Dear Folks: August 25, 1998
Dear Folks,
Well, I guess I’ll start with the sad news and end with the happy news, because that’s the order in which they happened. If you don’t like sad news, skip a page or so.
The process by which the universe is directing me to let go of Foundation Farm continued in its orderly pace this month, by bringing the life [...]
Sending Air Conditioners to Texas, and Other Vicious Cycles
By Donella Meadows
–August 13, 1998–
When President Clinton announced that he was sending $100 million so Texans suffering from the heat could buy air conditioners, one of my Dartmouth colleagues turned the news into a classroom quiz. What’s wrong with this policy?
It was an environmental studies class, so I hope the students got it right. A good answer would have been [...]
Lewinsky, Schmewinsky, Could We Have Some Real News?
By Donella Meadows
–August 6, 1998–
Reporters and photographers camp outside Monica Lewinsky’s apartment, umbrellas shading them from the summer sun, waiting to bring us — what? A glimpse of her being escorted to the grand jury? A first-hand description of her expression as rude questions are shouted out to her, none of which she answers? Is this stuff worth the attention [...]
Presidents and Citizens and Responsibility
By Donella Meadows
–August 20, 1998–
“I take complete responsibility,” the president said solemnly, while doing no such thing.
It’s far too easy, this “taking responsibility.” Having done something stupid or despicable, public figures duck and deny and delay. Finally, when the truth comes out and they have no other choice, they put on contrite faces and “take responsibility.”
What does that mean? What [...]
Dear Folks: July 27, 1998
July 15, 1998, Pittsburgh Airport
Dear Folks, I’m on my way to Alaska — I hardly believe it! Today I meet my mom in Seattle, tomorrow we ferry over to Victoria B.C., the day after that we return to Seattle and have tea at New Road Map, the day after that we fly to Juneau and get on a cruise boat.
The concept of [...]
