Submitted by scharrison on Thu, 09/06/2012 - 8:15pm.
the actions of Earth First at this (and other) direct action operations. Not because I don't care, but because I'm conflicted.
First, I believe acts of extremism like this tend to make all outspoken environmentalists seem a little nutty, at least in the eyes of the public. Instead of calling attention to specifics of the problem at hand, more often than not they simply call attention to themselves. And not in a good way.
Plus, I've never been one for theatrics. It may be hard to believe from some of my musings, but I prefer an intellectual argument over jumping up and down, or brandishing a sign with red letters and exclamation marks.
All that being said, it must be remembered that the fossil fuel industry engages in quite a bit of direct action itself. By pumping millions into campaign coffers and immersing elected officials in a corporate creche like ALEC, industry is not only engaging in direct action, it's action that directly and negatively affects the lives of millions of people worldwide.
If groups like Earth First can make a difference, then my heightened sensibilities and personal preferences can take a back seat for a while.
but not because we haven't tried intellectual arguments until we're blue in the face. As brave as that action was, I find myself wanting activists to do more than what happened there (where was that anyway?). If actions like that result in something more than 3 1 hr. detentions they tend to be noticed by media and talked about by more people. Isn't that the goal really? How much attention did that generate?
Republican "leaders" have stacked the deck on fracking to favor corporate interests, selling the integrity of our water resources for short-term profit.
I won't be surprised to see this sort of insurgency escalate into full-fledged warfare in the years ahead. When folks realize that businesses are getting rich while contaminating our drinking water, some of them are going to be very, very pissed.
The Teabaggers built their movement on a call to rebellion against an oppressive government. The case for rebellion against unelected corporations would seem to be much easier to make.
last night, I am dismayed that he talked about the natural gas under our feet. How can anyone as smart as he is not realize the devastation fracking causes? In one breath to talk about the threat to our children from hurricanes, floods and wildfires spawned by global warming and in the next propose building our energy independence on extracting fossil fuels at the expense of our water supply is beyond a disconnect.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/23/2012 - 7:15pm.
In response to one of the comments above, please know that you and the people on this site, or who spend time reading democratic sites, ARE "the public." So, instead of being afraid of what others or, "the public" might think about the action, just say how you actually feel about it without worrying about what others might think of your opinion. It's ok to think something is justified even if it is outside of legal bounds. Every movement that has been successful has crossed legal boundaries at sometime or another. It's okay to have a backbone. Fence sitting has never won a movement any victories. Until people are begin to support real resistance we will continue to be plowed by corporations. Our Earth and oppressed peoples across the world do not have time to wait any longer.
Submitted by scharrison on Tue, 10/23/2012 - 8:21pm.
I've been trying to raise awareness about environmental issues for years, and the (rest of the) public's opinions are what I'm hoping to change. And when I have to spend time getting past the "crazy tree-hugger" assumption on their part before we can actually talk about stuff, that's time wasted that I can't get back.
All that being said, this video only has 352 views on youtube, and it's been watched 480 times here. In other words, a "thank you" would probably be more appropriate than a lecture. But I will keep your suggestions in mind, nonetheless.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/23/2012 - 10:16pm.
Of course, thank you for putting this up on your site, helping to spread the word and having dialogue around this. And thanks to those people who made this action happen despite what people think of them.
BlueNC is dedicated to making North Carolina a more progressive and prosperous state. If your intention is to disrupt this effort, please find somewhere else to express your opinions.
Comments
I neither condone nor condemn
the actions of Earth First at this (and other) direct action operations. Not because I don't care, but because I'm conflicted.
First, I believe acts of extremism like this tend to make all outspoken environmentalists seem a little nutty, at least in the eyes of the public. Instead of calling attention to specifics of the problem at hand, more often than not they simply call attention to themselves. And not in a good way.
Plus, I've never been one for theatrics. It may be hard to believe from some of my musings, but I prefer an intellectual argument over jumping up and down, or brandishing a sign with red letters and exclamation marks.
All that being said, it must be remembered that the fossil fuel industry engages in quite a bit of direct action itself. By pumping millions into campaign coffers and immersing elected officials in a corporate creche like ALEC, industry is not only engaging in direct action, it's action that directly and negatively affects the lives of millions of people worldwide.
If groups like Earth First can make a difference, then my heightened sensibilities and personal preferences can take a back seat for a while.
I'm conflicted too
but not because we haven't tried intellectual arguments until we're blue in the face. As brave as that action was, I find myself wanting activists to do more than what happened there (where was that anyway?). If actions like that result in something more than 3 1 hr. detentions they tend to be noticed by media and talked about by more people. Isn't that the goal really? How much attention did that generate?
The Boston Tea party comes to mind,.
Progressives are the true conservatives.
Somewhere in PA
The narrator mentions it at the beginning of the video, but I didn't catch the county.
I'm also not sure about media coverage, but I'll try to see if I can any stories.
Gonna have to hit harder...
As long as we keep doing what we're doing...we'll keep getting what we are getting.
War
Republican "leaders" have stacked the deck on fracking to favor corporate interests, selling the integrity of our water resources for short-term profit.
I won't be surprised to see this sort of insurgency escalate into full-fledged warfare in the years ahead. When folks realize that businesses are getting rich while contaminating our drinking water, some of them are going to be very, very pissed.
The Teabaggers built their movement on a call to rebellion against an oppressive government. The case for rebellion against unelected corporations would seem to be much easier to make.
As much as I loved the President's speech
last night, I am dismayed that he talked about the natural gas under our feet. How can anyone as smart as he is not realize the devastation fracking causes? In one breath to talk about the threat to our children from hurricanes, floods and wildfires spawned by global warming and in the next propose building our energy independence on extracting fossil fuels at the expense of our water supply is beyond a disconnect.
Progressives are the true conservatives.
"The Public"
In response to one of the comments above, please know that you and the people on this site, or who spend time reading democratic sites, ARE "the public." So, instead of being afraid of what others or, "the public" might think about the action, just say how you actually feel about it without worrying about what others might think of your opinion. It's ok to think something is justified even if it is outside of legal bounds. Every movement that has been successful has crossed legal boundaries at sometime or another. It's okay to have a backbone. Fence sitting has never won a movement any victories. Until people are begin to support real resistance we will continue to be plowed by corporations. Our Earth and oppressed peoples across the world do not have time to wait any longer.
We're not just the public
I've been trying to raise awareness about environmental issues for years, and the (rest of the) public's opinions are what I'm hoping to change. And when I have to spend time getting past the "crazy tree-hugger" assumption on their part before we can actually talk about stuff, that's time wasted that I can't get back.
All that being said, this video only has 352 views on youtube, and it's been watched 480 times here. In other words, a "thank you" would probably be more appropriate than a lecture. But I will keep your suggestions in mind, nonetheless.
Of course, thank you for
Of course, thank you for putting this up on your site, helping to spread the word and having dialogue around this. And thanks to those people who made this action happen despite what people think of them.