This all leads me to consider the small is beautiful philosophy. In an increasingly globalised and homogenised world it would seem increasingly sensible to develop localism. The Earths carrying capacity is being tested by consumerist capitalist economies. The clock cannot be turned back, nor should it, but the case for local supply systems for life support systems has never been stronger. If 75% of food is locally sourced it will mean fitter healthier people. I have not done the maths but furniture that is locally made by craftsmen (is this a gender free word?) and lasts for generations or even centuries has to be cheaper than mass produced crap.
Politicians could no longer preen themselves in egoistic orgasms – ‘local’ areas of between 100000 and 1 million would prevent the ‘lord of the manor’ syndrome – especially if parties were abolished. Now there is a thought. The party system, I think, developed in the 18th century. Is it relevant today? Seeing members of the House of Commons trooping through the voting chambers seemed archaic yesterday – and more so today. It has long been my mantra that I do not support every strand of any party manifesto – so why do I have to? With electronic voting we could all be automatous. The fear is something like capital punishment or refugees where the shite media could make the horrendous a popular decision. So there would need to be safety measures (although what would work in a democracy I am not sure with the USA likely to impose a ban on abortion. I guess facist men still rule?
But I return to the small idea. I know that even in the context of my village I am in a very small majority. The shop does sell another copy of the Guardian sometimes, and 3/4 on Saturday/Sunday (Observer). But in a small community the eccentric or non-conformists are tolerated. Just thinking about this last comment – does the anonymity of cities create more freedom? In the past this would certainly be true. But maybe not so true today when having a phone increases our ability to access knowledge by a zillion percent!
Does this impact on the moron with a banana or can to throw at a football match, or the equally stupid female who thinks a short skirt gives her power, probably not. But there are always some for whom a visit to the zoo is to see a more intelligent life form – even in a wormery. I am fed up with seeing politicians wearing t-shirts saying “I am not arguing – just explaining why I am right”.