Political diversity | <– Date –> <– Thread –> |
From: Larry Israel (lisraelaa.net) | |
Date: Mon, 17 Jun 1996 23:06:49 -0500 |
Hello All, Larry Israel here, of Puget Ridge Cohousing in Seattle. 2 or 3 years ago I was a subscriber and very occaisional contributer to this list, but since actually *living* in cohousing I didn't seem to have the time (or interest, really). Now, 2 years after move in, I've recouped my energy for it. I've been lurking for several months, and am ready to add a few thoughts from time to time. Something has been on my mind for a long time and the whole discussion of diversity reminds me of it, tho it is perhaps not directly tied to the intense discussion which has recently been occuring. I would like to point out a type of diversity which has, in my estimation, been pretty well overlooked by the cohousing "movement": political diversity. Most cohousers, myself included, share the value of living in a diverse community. Cohousing groups usually aspire to live amongst people of different cultural background, race, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and income. But I have heard nearly no expressed desire to live in community with people who have a wide variety of political views. This is true here at Puget Ridge, as much as anywhere. While I am glad that I live primarily amongst other left liberal types, I had hoped that when we were still adding members we would have gotten at least one token Republican. Unfortunately I don't think we did. I enjoy discussing politics and current events with people from a broad spectrum of perspectives, and am somewhat disappointed that, unless someone is in the closet about their political views, we are all at various points to the left of center. I wouldn't be suprised if this was true in many cohos, perhaps most. But no one seems to say anything about this lack of diversity, or view it as a shortcoming of their community. I'd like to hear your thoughts on this. Do you aspire to live in a politically diverse community -- including (shudder) Republicans? Is everyone in your group somewhere left of center? Do you agree that political diversity has been overlooked as a shared value amongst cohousers? Why is no one talking about this (or have I just missed it)? Larry Israel Puget Ridge Cohousing Seattle, Washington "As the most participatory form of mass speech yet developed, the Internet deserves the highest protection from governmental intrusion.... I without hesitation hold that the CDA is unconstitutional on its face." -- Judge Stewart Dalzell, U.S. District Court, June 11, 1996
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Political diversity Larry Israel, June 17 1996
- Re: Political diversity Michael Omogrosso, June 18 1996
- RE: Political diversity Rob Sandelin (Exchange), June 18 1996
- Re: Political diversity Todd Samusson, June 19 1996
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