[Pil-pc-oceania] Pil-pc-oceania Digest, Vol 9, Issue 14

[Robyn Francis]

On 4/7/07 9:36 PM, 
"pil-pc-oceania-request at lists.permacultureinternational.org"
<pil-pc-oceania-request at lists.permacultureinternational.org> wrote:

>>>> Cecile <anhinga at internode.on.net> Tuesday, 3 July 2007 12:31 pm
> the in fighting and self-seeking
> rampant ambition was unbelievable - all ended with a bunch of us resigning
> our positions - as aspect which continues. The Greens became yet another
> poliltical party with their focus switched to getting elected and while
> there is reason in that it should always come second to principles -
> not override them.

What you describe are issues and patterns of human nature and
behaviour--neither the Greens nor permaculturists are immune to the foibles,
trips and traps of being human. I speak not as a cynic, but from a place of
compassionate empathy from well over 30 years of involvement in alternative
movements, intentional communities, and community organisations, and 24
years of full-time permaculture activism.

I've seen a lot of people come and go in permaculture. Pc has 'lost' a lot
of good people who've been hurt and burnt by key pc people and peers
(including Bill). I have too been at the receiving end of such behaviour,
yet somehow I have never been able to abandon my commitment to permaculture.
Individuals that have caused me grief, I can only forgive them their
humanity and strengthen my resolve to be more mindful of not inflicting like
on others. None of us are perfect beings despite the noblest aspirations.

I seriously doubt that a PPP would be any different in the long run.

Re Tamaras post yesterday - all good sentiments, but how many decades would
energy be spent on a PPP before even one representative sat in parliament,
let alone enough to influence votes or legislation. An independent
permaculture lobby group would have a better chance of influencing these
matters than forming a political party. For pc representatives to be invited
onto government work groups, the movement would need a higher public profile
and credibility, like ACF. (Pc folk like Jason Alexander have worked in this
capacity in the past, bringing pc perspectives and solutions into these
forums) ACF is listened to because they have a large membership base which
represents votes, and they have media-savvy. There are benefits to
developing a strong central organisation. PIL would have this potential, if
enough people joined and contributed to processes - and perhaps a change of
name to something with a more national flavour would help (Permaculture
Australia?).

Ciao
Robyn

-- 
Pathways to sustainability through
Accredited Permaculture Training
Certificates III & IV and Diploma of Permaculture
Erda Institute Inc

Robyn Francis 
International permaculture design and sustainability consultant, educator &
facilitator

Djanbung Gardens 
Permaculture Education Centre & Demonstration Farm
PO Box 379 Nimbin NSW 2480
02-6689 1755  /  0429 147 138
www.permaculture.com.au