Subject: Re: [permaculture] Re: Permaculture on Pitcairn
Date: Tue, 08 Jul 2003 08:32:59 +1000
John Schinnerer wrote:
>
> > This discourse has seen the questioning of the economic and social
> > viability of some Pacific island states. Some commentators believe that
> > smaller island states do not have the capacity to remain viable.
>
> For whom, when? And "social viability?" What the bloozargloth is *that*
> supposed to mean?
>
> This is a hoot, except that it's also very sad. We colonial powers just
> can't get over ourselves! We go in and impose all manner of unsustainable
> shiznit on these folks (who oftentimes gladly accept, but that's not an
> excuse for us doing it).
>
> Then when the shiznit hits the fan for the locals (or maybe just for the
> colonials' extraction of wealth), the colonials moan about "viability" -
> what a crock! The masters' systems aren't viable either - it just takes
> longer to show up on a continental scale.
Well, I think the main problem is an extremely small population, isn't
it?
That would affect "social viability"
> How about another alternative (there's always an infinite number) - the
> colonial powers make full and just reparations for the damage they've
> done, which may include ongoing support for the locals to rebuild
> regenerative and sustainable systems for self-sufficiency (like some of
> them had for thousands of years until we showed up).
Aaaand back out here in reality....
> And other than that,
> colonials get the heck *out* of there. Screw the 'foreign aid' pity crap
> - this isn't charity, we *owe* big-time. At least in terms of people care
> and distribution of surplus.
I agree entirely 100% but it is not going to happen.