Financial instruments (even cash) are ephemeral; digits backed by a system of ideas. Firewood is solid, real, and undeniable. The wood pile is mine and mine alone. It is on my yard and on my property. I don’t need a title and serial number to prove ownership. It won’t be taxed. It won’t be tracked. It isn’t likely to be stolen. It won’t be subject to late charges, administrative fees, or licensing agreements. It won’t depreciate, it gains quality as it dries, and it stores indefinitely. It is not subject to identity theft or lost paperwork. It’s not affected by inflation. If the stock market crashes it won’t vanish. If my credit rating tanks it won’t move an inch. War, peace, oil embargoes, elections, and unemployment won’t affect it. It’s a very hard thing to devalue and it’s impossible to deny it’s existence. Try that with a 401(k), Enron stock, or even your checkbook.
When you think about it like that, a simple woodstove is practically rebellious. How often do you enjoy the fruits of your labors without a middleman and taxes?
RTWT
5 comments:
I hadn't thought about it in quite that way but I have been heating my home exclusively with wood from my own woodlot for 30 years. I wouldn't use anything else, and now I have several more good reasons for it. :-)
I also wish I had said that.
The rebelliousness of it may be why there are so many places banning their use.
Buck.
People look at me real strange whenever I say "I'd rather have firewood than money". I had no idea I was so smart(or rebellious. K
Cool. It can be devaluated somewhat by termites and excess moisture.
Out here wood-burning is banned during "Spare the Air" nights/days.
Patrolling stormtroopers, financial penalties and all.
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