Image by Democracy Chronicles via Flickr
with Richard D. Wolff
TheRealNews on Nov 10, 2014
Richard Wolff says every capitalist tries to systematically reduce wages, then can’t sell what those wage workers have produced.
from the archives:
Rise Up America, Rise Up! by Mohammed Mesbahi
Sheldon Wolin: Can Capitalism and Democracy Coexist? Part 1, interviewed by Chris Hedges
Dandelion Salad 
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Break down the big picture of corporations and the global economy, I can buy a water hose, made in Belgium, shipped to a NW, Melbourne, Australia, or chocolates made in Holland, we need to return to small holdings, that require hands on work, organic farming, down the road from me, is potato farms of thousands of acres, supplying McDonalds, who keep them in debt.
We need to return to small holdings, the government want big holdings, it easier to tax.
David Foster, very important link to the Moses Organic Farming material. I shall be spreading that, too!!
Thanks doctom, he really nails it for me, exemplary, supremely intelligent and inspirational…exactly the same principles the Campaign for Real Farming here in the UK are advocating, their annual conference in Oxford is in January ~ see (& ff)
http://www.campaignforrealfarming.org/2014/10/a-national-agricultural-policy/
Thank you so much, David, for sharing the “campaign for real farming article with us. It is a gem of wisdom and practical ideas which communities can use for creating a much needed paradigm for not only a sustainable agricultural environment, but a system for increased self-sufficiency and re-localization of food production, more thoughtful natural resource use, and a gradual reduction in fossil fuel use from foods shipped in from far away places.
One community at a time!
Kudos to you Frank, a great summary.
I’ve spent quality time with Colin T. and admire his work enormously, he is a marvellous biologist and a terrific writer who communicates fluently and coherently. He is also a genuine, and generous human being, so I wholeheartedly support the Real Farming Campaign and try to encourage these ideas and practices in our local community here in N. Devon as much as possible.
Most of the farmers I know do not want to damage the land, diminish wildlife habitat or abuse stock, but they are mortgaged by circumstance and caught in this high pressure consumer system they do not necessarily either enjoy or respect.
It’s hugely encouraging to learn about the likes of Mark Shepard, so in my opinion, we have actually reached the most critical and significant cusp, a moment of vital opportunity.
I am an optimist, because I am convinced that real (ecological) intelligence is actually contagious.
This said, we have to be realistic, & there is no doubt about the capacity of some for obtuse myopia and perverse prejudice ~ but once these fresh ideas begin to seep into the broader consciousness of those who are capable of understanding and grasping the nettle ~ particularly the young, who are sick of deceit, cynicism and poisonous politics & are really hungry for opportunity, resourceful creativity and innovation….then, we shall witness some quite remarkable initiatives taking hold.
Money is not the (only) problem as I see it ~ after all there is more of it sluicing around than ever before in recorded history ~ no, it is really about trust, sharing knowledge, reinventing community (ie affirming mutually enlightened self-interest,) understanding Earth values, prudence and commitment.
Sanity must prevail, and so long as we have the will we’ll find our way, & eventually things will clarify and cohere. Nobody can predict what ultimate outcomes may be in the offing, but I dare say there are still plenty of surprises in store.
I enjoy listening to Richard Wolff. He’s absolutely right. This crazy situation is like a huge boulder rolling down a mountain, nothing can stop its descent.
We don’t have to wait for gravity to do its job. The really big solutions are not going to be found in alienated urban consciousness, but in the regenerative heartland.
The answer is not designing bigger and more wasteful artificial environments with complex lunatic gadget systems, it is to be sought directly in how we understand our immediate relationship with Nature.
If you want a glimpse of the future, and the way resilient farming is about to change the whole game, I recommend listening to Mark Shepard from Wisconsin, a guy who really knows what he’s doing and talking about, and how to best explain it in no uncertain terms…! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hlKOZ6TaO0
I so agree, David.
Thanks for the link, will definitely watch this one.
I second dandelionsalad.
Sheppard is great!