http://greenpolitics.ca/2008/04/a-change-of-focus/ A grassroots view of green politics Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:09:12 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 http://greenpolitics.ca/2008/04/a-change-of-focus/comment-page-1/#comment-729 bluegreenblogger Mon, 08 Dec 2008 02:31:11 +0000 http://greenpolitics.ca/?p=29#comment-729 Hi Stuart, I apologise for retaining a degree of anonymity, I've had enough grief slung my way in the past, and I'd rather keep the ire online, and at a distance. That said, I do believe that a degree of compromise will be required to make progress towards our (often) mutually held objectives. I have, and do believe that we live in a wider community, and that we take part as a political Party with the objective of convincing our fellow Canadians to change their way of life. It is true that I believe the focus of the polity is on human relationships, and our place in the world. Our defining characteristic is as egocentric, but social animals. I believe that people are essentially conservative, and resistant to change. While we might share an objective of bringing about a revolutionary change in attitudes, and behaviour, I think that it must be incremental in nature. That means dumbing down the message, and acquiring a broad appeal. I guess I like to think of myself as a grassroots green as well, but I work to build momentum amongst a largely unreceptive populace. I have found that it is easier to gain adherents by emphasising common grounds and the little things, than to proudly stand as 'the other'. I know that growing popularity, and broadening membership has been disquieting for many deep greens, and I empathise. It will probably get even more distressing with the next stage in our growth, but I believe that as long as you, and those like you tough it out, then we will, as a group bring Canadians the whole way. Be good Hi Stuart,
I apologise for retaining a degree of anonymity, I’ve had enough grief slung my way in the past, and I’d rather keep the ire online, and at a distance.
That said, I do believe that a degree of compromise will be required to make progress towards our (often) mutually held objectives. I have, and do believe that we live in a wider community, and that we take part as a political Party with the objective of convincing our fellow Canadians to change their way of life. It is true that I believe the focus of the polity is on human relationships, and our place in the world. Our defining characteristic is as egocentric, but social animals. I believe that people are essentially conservative, and resistant to change. While we might share an objective of bringing about a revolutionary change in attitudes, and behaviour, I think that it must be incremental in nature. That means dumbing down the message, and acquiring a broad appeal. I guess I like to think of myself as a grassroots green as well, but I work to build momentum amongst a largely unreceptive populace. I have found that it is easier to gain adherents by emphasising common grounds and the little things, than to proudly stand as ‘the other’. I know that growing popularity, and broadening membership has been disquieting for many deep greens, and I empathise. It will probably get even more distressing with the next stage in our growth, but I believe that as long as you, and those like you tough it out, then we will, as a group bring Canadians the whole way.
Be good

]]> http://greenpolitics.ca/2008/04/a-change-of-focus/comment-page-1/#comment-97 Suzanne Duarte Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:14:02 +0000 http://greenpolitics.ca/?p=29#comment-97 Go for it, Stuart! I'll add your blogs to my website and let you know when it's up. I myself gave up on American politics for the same reasons a couple of years ago. Education, advocacy, and action at the grassroots is the only way left to ecocentrics. With peak oil, climate change, and economic meltdown staring us in the face, the people have to take their own lives into their hands and gather their tribes for the bumpy ride ahead in this century. Go for it, Stuart! I’ll add your blogs to my website and let you know when it’s up. I myself gave up on American politics for the same reasons a couple of years ago. Education, advocacy, and action at the grassroots is the only way left to ecocentrics. With peak oil, climate change, and economic meltdown staring us in the face, the people have to take their own lives into their hands and gather their tribes for the bumpy ride ahead in this century.

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