The Echo Christmas edition articles provided a poignant reminder of the issues facing us at both a local and global level.
Are we to retreat into denial, or despair, even if our own self-interest is not threatened, or will we take decisive realistic action, i.e. ‘Think Global, Act Local’ to create a more just and democratic world through collective action?
If ever there was a time, [it’s now as we face] locally: increasing gentrification, and social homogeneity, changing the once international ‘alternative’ lifestyle character of Byron, to the bland franchised business mode.
The rapacious land development, by developers, marketed as slick ‘eco’ Byron, West Byron et al; the local ecology is under enormous commercial pressures – always pushing the envelope as capital continues to expand and re-invent, chasing profits. There is inadequate social infrastructure in these times of increasing social marginalisation and income inequalities. This extends well beyond just human survival; it includes the vast array of fauna and flora that is under greater threat than ever before in history, over the planet.
Alejandro Aleman’s article ‘Is there an alternative to exploitation to sustain us in our luxury?’, provides an insightful and good analysis of the current energy transition and decarbonisation plans. However, it falls short by not explaining the all-pervasive nature and structural impediments of the system that is devouring itself, and the planet – capitalism.
Byron is a clear example, as it transforms into the image of the well-heeled propertied investor class, and their symbols and accoutrements of ‘success’. Meanwhile, the hollowing out of ordinary Byron people’s lives who are unable to secure a place to rent or buy, becomes more acute, as governments of all persuasions are held hostage by the wealthy and powerful.
These structural political questions will only continue to fester, as the wealthy class ensure that governments take punitive and repressive measures to maintain and advance their business agenda of growth and profitability. This will not change until there’s a seismic shift by the majority, finding political agency to demand fundamental democratic change. Caution should arise however, with still-lingering, misguided and misanthropic Malthusian thinking [that paints] humanity as the villain; at times morphing into dangerous far right politics.
Likewise, the social crisis of housing affordability and burgeoning rents are all underpinned by a common thread, linked together by virtue of their exchange value of financial gain. Hidden from view is the economic power imbalance resulting in exploitation and oppression; the commodification of everything with the sole intention of the minority few making mega profits.
As a wise person once said to me, we must ensure we leave a better world for our children, and grandchildren… and for each proceeding generation.
Let us consciously work towards this noble and realistic goal.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
