In a world increasingly defined by ecological emergency made up of various crises and economic disparities, wars, and geofinancial instability, the intersection of ecology and democratic populism offers a hopeful future for the United States and world. In this discussion, Layne Hartsell and David Cobb, a prominent voice in green politics and campaign manager for Jill Stein (2016), and who is also co-founder of Redneck Gone Green, convened to discuss the current state of ecological advocacy and democratic resurgence in the U.S.
Hartsell opened the discussion with a wide-ranging question about the current situation in the United States. Cobb, drawing from his extensive experience as a political activist, attorney, and former Green Party presidential candidate himself, shared his perspective of optimism about the political landscape, while difficult, is ripe for change. There’s a growing awareness among ordinary Americans that ecological degradation and economic inequality are interconnected, where Occupy brought the matter of inequality to the national discussion, now ecology is expected to arrive. Both Cobb and Hartsell think that there can be a better framing for solutions within a democratic populist approach that engages everyday people and includes ecology or biotic community in bioregions.
It’s not just about green jobs; it’s about creating a just economy that empowers marginalized communities and while protecting individuals, the system itself has to be changed. The Green New Deal may be such a plan. addressing environmental sustainability, while prioritizing social equity, challenging the notion that ecological initiatives must come at the expense of economic prosperity.
Cobb also argues the importance of democratizing technology to empower communities rather than entrench existing power dynamics and authoritarian technics. A better system of production is possible, for example local production in MakerSpaces can come about, including with some humor, he adds “Star Trek replicators.” Hartsell concurres to let the machines do the work.
Cobb celebrated the grassroots victories in local elections and the increasing presence of ecological issues in political discourse. However, he acknowledged significant hurdles, including corporate and oligarchic influence in politics and the fragmentation of the progressive movement. “Our greatest challenge is unity,” he said. “We must come together across various movements—labor, environmental, and social justice—to build a powerful coalition.” The potential for a democratic populist resurgence is here, and it requires active participation and engagement from all areas of society.
In an era defined by urgent challenges, the dialogue between Hartsell and Cobb underscores the importance of integrating ecological concerns with democratic values. Their vision offers a path forward—a way to harness the spirit of populism and US history to foster a sustainable and equitable future for all Americans. David’s message is that our greatest challenge today is unity, and we must come together across various movements—labor, environmental, and social justice—to build a powerful coalition for change.
David Cobb is a “people’s lawyer” who has sued corporate polluters, lobbied elected officials, run for political office himself, and been arrested for non-violent civil disobedience. He believes we must provoke—and win– a peaceful revolution for a peaceful, just, sustainable and cooperative society if we are to survive. David was born in rural Texas and worked as a laborer before going to college and Law School. In 2002 David ran for Attorney General of Texas, pledging to use the office to revoke the charters of corporations that repeatedly violate health, safety and environmental laws. In 2004, he ran for President of the United States on the Green Party ticket and forced a recount in Ohio that helped launch the Election Integrity movement.
In 2010 he co-founded Move To Amend, a campaign for a constitutional amendment to abolish the illegitimate, court-created doctrines of “corporate constitutional rights” and “money equals speech.” In 2016 he served as the Campaign Manager for Jill Stein’s presidential campaign.
Layne Hartsell, USA (雷恩∙哈特塞尔 - 마이클 레인 핫셀) - 3E: Energy, Economy, Environment - research professor at the Asia Institute and at the Center for Science, Technology, and Society, Department of Philosophy, Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. Past affiliations: assistant professor, convergence studies, Sookmyung Women's University and Research Institute for Asian Women - Asia-Pacific Women's Information Network Center in Seoul. Research professor, Sungkyunkwan University and the Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology, Seoul/Suwon. Lecturer at Mahidol University, Siriraj Medical Center, Department of Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, Bangkok. Researcher at the University of Virginia College of Medicine, Charlottesville. He is a member of the board at Korea IT Times.
