I often wonder if competition is truly a pitting of This against That. Indeed, it is through competition that one becomes stronger. Two wrestlers actually foster evolution in each other by challenging the opposition to build muscles as well as technique in order to win. In this sense, the two wrestlers are in partnership, which is why Oriental wrestlers tend to bow to each other and boxers shake hands prior to a match. Perhaps competition is a subset of cooperation? Not knowing the relationship of cooperation behind competition is partly why we are in such a mess politically, socially, financially and ecologically. Its another way the "powers that be" manipulate us.
So, what if Public Banking focused on funding and lending to those who wish to engage in more sustainable ways of raising food, such as permaculture? In this case, the focus is on raising food in the same fashion that Nature creates a forest, which is through variety. Yes, the focus could be on fostering diversity in creating a well functioning system. This entails one system containing a variety of species of animals and plants.
Perhaps Public Banking could really help us to live this ideal inherent in our Nation's motto, "E Pluribus Unam," instead of the standardization of everything from food to goods to stores to education. Perhaps the true enemy to democracy is the corporation? Yes, Western capitalism has ripped out the heart and soul of the native people inhabiting this planet and the dream of freedom. They have also vehemently destroyed Earth's body by creating wastelands of industrialized cities and mountain rages raped of their majestic beauty. Capitalism is nothing less than a cancerous growth upon this planet. The wasteland it creates holds a mirror to who the capitalist profiteers truly are. We don't have to buy into it. We can be co-creators on this planet that initiate the unfolding of a rich variety of life. Love is truly the answer to this quest.
The wasteland we create externally mirrors the wasteland of our bodies, minds and souls marked by the ethos of exploitation inherent within an ethos of never-ending growth. Interesting this growth mentality incorporates globalization, a take over of the world. Our corporate empire spreads its tentacles onto all areas of the Earth. As I've said in previous articles, cancer is growth gone wild. Corporate standardization, alongside its competition and survival of the fittest mentality, could be the reason our world is dying.
Can Public Banking be one of the medications for this disease by funding more variety in our economy and more Earth Friendly ways of doing business? By funding smaller businesses with more sustainable styles of interacting with people and the planet, could we become a disease in remission?
I wish I felt more hopeful!
But, then I see Ellen Brown's face and I think, "well....maybe!" In interviewing her on Envision This! I found Ellen to be a dedicated woman with extensive knowledge. She appears to care deeply about the people she serves. And, her tiredness that came through in the interview reflected this. Yes, ours was the 5 th interview she had done that day. And I truly think the interviews she engaged in were not just about promoting her book. It wasn't so much about sales. It was about her vision for a sustainable, resilient and equitable future.
Ellen and Public Banking are part of a much larger movement that includes Time Banking and Local Currencies such as the Berkshares. Perhaps the more variety the merrier? "E Pluribus Unim," In the Many One! This is more than just a slogan. It is the way of Nature. Walk into any forest and you'll find a wide variety of plants, animals, etc. Why even within one area there are micro-climates supporting variations in vegetation.
All of this increases the health of the ecosystem. Not miles and miles of standardized "McMansions" lining standardized streets bordered by standardized walkways.
Who is truly in poverty? Could it be that the spiritual and relational poverty of the upper--middle class executive living in his McMansion exceeds the economic poverty of their underlings? Conversely, could it be that the spiritual and relational wealth of indigenous tribes exceeds the economic wealth of our richest CEOs? Look at the smiling faces, listen to the participatory music, feel the ecstatic energy of their celebrations, then answer these questions for yourself.
Perhaps Public Banking can help to diversify the economy a bit, and the world. Perhaps then we can begin to see that the organic diversity of Nature is our true health and wealth!
To listen to the interview with Ellen, visit:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/envision-this/2013/08/15/ellen-brown--banking-as-a-public-utility
Links
For those interested in an account regarding Natural Selection and Survival of the Fittest, read: http://www.quickiwiki.com/en/Survival_of_the_fittest
Also: http://www.quickiwiki.com/en/Survival_of_the_fittest#sthash.8vtRhKRO.dpuf
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