...even though some claim, with reason, that structural political and economic changes (like decentralization or even secession) need to be made before we can really create a sustainable, peaceful society; and while some argue that national environmental organizations who ignore sovereignty/political issues are wasting energy, I believe that HUMAN ENERGY is our best and only hope and we should applaud anyone who is motivated to improve our society.

That's why I'm an energy optimist, because I know that we each have infinite potential to move energy toward creative solutions. And that's why, despite my recognition that the environmental movements are naive to think that clean-earth values can compete with vested corporate/political interests, I still completely support groups like 350.org, the Carbon Shredders and anyone who dives into this as an activist.

All of these gatherings and pep-rallies, while tame, naive and not nearly threatening enough to the powers that be, are still full of incredible value.

These values include community-cohesiveness, practice being heard and speaking, education, and taking the first steps toward true political action: taking personal action. There will not be a Second Vermont Republic without a massive grassroots movement combined with key leaders of the business community. And that's what this video represents: a grassroots-action partnership between three non-profits, several consumer-packaged-goods brands, and a for-profit festival organizer.

All of the people who made this happen live in Vermont. They are all highly motivated, concerned, capable, inspiring people with resources. None of them take VT secession, state soveriegnty, or even political decentralization seriously. Yet.

Bonnaroo Carbon Shredders - Promotional Video (2009) from Corey Drayton on Vimeo.