Art imitating Life?

[annette]

While I was reading another post I got to thinking. A lot of old movies and books I have seen seem to be prophetic in regards to what is coming to pass years after the movies were made. Most were science fiction and are now mainstream.

Examples:

Island of Dr Moreau-mixing genes of different animals and making hybrids. Happening now.

Terminator-skynet, computers and AI droids. Science is making them now. drones etc.

China Syndrome-Fukishima. still unravelling

1984-Big Brother-watching citizens, thought police, freedoms curtailed.. Now NDAA, FEMA etc

Brave New World-clones, drugs to control growth of embryos, mass medication. Now Flouride and other chemicals in the drinking water, animal clones, new viruses that can attack the brain so that you accept all orders, chemical labotomy.

Hunger Games-technological elite. Extension of Agenda 21?

Any others?

[ecodharmamark]

G'day annette

What's your understanding of Agenda 21?

Cheerio, Markos.

[annette]

Hi Markos

I haven't studied the whole document but have read excerpts and the preamble.

Agenda 21 is set up by the UN. A document that sets out the path to sustainable development and saving the biodiversity divided into 8 programs. On the surface it looks good.

However it could be an attempt to impose a global centrally planned quasi-government administered by the United Nations. Under Agenda 21 all central government and local authority signatories are required to conform strictly to a common prescribed standard. Global government in other words. I have a problem with that. Too much power in such few hands is a recipe for tyranny. The environment needs to be protected but going down this path is fraught with peril. Just my opinion, but I would rather see local targets and incentives for achieving the aims of Agenda 21. Not a top down or strong arm approach. True and lasting change starts at the grass roots level.

Cheers
Annette

[ecodharmamark]

G'day Annette

Thanks for that. Yes, at 350-plus pages, it is a rather hefty tome. I constantly refer to it in my work/study, and as such I have become quite familiar with some of it. For example, I respond particularly well to Chapter 27, because it recognises the important role 'participatory democracy' plays in global society:

Non-governmental organizations play a vital role in the shaping and implementation of participatory democracy. Their credibility lies in the responsible and constructive role they play in society. Formal and informal organizations, as well as grass-roots movements, should be recognized as partners in the implementation of Agenda 21. The nature of the independent role played by non-governmental organizations within a society calls for real participation; therefore, independence is a major attribute of non-governmental organizations and is the precondition of real participation.

For me, some of the best examples of 'participatory democracy' can be found operating at the local government level. For here is a platform where individuals and groups can come together and slog it out on a weekly basis. Unfortunately though, many individuals in our communities are (for whatever reason) unable/unwilling to participate in this process, and thus we often have decisions made in favour of a vocal minority (and often by those who reside at the 'top'), at the expense of a silent (albeit, largely ignorant) majority. True 'grass roots' style democracy can only ever work if the people it would best serve are willing (and able) to participate in all of its processes.

One avenue that people can explore further if they are interested in participating in a bottom up approach to Agenda 21, is to further the practices of their own local government in the overall process.

Cheerio, Markos.