Journal 4- Berry, Berry, Cool

 "We had accepted uncritically the belief that technology is only good; that it cannot serve evil as well as good; that it cannot serve our enemies as well as ourselves; that it cannot be used to destroy what is good, including our homelands and our lives." (Statement IX, Berry)

That paragraph is a very power one, for it sums up the common way of thinking for hundreds of years.  Ever since the first man discovered fire, people have been trying to come up with new and intuitive ways of accomplishing things in a simpler way than previously.  This idea of the world viewing technology advances being only good is not necessarily true.  That being said, to more people than not, the pros of having that new phone outweigh the cons of money spent or a special pairs of pants needed to fit it in their pocket.  We all certainly do know of the ability other countries have to destroy us, but when is the last time you thought about that?  Those thoughts can easily be covered up by gloat-full " 'merican pride", or a quick glance at a PC to watch cats falling into bath tubs.

NOT a cat video

In his second essay, I found Berry's views on importing and exporting in the most profound and interesting.  He stated "It (viable community) does not import products that it can produce for itself. And it does not export local products until local needs have been met."  It is interesting to me because I have never really thought about it that way before.  Not importing things we can produce, and only exporting after we have enough for ourselves.  It truly makes sense and it is something that a large community would have a tough time accomplishing.

Define a Term
       "Berry" - An indehiscent fruit derived from a single ovary and having the whole wall fleshy, such as a grape or tomato.

 Yes everybody, that was a joke... It's alright to laugh.. Especially when you are at the computer late at night trying to get that last comment in. 
     The term I really chose to define is venerable.  It is defined as old and respected : valued and respected because of old age, long use, etc. -Merriam Webster  I chose it for the same reason you most likely chose yours, I didn't know what it meant.  Now knowing what it means, it does make sense in the text.  He was referring to a "venerable principle", or a common belief that has been around for many many years and is well respected.  It further helps express his thoughts in a well thought out manner.

 WHY DOES ALL THIS MATTER?
I would like to see some facts on these topics, especially on importing and exporting.  Would holding on to exports until the local community was well off selfish?  I suppose this is a lengthy debate and it could be argued for days.  

You didn't think I was holding out on you, did you?

Now Comment!

Thank you for making it thus far!  And just for that, these are for you.