Mainstream economic thinkers, or orthodox growth economists, are saying the recession is over. They base this on 3.5% GDP growth in the past quarter, even though GDP had fallen by 7% in just the first two quarters of 2009.

However, the current growth spurt was based on government spending, the cash for clunkers program, one-time tax credits for homes, and extended unemployment benefits as unemployment itself continues to rise–and will very quickly top 10%.
These are not signs of a healthy economy. These are last ditch life support measures.

Orthodox economic thinking asserts that we must get consumer spending back on track in order to keep the economy growing. Very few, and especially not politicians, want to face up to the fact that economic growth is what’s gotten us into this mess in
the first place.

The thinking seems to be that natural resource depletion is already bad, but let’s pretend we’ll all be better off if we make it worse. Now, there’s always risk in being the bearer of bad tidings. But as we’re starting to run short on time, being honest with
ourselves can’t come soon enough. And the truth is that infinite economic growth is only possible in a universe in which the physical laws of thermodynamics do not
apply.

It’s time to lose the stress of the rat race and get in balance with our life support system. Relocalizing our economies and staying within the carrying capacity, both environmental and economic, of our region would allow us to benefit from natural abundance. It would also free up our time and energy to focus on reaching our
potential.

Mary DeCamp, the Green Party candidate for Tucson’s Ward 3 council seat, is the only candidate firmly grounded in reality, as opposed to political feasibility. If our desire is truly to create a sustainable future, the choice for Tucson’s voters today is very clear.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 2, 2009

Ben Buehler-Garcia Will Say (Or Not Say) Anything to get Elected

Republican City Council candidate Ben Beuhler-Garcia executed either a half-flip or double flop on Proposition 200, a reckless unfunded mandate that will bankrupt Tucson.

Buehler-Garcia first led the charge on 200, before voters were informed of the cost and largely supported the measure. Buehler Garcia told KGUN 9 last night that he had “No opinion” on the measure, suggesting he knows its support has evaporated.

Council member Karin Uhlich, on the other hand, opposed 200 before opposing 200 was popular, showing her to be a leader and not a follower, like Buehler-Garcia.

Pima County Democratic Party Chair Jeff Rogers called this good news on two fronts.

“First, it shows the more people know about 200, the less they like it,” Rogers said. “Second voters get to see what kind of backbone Ben Buehler-Garcia has, not much at all.”

However, Buehler-Garcia should take a stand one way or another, Rogers said.

“This is perhaps the most important ballot measure Tucson has faced in its history,” Rogers said. “And he can’t be bothered to have an opinion one way or another, after trumpeting it from Houghton to Greasewood, and River to Valencia.

“I guess he was for it before he was not quite, sorta, kinda, perhaps possibly, see which way the wind shifts, against it.”

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Uhlich’s been talking about how bad prop 200 is for months now! I hope it loses big.