Wherever there is acknowledgement that something is seriously wrong with the methods of our governments (particularly in the West) and the implementation of those methods, there are thoughts which must be given to solutions.

Its not enough to simply say; this is wrong, that is wrong. That job is of intrinsic importance - there is no doubt of that - such work of closing the gate after the horse has taken the bolt (the work of fixing problems as they arise, such as rallying together to stop the war and occupation of Iraq) is absolutely imperative - especially where we are told 'the gate is not open, and there was no horse'.

We must mend what is broken, but we also have a responsibility to ensure that things do not keep breaking.

That is where the alternatives come into it; you can read such suggestions, improvements and alternatives on this site (and on many others) at "Alternatives". There is parecon - composed primarily by Michael Albert - an alternative system of government for that time when the Empire falls, and capitalism dies its natural death, and it is a good concept.

But, there are many who think either that 'death' will take too long, and kill far too many people in the process (or indeed the planet, through over-consumption and global warming), or that it will not die by itself, but rather needs to be encouraged.

Most of us want peace - we want the peace for our neighbours, and us, to be able to co-exist without fear, or famine or disease. Just to live without threats on our personal and civil liberties is enough for most of us. For me to be comfortable and happy does not follow that you should be uncomfortable and unhappy (or dead). This is the primary fault of capitalism; it gives to one person by taking away from another.

There are many people around the world (far more, I believe, than what we are led to believe through the press and our other media sources), who are actively trying to achieve one or another goal that would lead to such an abolition of a system pitting us against one another.

There are anti-war groups (thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands of them). Since war is the primary vehicle of furthering capitalist goals when corrupt aquiescence will not work, these people work towards the goal of ending one system and (hopefully) beginning another more fair one. They may do it knowingly, or they may be moved simply by compassion for their fellow humans. Regardless, they work towards that goal.

Where churches, and church leaders work to end poverty, or to unite communities, they work towards this goal also, because it is division that works in favour of capitalism and empire-building. Unity and solidarity see us caring as much how our actions affect those around us as they affect ourselves. Division allows us to selfishly follow our own comforts with disregard to their consequences.

There are human right activists, there are indigenous activists, there are activists for free speech and for anti-racism, there are activists who campaign for animal rights. The root of the issues are nearly always about protecting those at the top of the chain, and keeping their status quo. All else below that ultimate aim for our leaders and their cohorts (nearly) comes from a trickle down effect of such motives. The people are not represented in our version of democracy, they are supressed and divided.

It is our aim, first and foremost, to present (through contributions) a database and list of all the current groups acting towards a better world, for us, for animals, for our ecology, who feel that they have similiar goals.

If we combine, in solidarity, to show our true numbers on grounds which we can all stand comfortably together, it will, for us - the people (at least, the people with web access), do two things.

1. Boost our confidence. Numbers are, after all, very powerful.

2. Give us the impetus to work together to fix all the problems at their root.

Please record your organisation's details on this site, or, choose the individual option and record your own details.

If you want, please include a link to this site from your own sites so that more people can contribute.

Kind Regards, The IAR team.

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