbermann <https://www.facebook.com/pg/gq/videos/?ref=page_internal>. I found it fascinating, not a word I generally associate with politics. 

AVANTGARDENS!

Lovely, beautiful, magnificent!

<https://www.facebook.com/Avantgardens.org/?fref=nf&pnref=story>

Crops planted in a giant leaf shape--beautiful and bountiful--are only one of the great photos on this site. Permaculture with elegance perhaps?

HYDROPOWER IN A PIPE

Portland has started an experiment: replacing some of their water pipes with pipes containing turbines that generate electricity.

<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFLCJvDj9xM>
and
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgGaB068ayM&spfreload=5>

AWESOME!