The thing is, you *are* different - from the ones that get all the publicity which are the only ones most people know about. The ones that most people know about are the fanatics and fringe-dwellers, out at the extremes, which is why you get described as one of the sensible ones. Because you live in the real world and recognise that there are consequences and compromises needed.
There are two points in there First - you need an extreme fringe element, it makes it safe for others to take the "middle ground". This is human nature and seen in religon, politics and the environmental movement. I personally have no problem with them as it is necessary though some of the ideas are a bit wakky
Second - My point is that I am the same as they are, the extermities of our belief is often what is different - We are Environmentalists and Greenies. If people want to criticise Extreme Environmentalists then they can damm well say 'Extreme Environmentalists' not just Environmentalists
I don't know that the average punter knows that they are extreme environmentalists as all they call themselves (and the media is complicit in this) are environmentalists. So I think you need to translate what they say into what they are actually referring to. And yes, it would get incredibly frustrating to be tarred with that brush and assumed to be one of the fringe elements every time you state your case.
Your point about the extremists being necessary is good, but again it's the media that has made it that way to a great extent. It's a two-edged sword, in that you can take the middle ground more easily but you get the disadvantage of the association at the same time.
It's that kind of attitude from people who don't bother learning about what they're attacking that made me so depressed with working in the Environmental industry originally.
But I hope I can get back into it in some form, because otherwise I'm no better than the nay-sayers.
The "I hate Greenies" argument is just the same old ad hominem tactic used by ignorant people since time immemorial: if you attack the *person* with the views you don't like, you don't have to have an intelligent rebuttal to their arguments.
Live, practice and keep track of what is happening is possibly the best way to start getting back into it. There are multiple issues to stay in tune with including the growth of Melbourne issue, Water etc As it turns out I have been looking for a bit of direction for my LJ and this might just be it. Next week I am thinking about a post relating to a freeway development
Well whats the problem with building houses, there is nothing out there anyway?What you said, with particular emphasis on the agricultural land - seriously, most of Australia is not good crop growing land, wtf are we building extensively on the small amount we have?! This really does irritate the crap out of me. Factor in food miles and petrol, and suddenly you've got a major increase in the cost of food that completely offsets any benefit of having the affordable housing
( ... )
There is a legal requirement for developers to consider cultural and environmental heritage concerns prior to development. I agree that the developments should also have to take accessibility and PT concerns into account. The Melbourne 2030 plan did some of that - however it has since been scrapped as policy.
That said - if people stop building in south east Melbourne I think I'd probably be out of a job :)
Seriously tho. There are serious concerns with policies for development, many new housing estates are not constructed in a sustainable manner, there are also serious concerns with the lack of sustainable farming policies. This is why I'm voting Green.
Comments 13
Reply
First - you need an extreme fringe element, it makes it safe for others to take the "middle ground". This is human nature and seen in religon, politics and the environmental movement. I personally have no problem with them as it is necessary though some of the ideas are a bit wakky
Second - My point is that I am the same as they are, the extermities of our belief is often what is different - We are Environmentalists and Greenies. If people want to criticise Extreme Environmentalists then they can damm well say 'Extreme Environmentalists' not just Environmentalists
Reply
Your point about the extremists being necessary is good, but again it's the media that has made it that way to a great extent. It's a two-edged sword, in that you can take the middle ground more easily but you get the disadvantage of the association at the same time.
Reply
I've never really got the exaggeration of Green Party policy, either - "They want to force your kids to have drugs!"
Reply
Reply
It's that kind of attitude from people who don't bother learning about what they're attacking that made me so depressed with working in the Environmental industry originally.
But I hope I can get back into it in some form, because otherwise I'm no better than the nay-sayers.
The "I hate Greenies" argument is just the same old ad hominem tactic used by ignorant people since time immemorial: if you attack the *person* with the views you don't like, you don't have to have an intelligent rebuttal to their arguments.
*hugs*
Reply
There are multiple issues to stay in tune with including the growth of Melbourne issue, Water etc
As it turns out I have been looking for a bit of direction for my LJ and this might just be it.
Next week I am thinking about a post relating to a freeway development
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
That said - if people stop building in south east Melbourne I think I'd probably be out of a job :)
Seriously tho. There are serious concerns with policies for development, many new housing estates are not constructed in a sustainable manner, there are also serious concerns with the lack of sustainable farming policies. This is why I'm voting Green.
Reply
Leave a comment