permaculture

[Annie Pollock <anniepollock@tiscali.co.uk>]

 I think I could speak as an elder (50 something).
My experience of the topic raised by Kevin was that no one picked up on 
his 'why?' question. I was very disappointed by the defensive responses, 
lack of interest in the depth of his question,and inability to grasp the 
opportunity of examining 'why?'
So, why are young people(not only young people) genuinely disturbed at 
an occupying military force, with a deeply dodgy reputation for civilian 
wellbeing, teaching permaculture to a civilisation older than most 
western civilisations, in a geographical region where historically the 
local people are/were famed for their beautiful gardens, poetry, and 
self sufficiency?

Why not examine what greenwash is in this century? If I imagine myself 
in the shoes of a civilian in Afghanistan or Iraq right now I would be 
more than fucking disgusted at the pathetic token gesture/irony of being 
helped with agriculture by part of the military machine. It doesn't add 
up - depleted uranium, drones,military'errors', people fired on for 
collecting water..... get real! (apologies for the rant, but I feel 
strongly about this one)

Why fear saying 'no' to a deeply non ethical organisation?

These were just some of the good questions raised on ethics.

Oh,and why, why, do people keep banging on about the value of experience?
 I find that in this decade of my life I learn  and act better, and 
make fewer mistakes, when I approach everything by firstly laying aside 
my own pre conceived ideas. I can pass on my life experience, but 
younger people are much sharper at picking up on a dead approach to a 
topic.
Times have changed.

As far of reputation goes, we are only as good as our last decision..... 
We stop learning when we stop listening to the question.
Annie
ps. And why do all the bumble bees in my garden favour one chive plant 
in a row of sunny (for Scotland) chive plants?
 I  keep watching but I can't work it out. :-)