Patrick Mazza

Let us call to those better angels of our nature which have expanded democracy and justice over these 249 years, working in the places where we live to organize power and forward the ideas that will make a just and sustainable future. That is the ground for a New American Revolution.

Truly, we need to reclaim the commons, including our most fundamental common realm, the atmosphere. Saito has illuminated the critical path, starting by organizing and building power in the communities where we live. Indeed, we must build the future in place.

Saito makes a compelling case this is exactly the kind of economy we need, one which will slow it down so we can deal with our multifaceted crises. In other words, to leave a world with which our children can cope. But is it the kind of economy we can have? How do we get from there to here?

So Saito’s fundamental argument, that we must slow down the economy and reduce material consumption to turn around the climate crisis, remains potent. If anything, the breaching of multiple ecological limits beyond climate makes it stronger.

We must both defend existing political institutions, saying hands off, and put our hands on the wheel to build new institutions that truly address the planetary crisis.

We are in for some hard times, but in addressing human survival needs such as housing by creating community alliances and institutions, we can build the solidarity we need for the long-term.