Manifesto

"A manifesto is a public declaration of principles and intentions, often political in nature. Manifestos relating to religious belief are generally referred to as creeds. Manifestos may also be life stance-related." -Wikipedia

 

How can anyone at age 21 have a manifesto? Have I even lived long enough to know what I want to believe in? Maybe age, location, and demographics change what you believe but not how you believe. 

I live in rural Oregon, a place that is desolate on some accounts and very rich in others. Because of its influence I have become hardworking, hardy, self-reliant, and opportunistic. Since I have come to college I have realized many of my strengths and weaknesses and within the last year I have developed a new sense of self.

Now for the manifesto: What do I believe in?

I believe the act of education should be wide rather than narrow, self-driven rather than forced, and well-rounded rather than one-sided. I believe that self-education and a revamping of our education system in this country is not only desperately needed but is necessary for a generation of children who will be less educated than their parents and grandparents. Buy forcing certain rules, educational boundaries, and political agendas we harm our children's ability to see learning as a wonderful thing as well as ruin their ability to apply the information that they are learning. 

I believe that communities should be self-sustaining with small businesses that thrive. When greedy corporations enter a small town with the plans of building a store they drive out small business who cannot match prices. Yes, more jobs are available. Yes, there might be cheaper prices. But that is at the cost of a torn community fabric and a selling off of community resources to feed big business. I believe in shopping at small stores when I can.

I believe in a minimalist lifestyle. By getting rid of material things I do not need or not buy them in the first place I am able to save money to further my education or travel. We do not get joy from the newest car or biggest house. I often find that people who have downsized due to our current economic situation are acctually happier because they do not have to worry about stuff or impressing others. I believe that these lifestyle choices enable me to claim economic independence where I do not owe the bank or the credit card company. I purchase only what I can afford and live simply.

I believe in self-reliance. I think that everyone who owns ground show grow a small garden. They should learn how to store the food that the garden produces. I believe we should learn how to cook for ourselves, fix things ourselves, ride a bike or walk when we can, and be come independent from oil and large companies.

I believe in food!  Food is what nourishes us and can be our medicine. By shopping organic, growing my own, and purchasing form local farmers I can create a healthier planet and insure that both plants and animals are treated with care and respect. Our food should be honored because it died to feed us. Without it we would starve!

I believe in the respect and equal treatment of all peoples regardless of where they are from and what they believe.

And lastly, I believe in freedom. This word has been twisted and manipulated in our government. It has been fought for. But freedom to me is to be self-reliant, to understand interconnectedness and believe that we can make a difference in this world.

Thus is my manifesto.

Namaste.
CCosner