WA State Dept. of Ecology promotes UN Agenda 21
Editorial by Sue Forde
Citizen Review Online
October 1, 2011
Olympia, WA - The Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) is promoting Sustainable Development (UN Agenda 21) and the Earth Charter in its programs, and should be "reined in", according to Randy Dutton, former candidate for Washington State Representative District 24 Position #2.
In a letter to his State Representatives, he wrote: "I would like to know if you concur with the Department of Ecology’s claim of mission to include ‘A Just Distribution of Wealth’?
"Social justice is contrary to property rights.
"If you do not concur with Ecology practicing ecological economics where they believe in ‘a just redistribution of wealth’, I would like to know what you are doing to rein in Ecology."
He cited the DOE's statement under "Ecological Economics"
"The economy is one of the pillars of sustainability. It must function to prevent pollution by providing incentives that promote efficient resource use and eliminate waste. The economy must also support healthy ecosystems, the source of our natural resources. Preventing pollution and protecting ecosystems preserves Washington's environment, allowing Washington communities to develop sustainably.
Ecological economics applies the scientific principles of physics, ecology, economics, and sociology towards research, design, and development of policies and practices needed to implement a sustainable economy.
The basic goals of a sustainable economy are:
·An efficient allocation of resources
·A just distribution of wealth
·An ecologically sustainable scale1"
Embracing and promoting UN Agenda 21 and the Earth Charter
According to the DOE's website... -http://www.ecy.wa.gov/sustainability/index.html
"What is Sustainability?
These web pages on sustainability are designed to provide the necessary framework for understanding sustainability. Their purpose is to help individuals, businesses, and government learn how to turn the concepts of sustainability into action.
In 1987 the World Commission on Environment and Development, known as "the Brundtland Commission”, issued the "Our Common Future" report and defined sustainability as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
The "Our Common Future" report called for a new charter to guide the transition to sustainable development. The resulting Earth Charter, finalized in 2000, earned global consensus. Today, it is used internationally as a reference document in peace negotiations, government processes, community development, and as an educational framework.
According to the Earth Charter, we must work together to create a global society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture of peace. Toward this end, it is imperative that we, the peoples of Earth, declare our responsibility to one another, to the greater community of life, and to future generations.
The three pillars of sustainability include the environment, social equity, and the economy. A strong resilient economy depends upon a vibrant and equitable society which in turn relies on a vigorous flourishing environment. The balance of the three pillars leads to prosperity and peace for future generations.
The stacked model represents one view of the sustainability framework. It attempts to demonstrate that a healthy environment provides the foundation for life. The economy is placed in the center to illustrate its key role in creating and maintaining an equitable society and a healthy environment: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/economy.html"
What is "social equity"? According to Wikipedia, " Social Equity is the orphaned element of Sustainable Development. In 1996 the President's Council on Sustainable Development defined Social Equity as "equal opportunity, in a safe and healthy environment." Social Equity is the least defined and least understood element of the triad that is Sustainable Development yet is integral in creating sustainability - balancing economic, environmental and social equity."
If one reads the Earth Charter, you can quickly see that it is the antithesis of the US and Washington State Constitutions, which instruct government to "protect individual rights".
You can read the Earth Charter (highlighted) here: http://nwri.org/earth-charter/
Here are just a few of the points included in the Earth Charter:
- The benefits of development are not shared equitably
- Fundamental changes are needed in our values, institutions, and ways of living.
- We must decide to live with a sense of universal responsibility, identifying ourselves with the whole Earth community as well as our local communities.
- all beings are interdependent and every form of life has value regardless of its worth to human beings.
- when knowledge is limited, apply a precautionary approach.
- Internalize the full environmental and social costs of goods and services in the selling price,
- Ensure universal access to health care that fosters reproductive health and responsible reproduction.
- secure a sustainable livelihood, and provide social security and safety nets for those who are unable to support themselves.
Promote the equitable distribution of wealth within nations and among nations. - Support local, regional and global civil society,
- Enhance the role of the mass media
- Recognize the importance of moral and spiritual education for sustainable living.
- use collaborative problem solving to manage and resolve environmental conflicts and other disputes.
- Demilitarize national security systems...
- This requires a change of mind and heart. It requires a new sense of global interdependence and universal responsibility.
- In order to build a sustainable global community, the nations of the world must renew their commitment to the United Nations, fulfill their obligations under existing international agreements, and support the implementation of Earth Charter principles with an international legally binding instrument on environment and development.
After reading the Earth Charter, one can begin to see the mindset of those in charge at the DOE. Let's hope the State Representatives take note that the direction of this agency is not in the best interests of the constitutents they serve, and that they will work to reverse it.
The title on the DOE page "What is Sustainability" points to a youtube video which gives the worldview of "sustainability" and why we have to follow the "four rules" set out by "scientists" to become sustainable. It's located at http://www.youtube.com/user/naturalsteponline - if you watch it, note that the propaganda piece gets rid of cars, that sustainability means that the earth can "continue to do what it was designed to do". It's interesting to point out that the basic premise of the cartoon video misses the point - they point out "what it was designed to do", the apparently comes to the conclusion that the "designer" is "nature." Therefore, "Nature" is the "god" of sustainability. Several of the statements made on not founded on fact, but the conclusion is that, again, we "must" adhere to the "four commandments" to "save the planet."
The DOE isn't the only agency promoting Sustainable Development (Agenda 21). The current and former governor passed executive orders to push it forward. (http://www.ecy.wa.gov/sustainability/exeorders.html) Unless the people of Washington go along with the "fundamental change" incurred by Sustainable Development, perhaps a new governor is in order who will adhere to our Constitution.
Read more about Sustainable Development - Agenda 21 - and its affect on you and your way of life here: http://nwri.org/agenda-21/