Still, one hopes that there is yet salvation – capitalist ideology ostensibly seems irreconcilable with the ultimately collectivist mindset that climate protection advocates, and it exists in every niche of our society. Dell computers for example, are proud to trumpet that their latest model is designed to reduce its Co2, yet they have all the latest million-dollar defence contracts firmly in their hands, proclaiming both facts with equal merit on their website – and as a consumerist, I find myself using their products out of necessity to cope with workloads and live what is apparently quite a self-oriented life, as do we all in the West, it seems.

It would seem that what people have some difficulty with is allying themselves with the notion that alteration to their capatalist approach is not necessarily a means of dispensing with it and suddenly – and rather ridiculously – embracing socialism. Surely one might account for their actions in the world and retain a sense of responsibility even as they gain capital in their society? It would seem that since the post-war generation, we have incrementally divested ourselves of the idea of personal responsibility for our actions and would rather seek anyone else to blame – so that even as our own wasteful squandering of resources stares us in the face, we point the finger and invade some other country to cry “their fault” under a flimsy pretext. One still mulls over the profound coincidence of America’s playing ‘hero’ and the acronymic significance of ‘Operation Iraqi Liberation’, to give an example.

All of our resurgent Malthusian worries about over population and the destruction of the earth are ultimately territorial concerns – as we are encroached upon and invaded, however we may perceive it, we lose and conquer territory, just as we always did – yet the great fault in this mindset now is that territory is becoming less and less useful to us, dwindling in resourceful value as everything is devoured and used. One can only shudder at the thought of a world in which there exists nothing for too many – ironically, perhaps it will be then that a sense of responsibility and care is finally regained too late.

It seems, as I see it, that since none will so easily divest themselves of the cornerstone of Western socio-economic ideology, then we must reconcile our notions of capatalism somehow, with the capacity for a mutual, human concern for the future, to take personal account of our actions and accept the consequences of them, however grisly that may temporarily be to us. It appears to be the only viable way, and yet with companies like Dell wallowing in hypocrisy, a long way off.

But at least Bexie21 did what she could, and maybe hopefully, some people will go away and also try to do something about it. We have to be hopeful dont we, and just keep on doing what ‘we’ can.

Best wishes.
Jon

(Someone who drove 800miles up to Edinburgh G8 Make Poverty History March)

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