PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

Equitable International Development
by Silas Wain Thursday, Jan. 08, 2004 at 11:00 AM

Over the past few weeks I have been working on synthesizing the argument that, the time is now for the ecological revolution to go mainstream. Look at the signs that we are no longer in balance with the earth. From my observations our civilization does not share the intelligence/resources to foster the common bonds of humanity. Nor does the majority cultivate a respectful relationship of spiritual interdependence of all of life, its diversities and polarities.

As a worker in the global economy and a citizen of a democratic nation, I feel that my words carry importance. With our world going through some drastic changes, we must make sure that the development of our industries is able to meet the current needs of the earth and the people; as well as the long-term commitments to naturally based order and security. I know that we should be Rebuilding Iraq with an emphasis on Smart Growth. What I mean by that is that, we should be concerned not only about the U.S. Economy, but rather the whole Global Economy. And we cannot properly address either of those unless we are concerned with an economy that takes ecological values into account. As well the economy must ensure the understanding that, all of our work together is creating a more equitable global society.

How these ideas could be addressed in Iraq is that the remaining portions of the Energy infrastructure that needs rebuilt could be done using renewable energy systems of solar and wind technology. This is a difficult task in the short term, yet it will provide ecological security in the long term. As well, if we look at the needs of the Iraqi people, their current �shock and awed� infrastructure cannot support families with warm meals and does not keep families, children, and elders warm at night. If we are truly concerned with liberating the people, we cannot let our actions put them in a situation that was worse than their previous living conditions. Let's use what we can to give them power now. Whether it is buying parts from countries that can supply them that we have blacklisted. Or helping the Iraqi people to build small scale renewable devices of solar and wind technology. This could be a turn around, as the people of Iraq will see us as sincerely motivated to help them by all means possible, immediately!

Together we could have a historic event that propels the existing Ecological Revolution into the mainstream; similar in scope to the period of the 1850�s effected the Industrial Revolution. Historically speaking, it was the US and Great Britain who drove that genius of civilization to fruition. We have heard about the coalition of the willing; let us see it in action. We have been working on integrated environmental solutions for over 30 years. Let us as a nation work together Internationally with those who can help us plant stronger roots of this dynamic industry. Green Energy will stabilize the conflict over resources, as well begin to balance society a little bit more in concerns to the work that we do together.

We are at a global crossroads where we must choose to embrace principles of ecological and social wisdom. For over 3 centuries the fire of industrialism and economy has burned and now we have created weapons of mass destruction and small-scale terrorism, that simultaneously may burnout the existence of all life, as well as human civilization on earth. Let us not forget of the process of industrial pollution that is slowly killing off all the diversity and strength of naturally ordered life on this planet. I only see a grim future in sight if we do not address the needs of the earth and its people.

Even if the scope of the �Rebuilding Iraq Green Initiative� is small and symbolic. We can give a message of smart growth to the all the people of the world concerning economy, ecology, and equity. This will require a lot of simplicity in action, patience in thought, and courage in the heart from many people. All of our actions together can move us towards providing the future generations with as pristine of a world as possible.

When we finally see the light, we can build a global economy based on sustainability. Our actions to rebuild Iraq with smart-growth as a foundation, we will spark the genius of creativity in the ecological economy to rise to the forefront of development and our daily lives. For we hold the keystone to the rebuilding of our commonwealth. Let the victory of peace finally emerge from the process of war. Let us no longer choose to war with the Earth, nor its people. Let�s work together to create peace on Earth.

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