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| The law locks up the man or woman Who steals the goose from off the common But leaves the greater villain loose Who steals the common from off the goose. The law demands that we atone When we take things we do not own But leaves the lords and ladies Alone Who take things that are yours and mine. The poor and wretched don’t escapeIf they conspire the law to break; This must be so but they endure Those who conspire to make the law. The law locks up the man or woman Who steals the goose from off the common And geese will still a common lackTill they go and steal it back. (UNKNOWN AUTHOR) This folk poem (a common in itself) dates to seven-teenth century England and was a protest directed at the privatisation of common land on a nation-wide scale known as the Enclosure Movement. |
scribd | Freerange Vol.7 is being edited by Jessie Moss, Joe Cederwall and Tim Gregory.
This edition will aim to explore the issue of “The Commons” from many
different angles, perspectives, disciplines and media. The concept of
‘the commons’ has particular relevance in light of the multiple crises
we face for the environmental, financial and social future of our
planet. We want this edition to be an exploration of how the commons are
actually being utilised and engaged by communities in reality in
today’s transforming society. We want to get down to the nitty gritty of
the concept and look at workable commons models both past and future.
It will be a celebration and exploration of this transformative vision
as applied in practice all around us.
A succinct definition of ‘the commons’ is elusive, but the following
is as good an attempt as any by commons academic David Bollier:
‘The commons is….
- A social system for the long-term stewardship of resources that preserves shared values and community identity.
- A self-organized system by which communities manage resources (both depletable and and replenishable) with minimal or no reliance on the Market or State.
- The wealth that we inherit or create together and must pass on, undiminished or enhanced, to our children. Our collective wealth includes the gifts of nature, civic infrastructure, cultural works and traditions, and knowledge.
- A sector of the economy (and life!) that generates value in ways that are often taken for granted – and often jeopardized by the Market-State.’Full article
The concept is very broad and has relevance to topics as diverse as
Architecture and design / Art and culture / Intellectual property / The
open internet / Community control / Sustainability and environment /
Resilience / Politics / Gender / History / Town planning / History /
Architecture / Anthropology / Sociology & Psychology / Intellectual
property / Indigenous culture / The local food movement / Academia /
Science.
We are happy to work with contributors to find or refine a topic to suit the overall blend.
Further suggested reading for inspiration:
- The commons and re-imagining Urban design and city life
- Commons as a transformative vision
