Category: Governance

Gutting Net Metering

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I think we forget that utility companies are private, for-profit organizations that are given permission to have a monopoly if they’re willing be overseen by a utility commission charged with ensuring benefit for the public.  When we, as individuals, generate our own power, it reduces the income enjoyed by the electric utilities.  So, they’ll pay lip service to sustainability with a few wind machines or a small solar farm … which they photograph and publicize so they’ll look like they really care about sustainability … but, bottom line, profit is still their goal.… Keep reading

Charlie Chaplin & Sustainability

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I recently happened to see “The Great Dictator,” a brilliant film Charlie Chaplin created in 1940. His ending speech really sat me back, and seemed as relevant now as it was then.  So … here’s a variation of my usual blog.  I’ll post excerpts from his speech, then two articles about current events that exemplify the excerpts.  If you wish to see the segment from the film … https://www.charliechaplin.com/en/articles/29-the-final-speech-from-the-great-dictator-

Afterwards, I’ll add comments about how that might apply to each of us, in terms of greater sustainability.… Keep reading

New Zealand Passes Zero Carbon Bill

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Leaders provide a model that others can copy and improve upon. Finally, one nation has formally passed a zero-carbon bill that will, by law, move its population into a sustainable lifestyle.  Here’s an article reporting about that law and some of its spin-offs. If you’ve visited New Zealand, you know that it’s beautiful, and that their people value the beauty and richness of their environment.  They live with Earth, yet sacrifice nothing in terms of their lifestyle.

Then … I’ll add suggestions about what we can do if our country has no such “official legislation.”… Keep reading

Beyond Wind Power

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Here’s an excellent example of a community not only turning to sustainable power, but also enhancing life quality their region in the process.

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Scottish wind powers housebuilding

in groundbreaking joint venture

 

Housing association invests in electricity-generating

turbines that will fund affordable homes in rural Scotland

 

Peter Hetherington

19 April 2017

 

Amid the rolling hills and woodland pastures of south-east Scotland, a wind of change is blowing through communities where low wages and casual work sit uneasily alongside the popular image of timeless market towns and pretty coastal villages.… Keep reading

Community Governance

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In recent times, several instances have emerged leaning essentially towards secession from our current U.S. system.  Some describe seceding regions, such as New England or the Pacific Northwest or much of the South.  Here’s one effort that’s become formalized.

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Colorado Community Rights Network

Files Constitutional Amendment

To Secure the Right to

Community Self-Government

Free from State Preemption

MEDIA RELEASE
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Contact: Ben Price, Projects Director
CELDF.org
BenPrice@celdf.org
717-254-3233

Denver, Colorado, January 20, 2014 – The Colorado Community Rights Network (COCRN) has submitted to the state for review and comment the language for a Community Rights Constitutional Amendment to be placed on the 2014 ballot.… Keep reading