Lets take a look at the basic messages Take the message, bottom line, that seems to come through from the administration: Based on what all they say versus what all they do, is "People, just go along with the program, because you know how much we all need to feel like we are 'the good guys' on the planet. And there's how pained and helpless you feel when you learn what all we're really doing. Besides, we've given you much more basic things to worry about, like job security and feeding your kids." And there's the message that is communicated back to the administration from the people, drawn from what all the people don't say and what all they don't do: "Elected representatives, just keep up the fear tactics, so we'll have a good excuse not look where we'll find out how shamefully we've been behaving to others on the planet, as well as to those we have made almost invisible to us right here. That way we won't feel so responsible, yet so helpless, with the pain of all that, and we won't feel, worst of all, that there's nowhere to go with all that misery." Notice that I said “we,’ even though the administration tends to set their directions AND act without the slightest regard for public opinion. Hence, it would seem that the reason for people's denial, for the "good guy" attachment, and for their idea that "we just couldn't do that," is primarily related to peoples' over-identification with whoever's in charge. AND it's related to who says they're good, and to who waves the flag enough, while these people fear unconsciously that if they ween themselves from all that, it would break their hearts - truly. However, Here's the message that most of us progressive activists are trying to give:, "Look people, we know there's a way to make a difference here, even if we have to 1) wake up to the often obvious facts, and the resulting pain and implied accountability and responsibility, 2) resolve to change our ways with different behaviour that makes that difference in society, 3) thereby forgive our irresponsible past, and thereby 4) begin to heal the anger, grief, and guilt that make us feel helpless, hopeless, and powerless, but most of all, 5) be strong in the faith that *we WILL do all of this* - WHEN enough of us realize that these steps are what it takes to accomplish this change. And compared to wasting hundreds of thousands of lives as well as our planets resources and infrastructure, this is a small price to pay." Of course that price is still no small challenge, but can enough of us recognize and feel, that where we move with good purpose and unity, that there is inspiration and strength pouring through us -?- and that IF there is a Higher Power (and I do believe ...), that this is where He, She, or It can get behind us and flow through US and fuel our actions? I take that as a most primary message of most every religious or spiritual philosophy. Well, I invite all of us to open to that more and more each day. There are Bush´s “messages from God“. And then there is “The Truth“ That IS -- for each of us to realize -- in, by, and for each of us, that is. I can not over emphesise the importance of our Sending a message of empowerment back to the Whitehouse in electing representatives and in our response to various issues or administration judicial appointments, etc - that we don't need cowboy ethics guiding our foreign relations (nor corporate ethics forming our domestic health budgets), that our security lies in our utilizing opportunities to reinforce our belief in true security - that of aware and questioning minds and of healthy hearts finding ways to work together with other nation states, according to them respect and economic fairness, as if we truly intended for them to be friends. It does not help to deny the sickness regarding our empathy & apathy, shame, denial, and heart-break as related to our foreign policy.
Trends, Memory, Tracking, Credibility, and Forgiveness (After reading this section you can hit your browser's back button to return here) "The heart trumps the mind... a kind of cognitive dissonance" has apparently resulted from what the people need to believe as they look back at their having allowed a war (and all its costs) to happen since then- says Humphrey Taylor, chairman of Harris pole, re his explanation for why there is a rising #people (fr/33% to currently 50%!) who believe Saddam had WMD's inspite of the facts to the contrary. Also says 33% believe Bush Cabal allowed or caused 911 attack - that the 911 Truth web site probably helped this happen; "BOB GARFIELD: There has been, as far as I know, zero [LAUGHS] evidence and even zero discussion of the notion that Iraqis were aboard those planes, and yet 44 percent of Americans, according to your survey, believe that they were right in the thick of things. How do you account for that level of misinformation? HUMPHREY TAYLOR: If you were strongly supportive of the war or are strongly supportive of the war, you want to believe theories which justify the invasion of Iraq, and therefore when presented with a statement like that, they tend to believe it. That is something that the psychologists call cognitive dissonance. Essentially, the heart trumps the mind. There's a kind of filtering process, and an assumption, by the way, that if the facts that you receive don't jive with your beliefs, then the facts must be wrong…" (After reading this section you can hit your browser's back button to return here)
a commentary by Mark Jensen, on one of his many (highly appreciated) news postings on the SNOW-news list Unscrupulous political strategists can exploit "source amnesia," two neuroscientists wrote in an Op-Ed in Friday's *New York Times*. Because memories are stored in a part of the brain (the cerebral cortex) that is far from the place they are originally stores (the hippocampus), "[a] false statement from a noncredible source that is at first not believed can gain credibility during the months it takes to reprocess memories from short-term hippocampal storage to longer-term cortical storage," Sam Wang and Sandra Aamodt said. -- As a result, if a "message is initially memorable, its impression will persist long after it is debunked." -- Ignoring a false statement or promoting an alternative narrative is thus often more effective than a refutation: "Journalists and campaign workers may think they are acting to counter misinformation by pointing out that it is not true. But by repeating a false rumor, they may inadvertently make it stronger. In its concerted effort to 'stop the smears,' the Obama campaign may want to keep this in mind. Rather than emphasize that Mr. Obama is not a Muslim, for instance, it may be more effective to stress that he embraced Christianity as a young man." -- COMMENT: Wang and Aamodt omitted an obvious current application of their findings -- the allegation that Iran is seeking nuclear weapons. -- The much bruited announcement by the United States that its intelligence agencies no longer believed Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons had little effect on public opinion, a Rasmussen Reports poll showed several days later. -- Nor do Wang and Aamodt comment on another application of their views, the psychology of the Big Lie. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_lie) -- Hitler wrote in ch. 10 of *Mein Kampf*: "[T]he magnitude of a lie always contains a certain factor of credibility, since the great masses of the people in the very bottom of their hearts tend to be corrupted rather than consciously and purposely evil, and, therefore, in view of the primitive simplicity of their minds, they more easily fall a victim to a big lie than to a little one, since they themselves lie in little things, but would be ashamed of lies that were too big. . . . [T]hey will not be able to believe in the possibility of such monstrous effrontery and infamous misrepresentation in others; yes, even when enlightened on the subject, they will long doubt and waver, and continue to accept at least one of these causes as true. Therefore, something of even the most insolent lie will always remain and stick -- a fact which all the great lie-virtuosi and lying-clubs in this world know only too well and also make the most treacherous use of." -- Joseph Goebbels later articulated the principle in these terms: "When one lies, one should lie big, and stick to it."
Full Article set at www.ufppc.org
I was thinking that if I were to do a talk, I might call it "Hypotheticals for True Evangelicals." I should probably start out with a Prayer. I'd let that lead into a few evocative questions selected from of my web pages, perhaps with a preamble set to empower an inner response - and maybe a Divine intervention. I'd use a special voice - one that can transcend in a minute from what stops speeding drivers at a crosswalk, to what coaxes a cat down from a tree, while interspersing that logical rythym that can convince a scientist of "the truth" with the barest parable. A preacher worth his flock can get away with such variations in temperment, of course. IF at some point I discover I have just performed an evangelical energy conduction (and so facilitated a trance state, at least to varying degrees -- yes, there's the pitch, and then there's the fever pitch) I would then lead the people into an overview of what just happened. Say, what? Exactly, I'd lead them to observe their previous subjective in-trance experience -- with an objective perspective of that same previous experience, that is. And it would all be done very gently so as to not actually break the trance. Hypnotherapists do this. It's true. (Stage hypnotists, con-artists, and evangelical preachers do NOT do this- without considerable risk to their income. Neo-Con-artists ESPECIALLY do not do this- without loosing their status, even their freedom from jail at this point. But I digress). (And the tone changes...) And then I would ask them if they are getting an idea of how *sheople* have been produced and maintained by the inappropriate creation and use of that fever pitch. And I'd ask them if that doesn't tend to bring up feelings of anger & disgust at the inhumanity of such manipulations. And then I'd let them understand that those feelings about that are sane under the circumstances. And that there are constructive means of using that feeling, that drive, that fuel, to make a difference in their lives, maybe even in the lives of others. And that we are given opportunities to learn just that - perhaps even now. (And the tone changes again...) And I'd explain how these experiences are also the times when we find out many things. Like, if our values have more charge to them than hot-fired emotions. Maybe those hot-fired by evangelical preachers. Or maybe by authorities we put on a pedistal just lower than God. What most people don't realize is that beliefs and values have an essential emotional component. And that is what makes them stick - emotion is the glue of our principles. And I'd explain how emotions are more long term in nature. That feelings are more short term - like the difference between hard drive memory and RAM. And that the feelings can get glombed onto stored emotions. That it's best to deal with the feelings before they add into or stir up the emotional storage. And then I'd say, "But if you ever get the chance to actually watch your feelings stir things up inside of you... what you recognize to be old emotions... well, now you have an opportunity that is most valuable." That is, it's valuable to deal with stuff that has probably been taking yourself on road trips to trouble for quite a while. And slowly, as I patiently checked for understanding, I'd say that we need to understand that, "if you're being driven and fueled by something you don't know about, then you're very likely heading for trouble." And that one would then do well to keep abreast of one's emotions and feelings. Because sometimes, and always more than we want, such awakenings have had a tendency to make us feel helpless and hopeless. And we've too often treated that with some form of drug to induce denial of a painful reality - whether that drug was TV, alchol, prescribed medicines, unprescribed medications, or ... I would then remind them, that it has been written by those who we know did know, that sometimes, the purpose of political strategy has been to lead citizens to disenfranchise themselves -- using one or more of those same ways. But instead of that, we can understand the basics of how feeling and emotions work, and then realize the benefit of that. That through forgiveness of our past incapacity, we can turn *out* that turned-in energy -- into anger at man's injustice to man, and at the related apathy. And learn to see and transform that energy wherever it exists, but beginning with that within ourselves. And thus with regained power and courage, allow ourselves to see and feel what we couldn't before. To awaken to empower - both personally and communally, utilizing our past and current challenges for creating realistic, wholesome, all-inclusively considered, and systemically applied (eg: "wholistic") solutions. In closing, I would then remind them about what I said about emotion and fuel and drive for accomplishment. About emotion and manipulation. About emotion and beliefs and values, emotion and denial, emotion and forgiveness, capacity, inner resources, and courage. About emotion and healing and the power to generate solutions -- no matter what. I might read a few lines from my "Questions for Disillusionment" page, including "Questions for Personal Empowerment." I might even read the Citizen Healing Prayer. It seemed to work for the judge (at the sentencing of the "Seattle 12"). It worked even though it's loaded with evocative questions and a preamble set to empower the inner -and hopefully Divine- response to such questions. And lastly, I'd remind them that if you're going to do a trance, why not let it be an effective one? Of course, all that is probably old hat out the window for the evangelical preacher. But who knows, maybe a new pitch could raise a few ears a little higher, even give the pulpit a little rise in stature. And there is conscious self-hypnosis -- but then, just how safe IS it... to truly be in charge of yourself? Ah... questions, questions, questions... --cp, 4/7/05; ed 10/7/06, 10/19/06, 04/22/08
Perhaps the perfect dream would be these two parties joining up and replacing the Democratic Party. And since that won't happen, if even one 3rd Party won't being taken seriously by the voting public. So, HOW can we get the platforms of these parties taken seriously? Consider Instant Runoff Voting (Voting System) where every candidate of ANY party (eg: multiple parties can be running candidates) can each have a shot at the presidency, and any other office where this system is in effect:  "Success for Instant Runoff Voting in San Francisco" by Steven Hill and Rob Richie, Published 1/12/05 by CommonDreams.org Demo Flash makes it easy to understand via http://www.chrisgates.net/irv/
(You can hit your browser's back button to return here) AND...
In the days when the most powerful organizations are not nation states, but "independent" banking, fuel, and arms corporations who have conglomerated politically, then the only real job security will be had carrying a gun. Survival scenarios are already being projected upon us. The conglomerated media focuses our attention on the *new definitions* of patriotism (that go along with revised history lessons) - "stand behind your man’ (without questions), “might is right when waving the flag and a bible,’ and “lie and deny with pride if it accomplishes the ends that we, the ‘righteous´ few, say are just (and just because we said God said so)." But such false security built on lies only sustains you so long as you can 'con' and/or force enough people into feeding you and paying your way. Sadly, some people interpret the use of force as credibility -- apparently forgetting about the nature of love-wisdom-balanced discipline as the strength of ethical action. But sooner or later the piper is paid. Having created so many terrorists from the family members of so many innocent dead, we have virtually taunted the piper to come right to us - again. If the 911 investigations brought out nothing else, it was strong testimony that our best defence against terrorism is to listen to and respect the opinions of our world neighbors. And if the administration recognises this (and how could they not?), what can we conclude about their means towards their global ends? Hysteria? [Yes & No ... No: They use the "Machiavengelical Move" for dumbing down and co-opting the Christians, creating the image of credibility there, and thereby demoralizing the resistance to their fascism - see ref/links below. Yes: Hysteria would justify using FEMA to declare emergency and Martial Law if/when necessary.] So Let's NOT.
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To Summarize Elaboration (and A Pep Talk ?) We have the opportunity to take us from where we are now, one step at a time, to where we want to be. If it were given to us magically, we wouldn't learn anything. It won't happen without you and me, having faith and taking action. A little bit from each of many is all that's needed. But it will take that “many’ to do it. We who fight for justice don't want "just a few good men" or to be the few of anything, but we do dream of broad participation. A lot of support from only a few of us is what got us where we are now. That has only increased elitism, the *winner/loser* and *more/less worthy than* paradigms, and other forms of personal and citizen disenfranchisement. The crisis of the times demand this (especially including the ramifications regarding Global Warming and related future scenarios, which imply immediate policy change), and the investment of our efforts will reap the rewards of hopefully, a sustainable planet to live on healthfully with others. Whereas to to do otherwise would seem to reap what we don't even want to imagine. I can't see much of a choice, actually, unless we truly believe some otherworldly Being or beings will save us from ourselves - would save *us* - we, who in that case would not even learn to love enough, to get along enough, to just get along. Speaking of focusing on where can we go from here, I would love to have your commentary and input to my web site, where I do focus primarily on exploration of the steps we can take, based on where we are politically, socially, and psychologically. In fact, for all of those foci, I have pages and/or sections at this site with well-backed facts and information resource links, including to others commentary & suggestions for healing on various levels, and means of action and activism of all degrees of involvement, as well as my own editorial commentary and suggestions for healing on various levels. My site is not always up to date, but I trust that through the resources provided, you can find updated information and resources for action. More editorial from yours truly - on the strategies of the Bush Administration - is at the 9/11 MID-EAST-WARS section of Christopher's Political Page. Also here are are well-backed facts and information resource links, and means of action/activism of all degrees of involvement. Below are links to Other Related Writings and Pages. I added these pages to the web in faith that more people might better see, understand, and utilize opportunities to jump in and make things better when we can. Thank you for our being all that we are every chance we get - in faith and action.
What I'm Thankful to be Wrong About (for as long as I am, to the degree that I am): [eg: I posted this here the Spring and Summer before the der-elections, and now choose to leave it just for reference] As if to confirm that message, A key message that Osama gives us (just before the election) is that 1) his actions have been and will continue to be directly related to ours, and 2) our security is therefore directly related to the security of the Islamic world, that we have been threatening it severely and lying about our real intentions. If our un-elected "bad boys" are elected this November (or otherwise keep their seats), we definitely need be ready for more terrorism - probably within some symbolic number of days of the election, because Al Qaeda strategizes their attacks so as to make us connect the dots - cause & effect - right back to our now obvious path toward long-term occupation of the Middle East (and Caspian Sea Basin). Obvious? Yes, the Project for a New American Century (reference links above) spells out the path, and Osama's messages have consistently harped with that "teacher's punishment" kind of logic. This punishment has been so far held back only by pity for most Americans - popularly viewed from abroad as naive and having been duped by the most lowly of corporate elite who literally stole into power. Following the unbridled terrorism, martial law would be declared - which is just what many are waiting for. If not limited to labor strikes, then an enlarged war in the streets would effect not just the warriors, police, militia, etc. but also women and children. And remember, this would follow in addition to the suffering let loose by terrorists.
Christopher Pringer, 6'04, 10'04
RELATED LINKS On Progressive Strategy breaking through the Conservative Smoke & Mirror show... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 "Political Activism, Apathy, & Healing"Cause and effect patterns related to conscious choices for change toward sustainable living on the planet (a long term project) |
"Poly-Psy & Citizen Health - Discussions & Charts on Political Participation, Apathy, & Healing" Introduces a study in current “Poly-Psy” with three graphic flow charts and discussion points  Overview Chart for Introducing a Study in “Poly-Psy”What brought us to the *current crossroads* Socially and Psychologically; Citizen Roles and Choices |
 "Beliefs, Paths, & Service" Visually relates various philosophical origins, coping styles, roles in active citizenry... |
The essay, "Healing the Citizenry" - guides pragmatic discussion for recognition of our current situation, examination of related cause-effect patterns, transitioning out of political apathy, and making conscious choices for change toward sustainable living on the planet (a long term project).
 Why these "Poly-Psy" charts and essays? Because our government has been greatly influenced by the 60-80% of the citizens NOT participating. We (speaking of Americans over the last five centuries or so) have allowed/created our current condition -- in terms of various attitudes, beliefs, and values - and some interesting times wherein we re-defined certain values. And this implies, therapeutically speaking, we can therefore can *heal* our socio-political condition by changing those attitudes and re-clarifying some values over more time. That implies potential for a form of continuing *preventative health maintenance* curriculum at schools and colleges. Paradigm shift tension, anyone? How much are we ready for? But doesn't every writer asks that question - or just those who want us to "bridge" - to encourage exploration of our potentials and what we perceive as our limitations? Many writers note the incredible degree of short memory and denial that is going on in America. Perhaps that is because we want so strongly, even tenaciously, to believe in our "good guy" image of ourselves - certainly more than we want to acknowledge our attachment to our standard of living. "Our national denial" happens apparently because of that. Well, I believe it essential to the planet, considering the power of the United States, that the citizenry wake up, suffer the inevitable heartbreak, get a hold of ourselves and heal that, get real AND learn to use our anger constructively, and get in charge of what we can be proud of, and create much more of same. An elaboration on "Trends, Memory, Tracking, Trust, and Forgiveness" can be found here. All in all, the Poly-Psy charts page provides a good introductory, if not prerequisite, to the "OverComing Political Disillusionment" outline/study page (see next Link). "OverComing Political Disillusionment"What would be accomplished if more than 40% of Americans felt empowered enough to Vote? Would we create a government that actually represented our highest values? 'OverComing' is an outline of study of current political challenges and psychological considerations effecting American citizen potentials for stirring democratic participation, and the power to make a difference for the world, as well as suggestions for the healing & preventative maintenance necessary in so many arenas to get us there. |
"Q's Prayer 4 World Peace
World Healing Prayers Page Description: There are now 12 prayers (as of Jan'08) at this page, generally invoking Divine assistance, calling for truth, justice, accountability, related healing, learning, & balance, etc. Two prayers are specific to global climate healing, one to Iraq & Middle East, two are for planetary healing in general (although most comprehensive), one is specific to media communications, another to world economy, etc. Page includes background information, suggestions for use, & and printing tips. |
"ArchAngel Prayer for Iraq-MiddleEast" |
"A Global Climate Healing Fantasy and the Spirit of It All" On Sacred Earth Background. PDF versions available for Printing (is 2 pages long) |
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| World Healing Prayers with Sacred Geometry Graphic Backgrounds |
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Broad Spectrum World Healing Prayer |
The Political Reference Page
Provides A Would-be Endless Collection of supporting documents --
annotated links, but organized and updated as often as can (considering they keep pouring in...)
 PolyPsy List Archives
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(c) 1997 to Present, Chris Pringer |
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