A series of three open discussions was organised in Autumn 2008 by the Riseup! Radio project in Nottingham. These were hosted by the Sumac Centre. They were recorded to enable a wider audience to engage with political discussion and reflection on grassroots approaches to the problem of climate change in the UK.
The debates examine the interaction of approaches that prioritise social change and those that appeal to centralised power, and ask: where does the movement for radical social change go from here?
Part 1- State: ‘Work with the Power?’
This first debate looked at the problems associated with trying to bring about positive or necessary changes to the way we live by appealing to and working with existing power structures. How do we feel about the state and why?
Also discussed was how we frame issues around climate and injustice. Does a preoccupation with scientific facts and figures lead us to forget the real causes of climate change and poverty? Speakers included Andy Bowman of Manchester No Borders and The Mule and Red Pepper publications.
You can listen to the first Sumac Debate now at:
http://riseupradio.wordpress.com/the-sumac-debates. It will also be available for download from Friday.
This debate was recorded on Tuesday September 23rd at the Sumac Centre, Nottingham NG7 6HX. Two further debates will take place, on Tuesday 21st October and Tuesday 18th November. Look out for more details on our next discussion which will centre on Anarchism, details to appear on Indymedia and on the Riseup! Radio website.
Part 1- State: ‘Work with the Power?’
This first debate looked at the problems associated with trying to bring about positive or necessary changes to the way we live by appealing to and working with existing power structures. How do we feel about the state and why?
Also discussed was how we frame issues around climate and injustice. Does a preoccupation with scientific facts and figures lead us to forget the real causes of climate change and poverty? Speakers included Andy Bowman of Manchester No Borders and The Mule and Red Pepper publications.
You can listen to the first Sumac Debate now at:
http://riseupradio.wordpress.com/the-sumac-debates. It will also be available for download from Friday. This debate was recorded on Tuesday September 23rd at the Sumac Centre, Nottingham NG7 6HX. Two further debates will take place, on Tuesday 21st October and Tuesday 18th November. Look out for more details on our next discussion which will centre on Anarchism, details to appear on Indymedia and on the Riseup! Radio website.
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Climate change scam
01.10.2008 18:24
But then I don't lecture everyone else how to behave either. Has there ever been a more hypocritical bunch that the affluent, 'eco-aware' middle-class greens with their nice, warm large houses, big cars, fancy holidays and general all round high energy consumption? And then they've got the cheek to tell the rest of us to cut back!
Being green is like the socialism in that so many middle-class, intolerant, authoritarian types think it is a great idea for everyone else but never for themselves.
Pete
Response to Pete
01.10.2008 19:24
You clearly aren't a regular reader of this site, Pete, because if you were you'd have realised that a huge amount of environmental direct action is taking place.
"Has there ever been a more hypocritical bunch that the affluent, 'eco-aware' middle-class greens with their nice, warm large houses, big cars, fancy holidays and general all round high energy consumption?"
Who are you talking about here? The people at this event? I didn't see many of the stereotypes you are portraying.
"And then they've got the cheek to tell the rest of us to cut back!"
*sigh* You didn't actually listen to the debate, did you?
"Being green is like the socialism in that so many middle-class, intolerant, authoritarian types think it is a great idea for everyone else but never for themselves."
Agreed. But, again, I don't think that the people who were involved in the debate fit the stereotype you are portraying here.
Who are you talking to, Pete?
@narchist
Resize pics please
01.10.2008 19:25
Ta.
IMCer