Page 2 RAIN June 198 1 LETTERS Dear RAIN, I thought I was getting an uncommonly high bunch of book orders from the Pacific Northwest, and the arrival of the April RAIN explained it. Dave Deppen's review of my plans book was having the desired effect. I'll write to Dave and thank him, but I also want you to know that I'm very grateful for giving Sam and me space in such a powerful little magazine. Sincerely, Malcolm Wells Brewster, MA Dear RAIN , The characterization of World Future Society publications (Jan. '81) as containing "fawning reverence for self-ordained hightech centrist 'futurists'" smacks of arrogant know-nothingism, and is blatantly untrue. I realize that's the image of WFS, but if one bothers to look at The Futurist, one will find in almost every issue an article relevant to decentralists. Marien's monthly Future Survey is indispensable to anyone seriously interested in policy issues related to decentralism and also contains many explicit listings on this topic. The last conference of WFS featured many sessions on wholistic health, alternative economics, and A. T. Just watch this dogmatism that blinds you to useful resources. Dennis Livingston Boston, MA Hello RAIN People, Your publication is thoroughly enjoyed by myself and my friends. Note however that Architects and Engineers Guide to Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings is actually $32.00, not$14.50 as listed in the Feb.! Mar. issue of RAIN. Warm Regards, jef Emery Eugene, OR Dear RAIN, I wish to compliment you on your continued excellence in resource compilation and for providing access. I am a nuclear physicist active in the safe energy movement in Central Virginia. Our group, Piedmont Alliance for Safe Energy, attempts to "walk on two legs" by taking a militant (not militaristic) anti-nuclear, anti-monopolist anti-war position while at the same time promoting conservation, soft solar technologies and community control of the solutions to the energy problem. We have been able in this way to link up with a broad section of our community. As part of our wild dreams we envision a resource center that would bring together innovative technologies from around the state, the country and our own backyard. RAIN's regular arrival helps keep that dream alive as both a model and a resource. Thanks, Donal Day, Ph.D. Charlottesville, VA Dear RAIN, Your statement (Feb.! Mar. issue) that They Came Before Columbus elicits a shift in consciousness deserves to be expanded upon. The response of the RAIN staff to Dr. Van Sertima's book is evidence of the fact that most of us have been brainwashed into accepting the Eurocentric view of history. To justify subjugation of blacks, historians and anthropologists systematically denied the contributions of blacks as innovators in the creation of civilization . Regrettably, lies, RAIN Journal of Appropriate Technology RAIN is a national information access journal making connections for people seeking more simple and satisfying lifestyles, working to make their communities and regions economically self-reliant, building a society that is durable, just and ecologically sound . RAIN STAFF: Laura Stuchinsky, Mark Roseland, Carlotta Collette, John Ferrell, Kevin Bell, Steve Johnson, Steve Rudman, Nancy Cosper. Linnea Gilson, Graphics and Layout. RAIN, Journal of Appropriate Technology, is published 10 times yearly by the Rain Umbrella, Inc., a non-profit corporation located at 2270 N.W. Irving, Portland, Oregon 97210, telephone 503!227-5110. Copyright © 1981 Rain Umbrella, Inc. No part may be reprinted ....'ithout written permission. Typesettin g: Irish Setter Printing: Times Litho Cover Photograph: Ancil Nance
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