Introduction

This text is a framework for people interested in the redesign of society. It is not a "definitive guide" as the maintainers do not view this as either possible or practical. The variations of individual circumstance and environmental conditions are too diverse. What is possible is a framework that is able to encourage the development of the individual within broader society. A framework that returns the power to individuals and allows them to move beyond ethnicity, politics, dogma and discrimination.

These are lofty ideals and as a result an equally lofty ethical base is required. As a prerequisite religious dogma had to be removed from the framework. This does not mean that religion has no place within the framework, merely that using one religion to the detriment of another would have been discriminatory. Indeed a belief in the divine should flourish in the framework, as too will a non-belief in the divine. While there could not be a religious base there was still a requirement for an ethical one.The choice was relatively simple.

The requirements were many and only one ethical system matched all.

1. Care for the Earth.
2. Care for all peoples.
3. Stewardship for future generations.
4. Individual freedom within perceived and non-perceived social norms.
5. Protection of nature.
6. Understanding between all ethnic and religious traditions.
7. Move away from consumerism and fiscal gain at all costs.
8. Freely share that which is surplus to requirements.

The only ethical base that could be found to match these criteria was: Permaculture.

Permaculture ethics meets all these requirements and some. This framework shall not dwell on Permaculture itself. As the framework is based on Permaculture and therefore a certain element of knowledge from individuals will need to be gained, it is advised that contributors become at least familiar with the basic principles. Suffice it to say that the ethics of Permaculture are the foundation of this framework. The framework is referred to as the "Self Reliant Community Based Model" and this will often be shortened to "SRCBM" for sake of brevity.

The entire reason that the SRCBM framework has been approached and developed is due to Mr Albert Einstein's exceptional questions raised in an article From Monthly Review, New York, May, 1949. (Re-printed in Ideas and Opinions by Albert Einstein. ISBN 0-517-00393-0).

"How is it possible, in view of the far-reaching centralization of political and economic power, to prevent bureaucracy from becoming all-powerful and overweening?"
"How can the rights of the individual be protected and therewith a democratic counterweight to the power of bureaucracy be assured?"

The maintainers of the SRCBM framework view this as the most eloquent questioning of societal frameworks and evident required de-centralisation, not the present centralisation, for the furthering of both society and humanity as a whole. A transcript of the full article can be viewed here. Readers are encouraged to poke, prod and de-construct the framework. Ask questions and propose answers. We hope you enjoy:

    "The Grass Is Greener On The Other Side."