How to Kill a Tree

How to kill a tree

For centuries, probably millennia, farmers and others have needed to kill trees, and remove them for planting or fields.  How to do this?  There are many solutions, depending on the culture and mechanics of the age.   First note, as mighty the oak tree may be, it is really quite fragile.

a)      Chain and axe-type solutions form the bedrock of our modern thinking.  Wipe it out; tow it away.

b)      Chop off the bark.  The tree dies naturally

c)       Deprive the tree of water.  Introduce new species that absorb all water. 

d)      Introduce a new growth nearby to compete with the tree.

e)      Burn it away.  This, the solution of our ancient cousins, was the substitute for having no power equipment. 

f)       Feed it the wrong food, though well intended.

g)      Restrict clearing fires.

h)      Change or disturb the soil surrounding the tree.

Many of these measures take years for their killing effect.   The bottom line is that mankind exacts and has exacted these measures upon trees.  This makes trees victims.  But the greater victims are the people and their institutions.    By the poor trees, there is a direct analogy about what mankind to  its own institutions.   What do we do to us?

1.       Destroy the institution by fiat.

2.       Remove the sustaining life’s blood of an institution.

3.       Change its fundamental root structure.

4.       Introduce competing institutions.

5.       Enact rules not in compliance with its traditions.

Truth and Power.   Truth is greatest ally of power.  It matters little if the “truth” is actually true.  It is the pronouncement.    And the pronouncement implies justification.  And with the justification in hand, power can exact any remedies it deems correct.

All atheists are the same.  They are believers.  Each believe in their faith just as any Catholic or Muslim.   Hemingway tells us all thinking men are atheists (Farewell to Arms).  This was the fashion of the day, It is the fashion of this day.