In the cacophony of politicians yelling at each other and us about what’s best for our towns, our state, our nation and, sometimes, the Earth I hear one recurring theme that they all share. Growth is good. Could we maybe question that sacred assumption, just a little?

I know, I know. It’s considered almost blasphemous — but really, unlimited growth? Forever?
Think of the earth as an organism. In any organism, if something begins to grow and just doesn’t stop we generally call it cancer. Not a good thing. How is that not what we are doing to the Earth right now? At some point you know this must stop or the Earth will rid itself of us one way or another.

Yes, we’re acting like a cancer, but this cancer is allegedly self-aware. We can theoretically respond in a logical manner to assure our continued survival. Will we?

Michael Luce
Portland