CHINA

Do we want the Chinese to live like we do?

About 15 years ago I was visiting one of my sons in Jackson, MS, when I read a little article in the local paper announcing that the Unitarians were offering a soapbox at their 4th of July church picnic to anyone who wanted to come down and use it.

Being that the Unitarians and I are kindred spirits, I thought I might amuse them as well as demonstrate my latest book, The Resort Circle: The Best Idea in America: Community of/for Change, advocating a live-better village lifestyle with the ambience of a Walden Two culture and environment.

Whenever people see someone on a soapbox, they become skeptics who want to throw stones and knock the speaker off the soapbox. (For goodness’ sake, don’t take me literally.)

For the most part, my oration fell on deaf ears, if not worse, but I did say something that caused one enlightened, thinking listener to come over and shake my hand.

What did I say that converted him? I had said, “You don’t want the Chinese to live like we do.”

See the recent New York Times series “Choking on Growth: China’s Environmental Crisis.”

For an in-depth, long-range background, see the website of Worldwatch Institute, whose publications I’ve been reading for over 30 years.

I'M BACK

Back in 1994 I launched a new blog, Using Videos to Better the World, dedicated to advocating the making, distribution, and worldwide use of educational videos, along with discussing current issues on socioeconomic topics, including sensitive and controversial areas of politics and religion.

Time and technology continue to march forward, and thanks to newcomers such as YouTube and Jumpcut, millions of people are now able to enjoy making and sharing videos worldwide.

Although health issues interfered temporarily with my project, I’m now back, renewed and rejuvenated, better than ever, with my 77th birthday coming up in December, writing this new blog as JUSTERNEST.

I’ve been known as “Justernest” for many years, having been blessed by my Greek parents with a last name too difficult for many people to say and remember.

Topics and issues that I’ve been writing about for almost 50 years are still current, and I plan to share insights old and new.

I live here in paradise on the Mississippi Gulf Coast with my wife Marilyn, a retired schoolteacher, who helps me with these endeavors, including my website,
The Resort Circle.

We welcome you to join us in this adventure!