P.O. Box 103, Mars Hill, NC 28754
e-mail: johna@madison.main.nc.us
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P.O. Box 103, Mars Hill, NC 28754
e-mail:johna@madison.main.nc.us
The Bartering Network is entering a new phase of activity and development. We have successfully initiated a Bartering activity, thanks largely to the efforts of Jane and Rick Morgan. We now know that a newspaper is too expensive, time consuming and irregular for continued publication, although the ones that were published helped to introduce the idea of exchange among local people. The Zanderboard sessions were useful, but need to be reconsidered in light of the effectiveness in meeting needs of members of the network. Printing and circulating mountain money based on local interests and resources has opened possibilities that are yet to be realized.
The use of local mountain money to expedite exchange between persons and organizations provides an effective way to enhance the local economy on a scale that empowers those who enter into such exchange (see fact sheet on Ithaca hours in this news letter). Local mountain money is based on the participation of local people, their services, energies, businesses and abilities. It is also based on a healthy local environment that is protected and enhanced by the consciousness and action of local people.
This is in contrast to federal currency that is backed by a huge national debt and a consciousness based primarily on material gain with damaging impact on the environment and the persons who are trapped in the patterns of exploitation and dominance of insensitive corporate interests and military power.
The following comments point to thoughts for consideration in our next phase of development. As a living system, with local, national and international interactions, whatever we evolve will undergo continual adjustment as we grow and learn together.
First, it seems clear that we need to learn to think and act differently if we are to have a Mountain Exchange that is to be sustainable in meeting real needs of the region. The words "Mountain Exchange" instead of "Bartering Network" are used to emphasize the need for such change.
This new emphasis recognizes that consciousness is more basic than material and narrow economic criteria in guiding human activity and thought. The Marxist view of life based on material and economic matters has proven to be lacking. The capitalist emphasis on materialistic matters has contributed to massive destruction of ecological systems, both biological and sociological. The economic dominance and exploitation of developing countries by multinational corporations is an expression of such destruction as is the damage due to the use of the military to gain narrowly viewed advantage over adversaries.
The new emphasis associated with the words "Mountain Exchange" is that consciousness is central. Consciousness precedes Being and physical experience. We can develop a new consciousness in the way we relate to each other, both in human exchange and the way we exchange energies with the environment at large.
How can this be done? By learning with every exchange that we experience, learning guided by the recognition that each individual and the community at large are vital aspects of the exchange. If an exchange is between two individuals who want to swap services, currency or goods, each individual should have his/her needs met with those needs being viewed in the context of the good of the community at large.
For example, if Joe wants to swap a lawn mower and Jane wants to swap a year's supply of horseradish, it is important that the lawn mower really meets Jane's needs and that the horseradish meets Joe's needs. What are the motives for the exchange? It is up to Jane and Joe to judge whether those needs are apt to be met through such a swap. That involves honest, clear exchange of information between Jane and Joe. Such exchange is necessary, but not sufficient, if the exchange is to be desirable.
The lawn mower is fueled by gasoline and the question of air pollution and the depletion of nonrenewable resources for the larger community should be recognized. A typical attitude assumes that the amount of fuel, pollution and depletion of resources is minuscule and can be ignored. However, multiply the individual amounts by the number of power lawn mowers in this country and the total may not be negligible. Also, what about the noise the mower makes and the impact on the neighbors? Could it be that Jane's husband, who uses a hand mower, would prefer to have the healthy exercise that is provides? There is a larger community to be considered in the "simple transaction between two persons."
Also, when recognizing that consciousness precedes material and physical matters, it becomes clear that the relationship of consciousness to the subconscious is of vital import. Intuitions arise in consciousness when the subconscious and conscious aspects of the mind are properly attuned. Such attunement can be enhanced by the way in which we enter into the many exchanges of daily life, especially in a community in which such attunement is encouraged through rapport among the persons involved. Intuition is a powerful and often neglected aspect of our capacities. A balance of intuition and rational thought is needed to fully realize the opportunities before us.
These thoughts are presented for your consideration. Where do we go from here? Please share your thoughts with others in order to develop the kind of Mountain Exchange that we all want to support because it enhances our individual lives and the quality of life in our community. Your comments are needed to develop activities that meet our needs most effectively. If you choose, please send your comments to: