Everyone knows what superheroes are. It goes without saying that they can accomplish the most Earth-saving when they band together against the most spectacular threats. Superheroes, as my role models, have shaped who I have become.
Those of us who have been gifted with intellect, education, relative wealth on multiple levels and in particular are living in the nearly incomparable safety such of the Pioneer Valley with its incredible resources, owe the world pay-back.
Superheroes taught me that. What is the biggest project that I can take on, at this point in my life? What brings together the most valuable, powerful and exciting tools and resources at my disposal to better the world I live in?
Today, at 70 years old, that project is saving the world. My current conclusion is that building a state-of-the-art, zero-energy, intentional community populated by social justice communitarians living with a kick-ass social contract will push hard in the necessary direction of living the changes we want for the world of social justice and sustainability.
This is a call to other superhero types wanting to bring all of their powers to bear on the dramatic threats the world faces. We cannot expect people who are being shot and bombed and are hungry to be the ones to design the replacement paradigms being called for to retire the dysfunctional, greed-driven ones we now populate.
If not us, who? I am currently holding 17 acres of south-side property high on the hill between Hope Street and Highland Park and am seeking others to bring ideas, designs and resources to take such a project to the next level.
John Bailey
Greenfield