Re: Nature Spirit (was: definitely related)

Will Arnold (warnold@coop.ext.colostate.edu)
Fri, 3 Sep 1999 09:48:05 +0000

After being gone for a few days, and upon downloading
messages, I agree with the idea that sanet should stick to the
physical. However, as I work my way through the postings I come out
the other end much richer because of the discussions. I work for
Extension and NRCS as a community development person for
the past 10 years. I have worked in some of the most
depressed agricultural areas in the country and I know what
damage has been wrought by science, educators, government programs
big business and some hard headed individuals. I also know that we
must talk about sustainable living in all it's dimensions.
The expert role does not work. USDA has proven it over and over.
We must learn to listen to people, create ever expanding networks, do
some science but connect it to sustainable lives. If all we talk of
is the physical nuts and bolts we will forget that sustainable ag is
a holistic movement. We are fortunate to be at the forefront of a
great revolution. Revolutions fail when they cannot define their
purpose and then develop some traditions and folkways based on input
of the early founders. This is a higher order endeavor and must not
be watered down for want of prestige and recognition by the
intellectual, or monied establishments. The status quo is in need of
change and this group has the people, the ideas, the wherewithal to
make those changes. However if the spiritual is deemed as a
separate part of the movement when the dust settles what we will
have will be the same thing just different. Thus listen, speak,
write, pray and if it doesn't suit you, delete. Thank you.

Will Arnold
Regional Extension Specialist/RC&D
Community Development
P.O. Box 157
Hugo CO 80821
(719)743-2370 ext 112
warnold@coop.ext.colostate.edu

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