Today a single phrase has made multiple appearances: self-determined. It is defined as “the free choice of one’s own acts without external compulsion; and especially as the freedom of the people of a given territory to determine their own political status. It can also be defined as the ability or power to make decisions for one’s self, especially the power of a nation to decide how it will be governed. In other words, it is the right of the people of a nation to decide how they want to be governed without the influence of any other country.”
One step further: “Self-determination is most often exercised through secession, which occurs when persons in a country or state declare their independence (read: autonomy) from the ruling government. When a dissatisfied group secedes, it creates its own form of government in place of the former ruling government. Secessions are serious maneuvers that lead to, or arise from, military conflict.”
As PLAND gains momentum, Im thinking more and more about intentionality and specificity; add self-determination and I feel the rumblings of a perfect storm.
Keeping in mind that autonomy is the driving force behind self-determination (and therefore succession) my primary interests are the distinct correlations between self-determination, position (physical location and mental attitude), and territory (land ownership and nomadic pursuits).
Recognizing the distinction between greater autonomy or self-determination for a geographic region and that of personal autonomy, for the moment I will focus on the personal. The next few posts will address the primary interests listed above, starting with:
Autonomy
Im currently re-reading a book that is now about 10 years old, Space Site Intervention, yet newly absorbing some rather poignant writing, as often happens with re-reading. Author Erika Suderburg identifies a set of desires that is made apparent in the space of deserts – the desire to be alone and a desire never to be alone again (pg. 135, writing specifically in reference to the desert dwellings of John Divola’s photography series Isolated Houses, pictured above). Keeping Suderburg’s sentiment in mind, I wonder how this dual desire for autonomy is revealed as acts of self-determination are carried out.
The first question to answer is: Autonomy from what or whom? Currently, I consider aspects of PLAND to be actively seeking multiple answers, as well as providing resources to form or identify alternative allegiances (personally yes, but the personal is political).




Notice the cob ovens in the foreground.





