       Here is a link to a website that can help prepare you for the rocky economic times ahead. Since 2003, my friend, Chris Martenson, has presented extremely compelling insights regarding the declining dollar, the insolvency of the US, peak oil, and the global economic crisis we now face. Please visit the website and take 'the crash course'. Sounds like a pitch, but I personally guarantee that if you visit the site and digest the material, it will change your perspective and your life. |
"All We Have Are Our Feet and Our Voices...and a very strong community!" January 20, 2010 - Jonathan 'Slug' CrowellIn January, 2010, the Safe & Green Campaign organized a 'Winter Walk' from Brattleboro to the Statehouse in Montpelier to impact the upcoming vote and spread awareness about retiring the VY nuclear reactor.As a member of the food logistics team for the 'Walk' up to the Statehouse, I witnessed on a daily basis, the power of remarkable people working hard to safe guard our community. Our positive energy and strong, articulate voices overflowed into the corridors of the Statehouse and drove home the message that '40 Years is Enough!': the time has come to retire the tattered Vermont Yankee nuclear reactor. The phenomenal success of the 12-day walk revealed great perseverance and commitment on the part of organizers, participants and supporters in VT, MA and NH. I want to personally congratulate all of the people who've worked for decades to strengthen our community and build momentum for this winning campaign! I'm proud to be a part of a community of people who truly love to work together to make the world a better place.
One theme that emerged during the walk was the astounding sense of hospitality of the people of Vermont. We were greeted with warm cheers and hugs as we sought refuge from the cold winter that we all share here in Vermont. We were a traveling force of smart and passionate people who spread goodwill and good deeds all along our journey. The diversity of backgrounds, including plumbers, builders, farmers, mediators, local business owners, strengthened our ability to relate to people on the ground. Ultimately, we want to ensure that our region is a hospitable place, without the burden of radioactive waste and the fear of a nuclear meltdown. Originally, I was skeptical of the effectiveness of a 'Walk'. To the credit of the organizers, they created a 12-day, empowering and fun experience for 100's of people. People of all ages and capabilities could plug-in on some level; making important phone calls to Legislators, providing beds, baking cookies, washing dishes, as well as the simple task of putting one foot in front of the other. Who could have guessed that cooking a dish for a potluck was part of the winning equation that helped shut down Vermont Yankee? We embarked on this ambitious endeavor with the expectations that a successful 'Walk' would harness the power of people and small businesses, significantly impact key decision makers, and build momentum towards a more positive and sustainable energy future. We exceeded our expectations by energizing 100's of people and by getting a clear and concrete declaration from Senator Shumlin that there is no way he will vote for the relicensing of VY. We have reaffirmed the sense that Democracy is alive in Vermont. It is abundantly clear that Vermonters AND their democratically elected officials are ready to end the toxic reign of Vermont Yankee.
Thank you for everyone's inspiring support. The 'Walk' could not have been possible without the support and unwavering dedication of farms, coops, restaurants, small businesses, churches, grange halls, community centers, rescue facilities, non-profit groups, and individuals ready to move forward, step-by-step. It's an honor to be a part of this winning campaign! Remember, the future success of this campaign is not possible without courageous people and small businesses stepping up and speaking out to ensure our safe and green future! Please keep the pressure on Legislators to do the right thing! Jonathan 'Slug' Crowell, Amazing Planet! Farm & Justice Center, Williamsville, Vermont For play by play coverage and photos
of the climatic day at the statehouse, please visit http://stepitupwalk.blogspot.com/  Amazing Planet ! Farm & Justice Center is: A new cooperative eco-friendly farm and activist center, committed to sustainable living and revolutionary change, is emerging in southern Vermont. Simultaneously working with the forces of nature and the movement for global justice is a winning combination. Given the state of the world, it is reassuring to learn how to grow our own food and to depend on our neighbors for both the necessities of life and invaluable community spirit. We hope this space will facilitate problem-solving on planetary, community and personal levels. Come visit, experience progressive rural Vermont, and help honor this amazing planet! We are open to input in regards to needs and requests from the local community. What would you like to see happen with the land? How could the community benefit from this farm? In what ways could this farm supplement as a community gathering space? Please contact Sam or Slug via email - info@amazingplanetfarm.com or call 802-348-9818 or swing by the farm for more information. |
And what great
timing! As the Legislative session opened, citizens were moving
forward with a positive vision of a truly safe and green energy
future, while Entergy and the nuclear industry were caught on
their heals, covering up lies and back-pedaling regarding the
migrating plume of radioactive tritium that has leaked into the
Connecticut River bed.
On a personal
level, I feel really jazzed about my contributions and look forward
to the next time I can immerse myself in this culture of empowerment.
This community of inspired people is a real treasure and I encourage
everyone to get involved during this last push towards victory.
What a relief it will be to retire VY and liberate this community's
ability to work on more positive issues.