Incredibly frustrating, Ian. But I think I see a hopeful trend - Archived Message Posted by Rhisiart Gwilym on January 23, 2020, 1:08 pm, in reply to "HOC debate the XR Prevent controversy" I think that when a population of people are in a state of wishful denial about a looming crisis, it can take a few shocks along the way to bring them to drop the denial and face what has to be faced; preparatory to at least starting to do what has to be done. I suspect that the shocking fires in Oz, with other extreme weather catastrophes piling on, has been one of those denial-loosening shifts this past year. There seems to be a higher public profile to at least the climate/ecological segments of the Synergising Global Crises in recent months. So the conjecture has to be that the gics too are sloughing their own denial narratives, and are recognising with some alarm that something has to be done. Once they get really soberly frightened - as they bloody-well should be - they will then start to use their disproportionate influence to get things moving. That's when they need to be watched and confronted most particularly, as they try responses which will be all about protecting their privileges, and nothing to do with the most effective, just and humane approaches. Still all to play for, for those campaigning for climate realism - and, should I add, for the scarcity-socialism which is not only the most just response to the emergency in the field of human politics, but is also the line of action which is most likely to assist and improve the efforts to respond with sober good sense to the Crises. See also the item, mentioned in today's R3 'news' bulletinette, about the new report on changes Britain should bring in about its land-use practices? Another straw in the wind. The language about using tranches of the landscape as natural carbon storage sinks sounds to me like an open invitation to the Earth Protectors to re-double the campaign for widespread re-forestation, even here in Britain (one of the most heavily de-forested lands on Earth). The idea of Yr Ail Goed Mawr Prydain - the Second Great Wood of Britain - to replace the one that swept in after the ice went, and lasted into quite recent times, is one that haunts my dreams. Neighbour countries such as Norge or Suomi can have lots of forest without it being any difficulty for their economies. So could we; espcially the Scottish Highlands. Transformative for them, and for an independent Scotland; and a significant contribution to a creative, healing response to the Crises. Don't let the inherently slow pace of social change drive you to despair, Ian. The ice is cracking, I think. Keep sluggin' whilst you still have youth and energy! Give a few slugs for this decrepit retired activist too! Message Thread: Latest XR UK Newsletter - Ian M January 23, 2020, 10:44 am HOC debate the XR Prevent controversy - Ian M January 23, 2020, 12:26 pm Incredibly frustrating, Ian. But I think I see a hopeful trend - - Rhisiart Gwilym January 23, 2020, 1:08 pm Re: Incredibly frustrating, Ian. But I think I see a hopeful trend - - Ian M January 24, 2020, 12:09 pm BS 'debate' hosted by Jeremy Vine - Ian M January 24, 2020, 1:34 pm Roger Hallam rousing the rabble - Ian M January 24, 2020, 1:45 pm   Searching