It was much to my surprise, you know, the collection of
people at the Ohio Theatre on Monday night. As I strolled in I realized that I had not only came to
invest myself into what was surely going to be an inspiring documentary, but
was also entering what seemed to be a senior citizens meeting. As I recall, the individual running the event was most
likely in his late thirties, yet still the closest in age to myself. He referenced an activity for the young
ladies in the group, following that statement with an age description for the
group; for those in their 50’s…
That was young for this group.
Anyways,
once the forty-minute meeting concluded (which included a discussion about
measuring a roof…), the documentary finally began. At this point my enthusiasm for Greenfire was steadily
declining, but I felt the investment was already in full motion and there was
no potential for retreat. The
documentary’s tone did not stray far from that of the meeting, consisting of
primarily a historical analysis of Aldo Leopold, a man that seemingly grew into
his wisdom through the few mistakes that would define him as a man, as well as
a movement that is still apparent today.
His
philosophy on the restoration of the environment was revolutionary for the time
and can still play a role in today’s complicated world. As a young man, Aldo was an avid hunter
with an appreciation for what the world has provided for us. In his twenties, after leaving Yale, he
worked as a forester with much emphasis on game. In his attempt to increase the amount of game each person
could attain he instituted a Predator Control policy. A policy that allowed for a great amount of wolves to be
hunted (because they ate the deer) with no regard to the consequences that
would soon become apparent, such as the disruption of the symbiotic circle that
maintains balance in nature. Once
such dysfunctions presented themselves and Aldo realized the damage that was
done in selfish goals to increase game, Aldo led a reinstitution of a policy
that would reverse such damages. A
preservation of predators.
Such
understanding of how nature works together to provide for every species is
pertinent to incoming generations.
As Joel Salatin expressed in Fresh,
‘We have to utilize the technologies that benefit the farmer without losing
quality and respect for the process.’ Well something like that. Either way, we have the technology to
maintain a healthy, respectful process to grow and distribute our food and
produce, why don’t we start?
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