My OperaMarinaleda - Spain: a solution for our crisis?
Monday, April 16, 2012 7:21:28 PM
Juan Manuel Sánchez Gordillo had a dream.Some 30 years ago now. Since that day he still is the well-respected Lord Mayor of the Andalucian village of Marinaleda, near Sevilla, and his dream appears to have come true! His 2.700 inhabitants are satisfied with him, accustomed to his way of governance, his method of applied direct democracy on daily basis, their nearly full-employment he created and his continuous battle against "the system" and its elite that -in his eyes- ruined beautiful Spain. No portrait of the Spanish King on the walls of his office, but Ernesto 'Che' Guevara. As a libertarian-socialist he seems the rara avis, a unique personality, of the Spanish political folklore. Proud they are in Marinaleda about their status of "utopia for peace". However, you're not welcome there if you have nothing to contribute to its community. A belgium short movie explains the essence of this village, where you can rent a nice house for only 15 euro and live quite well for 1.200 euro a month. Spoken in Dutch and Spanish. But you can easily grasp the meaning. Houses are (self-)built from architectural plans provided by the townhall. Variations are left to your desires. Employment is in ample supply. The fields also provide for the community. Decisions are taken per direct democratic consultation. Even the New York Times had an article about this place. Mind the women who speak out and decide for their families! It is an inspiring clip, showing that persistence, joined forces and strong leadership can achieve solutions, where others only still dream about...
Link: http://youtu.be/Cvf4PEhSHJs
John
(64%)
