Richard Nelson on clearcutting in his book The Island Within (p. 56-57):

"The decaying stump is now a witness stand, where I pass judgment on myself. I hold few convictions so deeply as my belief that a profound transgression was committed here, by devastating an entire forest rather than taking from it selectively and in moderation. Yet whatever judgment I make against those who cut it down I must also make against myself. I belong to the same nation, speak the same language, vote in the same elections, share many of the same values, avail myself of the same technology, and owe much of my existence to the same vast system of global exchange. There is no refuge in blaming only the loggers of their industry or the government that consigned this forest to them. The entire society - one in which I take active membership - holds responsibility for laying this valley bare."

Can't help but think how different his approach is here. The author dares to claim "inclusive" and widespread societal "responsibility" for the practice of clearcut forestry. Contrast that with our more typical, more common individualistic model of "I didn't do it. It isn't my fault."

Beyond environmental destruction, which other societal ills could be better dealt with through an approach like this? Poverty? Racism? Inequality?