The Mother Ditch of The Common Good

In this episode, The Fools explore the concept of the common good, its historical roots, (from Aristotle and after) and its implications for modern society and governance. They discuss the not popularly known "repartimiento" system of community water management, traditional in the small fertile valleys, tucked into the harsh desert landscapes of northern New Mexico. They also touch on how our image of ourself and others relates to the common good. They delve into topics like liberalism, community systems, and the importance of land and trust in fostering collective well-being.Chapters00:00Introduction to the episode and main themes01:49Brian shares insights on bird hatchlings and life’s miraculousness03:04Discussion of the hot topic: the common good and political movements03:57Exploring liberalism, post-liberalism, and societal outcomes06:11The concept of self, other, and expanding community09:11Greek and Latin roots of the common good and its moral implications14:03The acequia system in northern New Mexico as a model of community resource sharing17:56The role of the mayordomo and community accountability in water management25:06Comparison of traditional community systems with modern governance32:54The potential of direct democracy and local decision-making44:00The influence of technology, information, and trust in society50:01The importance of land, connection, and local identity in governance01:00:00Reflections on land, land management, and societal balance01:01:57Closing thoughts and future discussions on liberalism and community