Read more about this book at www.chelseagreen.com

Food prices are on the rise. In 2007, according to the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of food rose 4 percent, the
highest single-year increase in two decades, and it looks like food
costs will go up another 4 percent in 2008. The prices for corn
and soybeans are skyrocketing because of the increasing demand of crops
for fuels such as ethanol. In addition, with higher
transportation costs, it is costing more each day to ship food across
the country and around the world.

Whole Systems Design, Inc. describes its work as “occurring at the interface of people and land --
where the built and biological environments meet.” Based in Vermont’s
Mad River Valley, Whole Design Systems integrates ecology, landscape
architecture, site development, construction, farming, education and
other disciplines. Founder Ben Falk holds a master’s degree in
landscape design and has taught at the University of Vermont and
Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum. Vermont Commons Editor Rob Williams
conducted this interview.

THE DECAY OF CAPITALISM
By
Richard Davis

GUILFORD- It’s not an economic downturn and it’s not a recession. So what is really going on with the economy? Why are we not hearing the truth about why economies from small households to large countries are in trouble?
Part of the reason has to do with the fact that the media are fixated on reporting details about the obvious or the most dramatic. They rarely spend the time to dig below the surface, content, for example, with reporting about the race for the money instead of explaining what qualifies a person to become president.

 The Peak Oil conundrum is perhaps the single best 21st century
trend for making the case for relocalization, and ultimately, secession.

 Rather than elaborate here, I suggest you read more from Richard Heinberg, who was in Vermont late last week to share his 8 books of wisdom with listeners.

by Dana Dwinell-Yardley

Now, I know this is going to sound like something I would never say in a million years, but it's true. Last week I went shopping — and I came home happier for it.

This sounds like something I'd never say in a million years because it's something I'd never do in million years. I don't like spending money. I don't like owning junk. I don't like wandering around looking at junk that I could spend money on. Shopping is generally a waste of my time. But last week, it was different.

FISCAL IDIOCY
By
Richard Davis

GUILFORD- In the world of politics the only way to save money is by spending less. In the world that the rest of us live in, experience has taught us that belt-tightening is a temporary, short-term fix.
If spending less could actually solve problems do you think our economy would be in such bad shape? If spending less could make a difference, then why are Vermont’s roads and bridges in such poor condition? If spending less could make a difference, then why are Vermonters struggling to pay bills for health care, education and fuel?

THE ULTIMATE FANTASY
By
Richard Davis

GUILFORD- Dreams are an important safety valve. Without them, many of us might snap or simply give up all hope for a better life or a better world. In today’s world dreaming has become as important as breathing.
Some people dream of riches or fantasize about sex or many of life’s other pleasures. Those are healthy dreams. I waste some of my dream time on matters related to social policy and health care and I do occasionally indulge in more mundane fantasies.

Most Vermonters don’t think much about the water that flows from our
taps – groundwater, primarily – until there’s a problem. Like
contaminated water. Or no water at all.

The idea that the free flow of this seemingly inexhaustible
resource might be an issue in Vermont – that Vermonters’ wells could
run dry – has not crossed many people’s minds. Until recently, that is,
when the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) identified and began
to raise serious questions about a gap in the state’s water laws.

When Vermont peaceably secedes from the U.S. Empire, we will have a
great opportunity to re-imagine all aspects of our life here. We
can re-make the government, the transportation system, the
environmental regulations, the education system, the services for the
people who need help, and the health care system. What a gift
that will be! In the meantime, let’s share what we think might
work.

Consider the nation’s health care system.