Fools & Sages Podcast - Paul Fenn: Liberty, Democracy, Localism and the Bloody Rhinoceros Head
- Paul Fenn
- Jan 11
- 1 min read
This episode with author, activist, political philosopher Paul Fenn discusses his new book, The Localist Manifesto discussing the history of democratic action and the evolution of the relationship between "the people" and their governments. Paul has been instrumental in writing legislation that has enabled breakthrough paradigms in community energy management in the form of Community Choice Aggregation for municipal energy procurement as well as the legislation for Green Bonds. Both have been extremely successful and their examples followed widely.
(See F&S Episode #41 for Paul's first visit with The Fools)
In The Localist Manifesto he addresses the failures of democracy and the need for a new approach to governance through localism. He critiques the current political system dominated by oligarchies and political parties, emphasizing the importance of historical context in understanding these failures. Fenn advocates for local governance as a means to empower communities and foster genuine democratic engagement, while also exploring the implications of American pragmatism in navigating these challenges.
He addresses the importance of local governance and community engagement in addressing systemic issues such as energy and food production. He emphasizes the need for municipalities to take control of their resources and the role of local democracy in fostering a culture of participation and innovation. Fenn critiques the bureaucratic structures that often hinder progress and advocates for a more engaged citizenry that can influence local politics. He also explores the interconnectedness of energy and food systems and the necessity of creating alliances to support local economies. Ultimately, Fenn calls for a reimagining of democracy that prioritizes knowledge creation and community involvement over passive acceptance of market-driven decisions.
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