Resource Rebels

It takes a lot of strength to pour over the sort of bad news that Gedicks brings us in "Resource Rebels." It's an emotional challenge to witness the ways in which the Indian Wars continue, how few people are aware of this indigenous holocaust, and how hopeless people can feel in the face of its inertia. The inhumanity shown by the executives of these extractive industries and the military and media hit men that serve them - it's all rather sickening. The soul that Gedicks exhibits is also evident in these "Resource Rebels" who show tremendous courage to confront these impossible odds. There are other important books that look into the attempts to slow the progress of this destructive leviathan the planners of our hi-tech militarist society have created Paradigm Wars: Indigenous Peoples' Resistance to Globalization. The interests of these transnational conglomerates are not human interests. And when the U'Wa in Colombia, the Shuar in Ecuador, the Komoro of West Papua, and the Chippewa of Wisconsin challenge their oppression and the destruction of the earth - they are defending all of humanity and future generations. In the chapter on "The Military, Trade and Strategies for Sustainability" Gedicks notes how demanding our military is of minerals and oil resources. He cites a study that estimates "that military consumption accounts for 10 to 20% of U.S. mineral consumption." And in opposition to the desires of the general public, we continue to construct newer fleets of fighter planes and aircraft carriers all the time. Budgets are always tight for new libraries, health care, university educations, etc.; but there's always money for the warfare state. Why We Fight I've purchased a couple copies of this book, because the author and publishers like "South End" are so deserving of support.