Cohousing-L Mailing List: FIRST POST Questions and sort of statement (Wayne Tyson)

[kkudia (kkudia]

Joining in the discussion a little late about 
Rules/Agreements/Guidelines/Principles that govern human life. I have the 
digest format hence the delay.

I too, would argue that we live under a variety of rules, rulers or 
authorities (who make rules). Some authorities are benevolent (works for the 
good and welfare of its people) other authorities can be oppressive and 
harsh causing many people to suffer. Then, there are those people who just 
hate and resent all rules/authority despite the consequences of negative and 
hurtful results to others.

Obviously with civil law, rules in a variety of settings like at school, 
driving a car, how to conduct a fair voter election, living in community etc 
there needs to be a clear structure/form (no matter what you want to call 
it) that strives to ensure some kind of fairness and protection to all 
(example a drunken driver). This clear structure/form gives everyone 
incredible freedom and restrains the abuse of power by one or many. If laws, 
rules did not exist or were so unclear that no one understood they meant or 
implied…or if one decided to break the law/rules….anarchy/chaos becomes the 
rule with people not only out of control…but human freedoms and 
relationships damaged and destroyed…hence the exodus from Community...it 
seems to me…anarchy would prevail, causing far greater human suffering than 
seen in an oppressive tyrannical Authority. I think the consequences of 
having no clear, definable basis that everyone agrees on (i.e.how they want 
to live together) will not promote a thriving Community. In fact if you take 
this to the logic of its conclusion: no clear rules or fluid rules that are 
unclear, end up in chaos. Franz Kafka novels point this out so clearly as 
well as The Road by Cormac McCarthy well written yet harsh and violent.

(Oh and I am not suggesting that Wayne is advocating anarchy. I think Wayne 
is right in seeking answers to formulate a clear basis or foundation to 
build a healthy and thriving Community. He found the right group to exchange 
ideas with. Thanks to him, I have been enjoying this discussion.)

If we choose to live by humane principles with its mutual responsibilities 
(i.e. for example one governing principle of life is: do no wrong to another 
human being) in our relationships: personally, community, nationally and 
internationally perhaps we could resolve most our human differences, 
tensions and disputes. Differences whereever you find them can bring 
tensions that can escalate into conflicts. For example I love playing the 
piano, my neighbor hates hearing piano music being played. Solution a 
compromise. I play during certain hours and give her earplugs or some other 
workable compromise, which is agreeable by both. (ps I don't play the piano 
but have ear plugs.)

I would argue that healthy rules or responsibilities of how we behave/live, 
may be determined in one or two ways: either by general humane principles or 
else by an Authority creating specific injunctions for the welfare of all, 
protecting the weak, less articulate and vulnerable. Like others on this 
chat, I actually prefer words like principles, responsibilities and human 
agreements. For example, the principle of respecting others, forgiving 
another who wrongs you, living peaceably & responsibly with others, not 
passing judgment nor despising those of a different personality, opinion 
etc. all providing the basis for policies, which can be adjusted to the meet 
the needs of an ever changing, dynamic Community all done with the context 
of a clear Community vision that energizes, motivate life together, despite 
any ups and downs that comes its way.

Just my opinion.

.

Karen

Anthony FL