12 Reasons You'll Be Hearing More About the Commons in 2012

[marmar]

from OnTheCommons.org:



12 Reasons You'll Be Hearing More About the Commons in 2012
We Power stands at the convergence of economic and cultural trends

By Jay Walljasper


1. The Commons is Essential to Our Health, Security & Survival

The commons comprises valuable assets that belong to all of us. This includes clean air and fresh water; national parks and city streets; the Internet and scientific knowledge; ethnic cuisines and hip-hop rhythms; the U.S. Weather Service and blood banks. But it’s more than just things—it’s also the set of relationship that make those things work. When you stop to think about it, most essential elements of our lives exist outside the realm of private property.

2. Discovery of the Commons Signals a Shift from “Me” to “We” in Modern Society

The continuing economic crisis shows the foolishness of promoting selfish individualism as the chief operating principle for our society. People today are rediscovering the value of what we share in common. Everyone’s net worth includes a number of valuable jointly-owned assets that enrich our lives as much as what own privately. Public services like libraries, recreation centers and public transportation are there for us when we can no longer afford new books, health clubs or another car.

3. The Commons is Not an Abstract Theory, But Rather an Organic Organizing Principle of Human Civilization

The commons is more than just a nice idea; it encompasses a wide set of practical measures that offer fresh hope for a saner, safer, more enjoyable future. At the heart of the commons are four simple principles, which have been practiced by humans for millenia: 1) serving the common good; 2) ensuring equitable use of what belongs to us all; 3) promoting sustainable stewardship so that coming generations are not cheated and imperiled; 4) creating practical ways for people to participate in decisions shaping their future.

These goals foster a spirit of cooperation that results in commons-based solutions to major problems. One longstanding commons-based solution is the North Dakota State Bank, which supports worthy projects and saves taxpayer money. It’s one reason the state is enduring the current economic crisis better than any other. A dozen other states are now looking into the idea. ............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://onthecommons.org/12-reasons-youll-be-hearing-more-about-commons-2012

[PDJane]

1. I certainly hope so.

The 'ownership' society is a figment of our collective imagination.

[Odin2005]

2. But that's SOCIALISM!!! Why do you hate 'Murika???

[getdown]

3. "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

[annabanana]

4. Thom Hartmann has been talking a lot about The Commons for awhile now. . . . n/t

[Mopar151]

5. wHAT SORT OF WORLD DO THE 1% WANT TO LIVE IN?

A relatively well kept, peaceful, somewhat egalatarian one, or a feral wasteland of broken roads connecting armed enclaves of the wealthy and their minions?

The old robber barons owned enough stuff directly - land, buildings, factories - that they could see the value of "The Commons" - because it supported, and raised, the value of their own holdings.

[valerief]

7. I think they want to live on Mars. Away from us and the toxics they polluted the Earth with. nt

[Phlem]

6. Too Many Ponies!!!!!

a chorus of republicon heads exploding.



-p