Derrick Jensen: "There is ONE measure by which we will be judged by those that come after us . . .

. . . and that’s the health of the land base. It’s the only thing that matters. the ONLY thing. . . You can have this eco-groovy socialist utopia, and if you’re living on a poisoned planet, you don’t have anything!”

“People ask me if I advocate violence and I say no. Nor do I advocate non-violence. I advocate being present to your circumstances and being present to your own gifts, and using those gifts in the service of the land base.”

“Imagine: we all start saying: ‘I will do WHATEVER IT TAKES to stop global warming, monsanto, military imperialism, etc.’ What happens if we do that?”

This rousing Derrick Jensen clip reminds me of my vow, on returning from the North American Permaculture Convergence in Minnesota just over a month ago. My take-away from the convergence was the understanding that any permaculture project of whatever size, if it’s worth it’s salt, will rub up against existing laws. On my way home, I vowed, “Whatever is mine to do, I will do.” And immediately experienced a victory of sorts, when, moving into equanimity (and that is key!), I directly and kindly confronted this city’s gov with a contradiction between what an old, outdated law requires and what the city claims to be promoting. That story shall remain largely untold. (As usual, the best stories I cannot blog for one reason or another!)

I did tell the story to my friend and permaculture teacher Keith Johnson yesterday, when he stopped by for tea. And he replied, with vivid energy, “Permaculture is an INTERRUPTION in the system.” Exactly. Keith then told me of a television interview with permaculture founder Bill Mollison. At one point the interviewer said, “My God, what you’re advocating is REVOLUTIONARY!” And with that Bill Mollison stood up and just about started shouting hallelujah so excited was he that an interviewer from mainstream news had just gotten a glimpse of permaculture’s potential to help heal this planet, the land base upon which generations depend.

 

About Ann Kreilkamp

PhD Philosophy, 1972. Rogue philosopher ever since.
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4 Responses to Derrick Jensen: "There is ONE measure by which we will be judged by those that come after us . . .

  1. Mari Braveheart-Dances says:

    Ann, thank you for your wonderful inspiration to Permaculture. I, too, am determined. Like you, I’m an “older lady,” and still fiercely determined. After selling my house (and thus losing my garden) I’m in an apartment. I’m looking to move to a “cottage” where I can begin my permaculture adventure. In the meantime, I have a small garden here which the butterflies love. For me, this is my dream, and it is coming true. In solidarity, Mari

  2. laurabruno says:

    Reblogged this on Laura Bruno's Blog and commented:
    Yes!

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