If only we could Cob.

[Otherfish at aol.com]

In a message dated 10/19/98 2:37:50 PM, you wrote:

<<Boy, do I know this one! It seems like cob kinda demands a community, and I
think doing cob can demonstrate just how lacking we are in basic community
networks and structures. The basic permaculture of our social organization is
frayed apart and near death! No wonder we need jails and psychiatrists, et al,
when there's really no fundamental fabric!
>>

dear unleesh
you raise some HEAVY issues
the self centeredness of our culture weighs upon us all
i think on these things & wonder  -  HOW to relate to this madness
how to do SOMETHING that will help change this sorry state of affairs
and yet - at the same time
i can't help but wonder also........
is this our culture or.......
is it simply the nature of life to be self centered?

i mean - if you follow it all the way to the end
-to basic motivation
-we all do what we do because it's what we perceive to be the best thing to do
-how do we know what is best?
-well, seems to me that "best" is the same as "right" (community?) 
(now don't get lost in the values - there's a point to this)
saying best & right  & other such absolutes is really a way of saying =
what works for me (read: I, you, we, us, they, them, etc.)

-thats all any of us is really doing/saying when we do what we think is right
-in the ultimate, we act from a base of self intrest (in whatever
manifestation our personal madness gives it)

so - if this is true - if this is our very nature 
(disagree if you see otherwise - i feel it to be profoundly true)
then how can we use this f--k'd up ness to the benefit of our world?

see what has succeeded
-what has given the power to the madness
& use this 
-turn it around
-ride the energy
-give people a way to use what you think will benefit the world
in a way that will benefit them
& then they will do it
once folks see that they PERSONALLY can benefit from something
then just try to take it away from them!!
(watch out - you might get a kick in the butt or worse)

so whats this got to do with cob? 
if cob
can be set free
if everyday folks who's lives are filled with survival immediacy madness can
make & build with cob without the currently needed level of devotion
then 
watch out
the mud will hit the fan

regards
cob on

john fordice
TCCP
otherfish at aol.com