THE FOUR GOVERNMENTS
(the "Fantasy," the "Masked," the "Elected," and the "True" Governments)
One could say that there are actually four main governments that operate through our political system. (Notice that the word used here is "operate" and not "work.") These four governments pervade all levels of politics and actual government function, and exist THROUGH the belief systems of citizens. However, they do not all function as we might want to believe they do. Actually, they function partly in fantasy, much of it in disguise, too often in disjunction, largely by default in lieu of citizen participation, and intermittently in mysterious (perhaps miraculous) efficiency.
| The first is the government of the representative and democratic government that many of us learned to expect from those we elect - a fairy tale we would all like to believe in. Please let me clarify: There is a difference between the (functional) holding up of ideals in order to then, step by checked-upon step, create realistic priorities and goals, and the (dysfunctional) holding of ideals and then merely proceeding as if they are already realized. Obviously, the latter feels good but gets nothing done, and the former only works when the ideals are converted into something pragmatic and then implemented. On the other hand, it actually IS representative since it also represents the non-voting, the un-seeing, and the insincere that exists among us. I'll refer to it as the "Fantasy Government." The second government is that which governs those we elect when the people are fantasizing about the first government or just too often looking elsewhere. I refer directly to the power elite, which I'll call the "Masked" government, and yes it exists and definitely functions. "It" doesn't use conspiracy necessarily -- but with various and sundry, at times conflicting, but still very highly defined sets of agendas. A currently exposed example would be the tobacco industry. It is a powerful executor of only one agenda perhaps, but the precedents being set with this special interest are part of the agendas of many other special interests, who together will take as much of our financial capacity, our health, and certainly our power as we let them. |
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The third government is the body of politicians that we have elected, and which actually carry out government functions - more or less. I don't feel I need to say much about this the "Elected government," since it is what generates and fills most of our political media nowadays. The confusion that we experience (focusing on them), as we try to figure what they are really doing, is where the "smoke and mirrors" tricks work their magic on us.
Just how much of that can you take before you get brain-dead dizzy and tuning out, if not consciously disillusioned and ticked off. And do you think this might have tended to effect one's memory after awhile -- until now as you read this, that is ? [Ok, I'm really trying to put a positive twist on this, .. Did I emphasize 'perception' or 'FOCUS' yet?]
The fourth government is the conscious awareness and action of the citizenry when it is being truly responsible, by such as insuring that we elect and maintain people of integrity in office. Just how real this government is varies. I call it the "True" government, to the degree we are motivated in being ourselves and acting cooperatively, maybe even consistently, and manifesting our highest dreams and hearts' desires. Sometimes we see it happening, too often it seems we haven't.
| Responsibility is the ability to respond to need, the willingness to do so, and the acceptance of the results and implications that come from our response. - Philip Levine. |
Right now the focus is on the images of the Elected since too few people know much (if any) of the reality of the Masked, too many are disillusioned from still trying to see the Fantasy, and not enough people make time to learn about and perform the duties of the True. While the Elected are generally _very_ knowledgeable about all four governments, they most enjoy the ignorance of the True (with sad but applicable irony in those words), and they thereby enjoy the rewards from the Masked. They have thus developed the double standards that citizens have been increasingly exposed to over the last three decades. But until one understands the extent and ramifications of the power elite's hold on the elected officials, we will continue to be dumb founded by the events and decisions that come from the Elected. ['We' meaning those of us who haven't resigned to the sheople's conspiracy theory - that it's safer for our ego, feelings, blood pressure, and overall safety, to believe it's useless and painful to believe we can or should make a difference. That it matters when those in charge of our health system are pressured to follow the political line vs what science has shown to be valid - a theocratic political line, at that.]
What I'm trying to say here is, it's all about -!-and REALIZING that it's all about-!- BELIEFS. Beliefs about who gets to be in charge, of things like structure and security, authority and empowerment, worthiness and fullfillment of purpose, and when, why, how, and how much, as instilled by the micro-culture, as well as the culture, that we grew up in. The CHANGE of anything is all about BELIEFS and how they are formed and what they are formed of. Only a few years ago did I begin to realize -- and appreciate somewhat -- how unusual this view might be. More importantly, how many others might benefit by considering these perspectives. But that's another story. 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?)
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| REALITY CHECK
("The Four Governments..." Continued)
Admittedly, I held lots of hope for the Elected man who seemed to be able to intelligently and thoughtfully explain most any political event or socio-political condition if one followed his logic long enough. I never liked sound-byte psychology anyway. He does make sense when he's not trying to please too many interests, or too many women. The latter subject brings in specific focus on that double standard so highly preserved by the Elected.
Will we cure this by a cry for "heroes" at the Elected? But, in say the last half-century, have we been electing representatives more for doing their jobs or more for looking good? How come IMAGE is continuing to be the primary focus even in this age of sophistication, even as we decry the all too apparent priority of it? Now we're back to the Fantasy with added delusions of changing it ! Do not such priorities empower the Fantasy and leave the Elected to be puppeteered by the Masked? The power elite depend on the Fantasy to keep the double standard operating (to a sufficient degree) in the Elected officials, of course. If I were a smart power elitist, the Fantasy is what I'd invent if it didn't already exist. Can we deny that the law of supply and demand has produced goods relevant to our priorities, as expressed by how we vote? And what about how we vote with our money? Where the True government is not doing its job, the Masked government will gladly step in.
The biggest difference between the Russians and Americans was that Russians recognized that "the Party Line" was propaganda from the ruling elite, and Americans who receive "the Mainstream Press" fail to recognize it as "propaganda from the ruling elite" and mistake it for "reality."
- Bill Moyers
"I shall give a propagandist cause for starting the war. Never mind whether it is plausible or not. The victor will not be asked, later on, whether he told the truth or not. In starting and waging a war, it is not Right that matters but Victory. Have no pity. Adopt a brutal attitude... Right is on the side of the strongest."
- Adolph Hitler
...So long as most of us are sheep (and I was once one of those "sheople"), the wolves will be happy to lead us. Nazi Germany could not have happened were it not for the sheople. Besides, even a wolf pack has great family values. But it's still a wolf pack. Survival mentality coupled with too much power does not a world leader make. We are a society of great influence, and we are capable of fostering much higher values. ...After Iraq, who is Bush going to nag us about destroying for not meeting up to "our values"? Will it be the innocent people of another resource-rich nation - that is ruled by one of the other tyrants installed by the U.S?
- yours truly
"Darwinism stresses conflict and competition; that doesn't square with the evidence. A lot of organisms that survive are in no sense superior to those that have gone extinct. It's not a question of being "better than"; it's simply a matter of finding a place where you can be yourself. That's what evolution is about. That's why you can see it as a dance. It's not going anywhere, it's simply exploring a space of possibilities."
- Brian Goodwin, Biologist,
quoted in The Third Culture, by John Brockman
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PLAYING THE STANDARDS
("The Four Governments..." Continued)
But we HAVE created a Fantasy government in recent years - psychologically speaking. If we are astute, and pay close attention -- not to the image hype, but to the bottom lines, we will see the strategy of the Masked be un-masked. We've been taken in by the lights and mirrors, but the horse and donkey show might just disgust us enough to draw back and see the stage and the whole panorama of gamery. [I may be stepping in a little deep here...] During the Clinton Administration the Masked and Elected had willingly cooperated to assist in highlighting the double-standard. This is a rare event (prior to 1992), so apparently they will do this only for critical reasons, and therefore only in specific directions. For this to happen, the official(s) at gun point would really have to go against the current of the Elected and Masked's agendas. Such agendas INCLUDE immorality and the double-standard in the ranks of the Elected, therefore the immorality of an elected official would not at all, just by itself, bring down this kind of fire power...
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On Success & the Sound Bite
Ok, you may have to re-read the above paragraph slowly; this is not 8th grade level now, although I do believe some folks have benefited from so many people reading at that level. This is why sound-bite media has been such a success... E.G.: Emotional manipulation of attention and focus and buying power has paid off by bending the public's integrity sufficiently to divert and/or sap resources to the pockets of those who, for one thing, care not for your health or happiness, let alone for your pain. For another, they pay the unawakened or apathetic to complete surveys so they can manipulate the public better. And worst of all, they would have you believe that having material wealth is a sign of success -- to the extent that they have influenced people (via their messages in the media) to believe that the expertise in manipulating for such success is now an estimable talent along the way, if not a worthy value in itself.]
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I'm not just talking about the relatively minor and short-lived instances regarding some congressional representatives. I'm talking about a tremendous budget assigned to keep certain officials incapacitated, and to keep secret files secret. What? Think back (the 4 years before the 1992 election) to the brief but startling stories of the post-cold-war intelligence community: stories about the spies that would be out of work, the changes in power, and the various related events and investigations. How would a new administration investigate such complex power interplay? Remember those FBI files that somehow got linked with the Whitewater affair? And now, since 1992, we've seen the exposure (blackmailing?) of five or more congressmen in a season, then a few more every season up to the current times. You might be interested to take a look at 'CovertAction Quarterly' (Exposés -- recommended by Noam Chomsky)
Hmmm, Riddle: What is one relationship between one of the Y2K presidential candidates, current (post Y2K election) efforts in election reform (if not terribly focused campaign reform just yet), and the pre-1992 highest level management of the CIA ? What has this got to do with the above paragraph ? Hint 1: this could be a perfect example of what I said earlier -- about disillusionment, tuning out, and memory. Hint 2: the phrase, "Keep it in the Family" ? Did I emphasize 'perception,' 'memory,' or 'FOCUS' yet?  )
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Is the elitist double standard so different from the "norm"? Could there be a relation? This quote might remind us:
" The five rules of the world...
The first rule...is that you must not have *any*thing wrong with you or anything different. The second one is that if you do have something wrong with you, you must get over it as soon as possible. The third rule is that if you can't get over it, you must pretend that you have. The fourth rule is that if you can't even pretend that you have, you shouldn't show up. You should stay home, because it's hard for everyone else to have you around. And the fifth rule is that if you are going to insist on showing up, you should at least have the decency to be ashamed...
....the most subversive, revolutionary thing I could do was to show up for my life and not be ashamed." -- from Anne Lamott's book, Operating Instructions. |
IN SUPPORT OF FUNCTIONAL GOVERNMENT
Believe it or not, from the view of people who believe more in overall health and well-being (via quality of sustained natural resource management as well as care for the handicapped, youth, and aged), President (Bill) Clinton had been acting quite often as a representative of the True government (The fourth of "The Four Governments," the conscious awareness and action of the citizenry when it is being truly responsible, that which insures we elect and maintain people of integrity in office). These objectives meet long-term goals and honor the capabilities of humanity. The grand exception to this was his considerable support of programs, falling into the hands of, and used instrumentally by, the World Trade Organization. Internationally, the sanctions on Iraq created a disaster. But otherwise...
This is to contrast with efforts that unabashedly worsen the much lowered quality of food and water, sell products that obviously addict our own children to an unhealthy lifestyle which also leads to disease and an earlier and painful death, sell products to other countries we've outlawed here (including dangerous fertilizers and pesticides for crops and many unapproved/faulty medical drugs and supplies!), and addict those countries to feeding our addictions (tobacco, sugar, coffee, beef, and even cocaine when a war "justifies" it) at the expense of using up land that could otherwise feed the people of those countries. And when such interests need more, they so quickly have had legislation (e.g.: "Corporate Welfare") written and/or added as riders to take it. All to feed the media driven "needs" (desires, that is) for immediate gratification and then comes the political entertainment show with their crisis management -- negative cycles indicative of our short-sightedness.
Maybe their calling Bill Clinton a whore wasn't inaccurate (any more than the pot calling the kettle black), but while they steal the peoples money through the prostitution of our ideals of fairness, not to mention of tax-paid resources ? And these people called Clinton's actions egregious, relative to the governing of our nation. This is the sort of thing that makes many wonder about conspiracies.
Would you rather have your sons and daughters emulating someone who got blown (away?) and even of denying it afterwards, or emulating someone who got away with billions of dollars, the eradication of tens of thousands of jobs and/or the means of workers to feed, house, clothe, and clean themselves (by making useless or non-existent their water and farmland), and then saying this is how we have to do business in America and abroad?
One of my friends got nailed on the abortion issue for wearing an Obama button at a Catholic service. She's Catholic, and like her detractor, also abhors abortion as well as other kinds of killing. We decided that the next time this happens she agree with the person, but include more detail about the other kinds of killing she hates. EG: the killing of soldiers, both "our own" and those our political leaders have deemed (sometimes in most questionable ways) as "enemies," and especially their families, the torture of same, the resultant life-long suffering of soldiers' due to PTSD and the now ever-increasing number of suicides - especially as a result of the political pit-bulling of our (and "their") kids. And wouldn't it be great if we could get a political leader who would stand against all of those. And of Course, Obama isn't "pro-abortion" but pro-choice, and life and death issues are just not as simple as some politicians and religious leaders would like us to believe. [11'08] |
Click for full-size printable version
The Above is a summary on selected family values - as might be applied in current politics. Below that is another version of that would-be policy - in actual window bumpersticker art (most of it had been in my window for 2-4 years when photo taken, 2009)
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End of "The Four Governments"
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Getting Real about "Conspiracies"
(and the belief system of the power elite)
I do not believe the power elite are "out to get us," however, as a pragmatic idealist, I cannot deny what I'll just call "The test" - what seems to be the current or impending "Doom & Gloom" scenario orientation. However, I believe that IS the vehicle for GETTING BEYOND our usual selves (whether one believes that we've created that "vehicle" or that it's been handed to us). I call that "pragmatic idealism." ...
NEW (6/15/09): About the HDTV & bad signal reception:
If we do nothing other than get the converter box, even in the poorest of signal reception areas, we can still get Fox & The Jesus Channels - hmmm... why do they come in so well while the others don't??? Like the other channels can't amp up the signal well enough, or as much as the Jesus monopoly? Are we to believe that our knowledge of tv signal reception related technologies haven't evolved to the degree where we can't organize a shift to HDTV signal reception better than what has led to this current state of conflicting information? That led to how long it took them to tell us that it's all about *your antenna*? Are we to believe that we are only NOW sufficiently technically enlightened to the reality, that most of the US population has to eventually resort to Comcast cable in order to solve the tv signal reception problem? Apartment dwellers are especially at a loss, unless they are ideally located and equipped with a sufficiently varied array of *indoor* (Landlord-allowed) antenna systems. Assuming of course, the average tv watcher wants access to all the most basic channels, if only for an hour or two a day, including PBS. Whoops, did I just go political? Don't take me wrong, while I believe Jesus WAS probably one of the greatest masters, I also believe He wouldn't abide by "Christians" forcing His teachings down others throats, or *the news* according to their priorities. And no, I don't think God is playing carrot and stick with the tv signals. I DO think Comcast and FoxTv knew long ago what would happen, unless of course they've been depending on their religious leaders, Rush Limbaugh, and Karl Rove for their technical expertise as well. [Did I punctuate that right? I mean, correctly? ] As a city apartment dweller who is not totally technically inept, and currently trying various homemade signal enhancement systems... IF I do find a way, I'll let you know.
[As of September '09 I can usually get ch.7 (incl. RTV) OR (on a good evening) ch's 13, 5, & 20 (Fox, sports, & the "Jesus Set") depending on how I "set" my (indoor) antenna array (a strange-looking arrangement, by the way). And I tend to leave it where it worked best last, since neither 'setting' gets predictable or dependable results. I'd be curious to know how other apt.dwellers are fairing - please incl. location; email to polypsyarts@iinet.com]
More Technically speaking: The tv itself doesn't effect the quality of the signal *reception* so long as it's either an HDtv or hooks up with a converter box. Those with homes on relatively flat terrain will do ok if the tv stations aren't too far away. The garage techs with their own homes will enjoy the challenge - I've been reading their blogs. But the apt/condo folk will need cable or be left as noted above, with a few exceptions. Which tv media will actually report the actual problem as it becomes very apparent in the coming months? Good question, but there will be internet sites devoted to it and email postings on it. What can be done about it? The tv stations can increase the signal strength and number of towers (etc) if they believe the investment will pay off, if they believe they can compete with cable and dish, etc. Where does that leave PBS? Well, depends on funding/donations over time - which might take some (lots of) time for them to risk investment in tech updates.
Hence, the question of where the invested corporations are making their big money from this HD shift. Other than around the usual image of the biggest and latest tv anyway, I'd say that a few will gain from sales of antenna systems for awhile. But the large$$e will be around the strengthened dish and cable monopoly with the political side effect (or ulterior motive ?) of more consolidations of news empires. (Reminds me of when we told you back in '03 about Karl Rove promising media moguls that, if elected, Bush would carry out a major deregulation of the broadcast industry. He was instrumental in getting Michael Powell, son of US Secretary of State Colin Powell, to head the Federal Communications Commission...)
Quick update on PNAC, 6'09
PNAC is the "Project for A New American Century" who brought you the Bush Administration, 2000-2008.
We hope they are old news, but I'm not totally sure that they totally are. Only FOX news (as far as prime time TV) could be so audacious in calling it a conspiracy, speaking of the endless pile of facts around these folks, including the *documented PLANs* of the PNAC, that the Bushies never addressed (but don't go to that link just yet... . And what that does *not* go into is Afganistan's proximity to China and those very large deep caves - but that's just me thinking about how the old boys think ) And these boys of the PNAC gallery, some who already sell most of the armaments on the planet -as well as the oil- made nail-bitters of the rest of the power elite. Obviously since the PNAC gallery (pronounced "Pee'nak gallery") was in charge of the most powerful Armed forces on the planet. And to what degree they still are, may be THE question, when it comes to figuring out Mr. Obama's strategy in many matters.] |
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PNAC, while actually composed of nerd-types while promoting a "Darth Vadar" approach, were [are?] designers for a long-term comprehensive planetary chess game. Other than for military strategy (except for getting away with it), they were [are?] guided by the one-two genius punch of Karl Rove. His evangelical image strategically disguised the machiavellian agenda (hence my calling him "Machiavengelical"). (Not to send you off just yet - I actually do address 'theory vs fact' issues just below. But...) There are Extensive Refs on the "King of Dirt" on the development and achievements (sic) of Karl Rove, the likes of which we have not seen for centuries. And more commentary about "the work" of PNAC and crew (and plenty of support links) in the 911/Iraq War section]
At this point I want to mention the articles at http://www.chalicebridge.com/Neo-ConMind-Origins.html for understanding contemporary politics, origins, basis, and psychology behind & the eerie relevance to current day conservative and liberal viewpoints. (Right now you are at http://www.chalicebridge.com/PoliticalPage.html#Conspiracy) |
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The "Power Elite", like other groups, have their cultural belief systems apart from other cultures, and they see the relationship between themselves & "the masses" as one of parents & children -- and they feel fine about not telling us all they know, do, are, plan, and about telling us what, when & how they see fit. So its not so much a conspiracy as it is a shared perspective out of which they operate. In fact, they may not even need to actually meet to act in unity on various issues and related ventures - it would simply be taken for granted. The various members, clubs, and communities among them may congregate, discuss, and make agreements on strategies and things that concern them. Regular folk concern them, but only because it usually takes the rest of us to actually do their work, or to make sacrifices - or sometimes to be sacrificed, especially if one lives in a 3rd world country. Hence, we shouldn't really take it personal - it's just business. Well, that wasn't really meant to be comforting. [And A bit further below are some suggestions for handling conspiracy theories.]
I.E.: Maintaining power is what concerns them. There are differences in philosophy and many other perspectives among them, and they certainly compete (merger-mania and monopoly games not-with-standing) but they do not appreciate threats to their positions in those communities and they will defend each other in that regard, priorities considered. And their main priority is power. (But you might say, "But what about Enron -- didn't they come down on that? Yes, like a feather - you may want to check out the link about Enron at 9/11 Mid-East Crisis - after you finish this page  |
Chris, Nov'05 |
I do NOT believe the power elite are "out to get us." I do believe that many of them are very attached to their addictions - power and money. Which addictions happen to feed and be fed by our addictions, most of which add up, or cause us to avoid & deny our responsibilities. And some of the power elite will be quite aggressive in staying fed that way {via our addictions), as the tobacco industry proved, and as the new international laws of the World Trade Organization would strongly indicate. The more conservative ("old money") among them keep the "bigger picture" in mind, and their plans may allow for the sacrifice of the health, or even lives, of thousands or millions of people. But, in their view, this would be only for what they consider the greater good.
Who are they? Which They? Well, in its "Elite Conference Guide" of Christmas 1987, the Economist described Bilderberg as 'Ne plus ultra' or 'the top of the top.' The Bilderberg office in Leiden, Holland may issue a 'press release' for it's meetings, but only a few hours after the last participant has left the meeting area. There are various theories about the Trilateral Commission, often contradictory about what all they do, and especially as to why various members may belong. The World Trade Organization (W.T.O.) or the European Round Table of Industrialists (E.R.T.) would seem to be at some steps down from this level of power, usually having publicized meetings, yet often including some members of the elite in their conferences. But naming or locating them is not what this essay is concerned with. How their minds and hearts create and allow all that they are and do - that is much more interesting to me. What are the rules for those "our betters" who create the rules for, and by which 'the false reality' is enforced upon, those deemed unworthy to know better ? How we respond to all that is far more important still.
According to Charles Mills (mentioned above), among the power elite there are those who are quite philanthropic leaders, and those that play the political field for a time. There are those that utilize the "revolving door policy" to move from the military, to the corporate, to the government regulatory. And so on - if they choose to "work" by engaging in the more dynamic realms of power. Conflict of interest? From their point of view that is strictly a legal matter for their pawns to contend with - if anyone is successful in getting such a matter to court or before congress.
Some have the attitude of a protective father, others are like a benign tyrant, others are not nearly so thoughtful of our future, and so on. There are those that participate with others of their status in spiritual or mystical organizations, as well as those in fundamentalist ones, etc. All this does not change the relevance of those power elite that play the power games with others lives via our elected representatives, and use other means of getting around the rules that everyone else play by. But remember, even the best hypnotists have to find participants that are willing to play along - at least subconsciously. So, maybe we have some mixed feelings we'd like to clarify (lest those subconscious desires for their approval, or fear of their disapproval, lead us to ...)?
In summary, members of the power elite are a mixed bag - sort of. Some really love giving to others and some give only to get more power. And some act like no more than legitimate "gentlemen" Mafia, taking only a penny a day from each of us (at the point of a lie, instead of a gun. Ever try to add that up? They say it definitely beats robbing banks  )
Also please keep in mind that the larger corporations in America are not American, legally speaking, as they are largely beyond national laws and any requirements of national loyalty.
| Patriotic? Judge by their "facts," focus, & fruits. As Robert B. Reich says (2006), the stock market is up and but economy is slow - because The Bush tax cuts have delivered for Wall Street but done zilch for America's Main Streets. Because now, neither the rest of the world's major economies nor America's own largest corporations depend on America's economy. Enter the usefulness of the resources found in Section VI. of the Political Reference page, including Corporate Reform, Economic Fairness Issues, and Responsible Shopping & Investment, and Collected Essays on War-Related Economics & Inequality. For example, Reclaim Democracy .Org details just how and also what we can do about corporate abuse and the laws that support it. |
Other power elitists more often act like care takers for the less fortunate. Considering the incredibly slow response to the Global Warming, it would seem that immediate gratification is the presiding motivation. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists' latest reading (1999), we have about 70 years before what's left of us are wondering what happened, folks - like 1995 would definitely have NOT been too soon to really get with it. A more recent Global Warming report (Jan '04), not yet commented on by the UCS, closes the timeline considerably [noted Spring '04; Facts started hitting the fan a year later; in another year Bush tried to get away with talking like he discovered the problem himself - to even Rove's frustration! ]. The time for change is NOW! For an astute and illuminating parallel on Global Warming, you've got to see the "Simple Test of User Propensity for Irresponsible Decisions (STUPID)."
Now here's a counter-conspiracy conspiracy for you:
Have you ever thought about what Neo-Cons & Libertarians have in common that is so opposed to the official principles and purposes of the U.N.? Of course these are only two of many forces affecting the order of things in the political world today. However, PNAC is generally never thought about in the same frame with thoughts about Spirituality. Libertarians, however would seem to have taken up a primary position of influence within the spiritual communities. The answer to the first question is the same answer to the question of what realm of influence is provided by the Libertarians into the spiritual realms -MONEY or *currency* or business or corporation. [Confusing? They make ya think don't they!  ]
I do not believe that all the libertarian-influenced eclectics are paranoid about world government to the point of passing conspiracy theories about the UN being an invention of the trilateral commission, etc - let alone doing so with the knowledge that such conspiracies work in the favor of the purposes of PNAC and related "corporatocratic governors" (those Power Elite that are trying to create a more than virtual corporate government.) I believe that many "abundance" class teachers running the seminar circuit of the New Thought churches are either aware of these things, or are being influenced by those who are very aware. And so the influence might well have been passed on to many eclectics who take interest in more political matters, mixing those theories with whatever else is "hot," including theories about ET's (particularly the "reptilians") and origins of mankind. [On the one hand I have to ask, if we are not the only "class M" planet in the universe, then why should we be the only ones here, let alone the most advanced, let alone totally invisible to those who are much more advanced? On the other hand, while I believe there is some truth to many of these theories/testimonials - the operative word is *some* and the operative implication is "develop filters and don't just jump for the juicy." Having fun yet? ] That's why we have the next main section just below.
Counter-Counter: But I also believe there is a contest for power, and that contest revolves much around those who might become "empowered" and therefore much less easily manipulated. But not everything that might cause you to feel less-empowered is false. If something does, know that a) feelings are not rational, b) fear doesn't have to paralyse, c) you are not alone, and d) it helps to believe that challenges are for the purpose of building our capacities, e) There are even better pep-talks elsewhere at this site  ]
The point being that 1) convoluted un/half-substantiated stories (whether engineered by Neo-Cons, Libertarian-cloaked CIA, or other power elitists) that are basically designed to ultimately (if not sooner) convince people they cannot make a difference about anything beyond their house payments are not designed to empower anyone but those who already have too much power for anyone's good. And that 2) we should stop helping them by (not) spreading such stuff unless done so expressly for research, comparitive analysis, or entertainment.
Handling Conspiracy Theories
- and Questionable News or Unfamiliar Internet Sources (posted in 2000? edited 05/05/07)
In the realm of media, it is now important that we know whatever limitations there are to objectivity - and use that knowledge as an asset. Some things, such as the below considerations, are helpful to keep in mind so as not to be misled by a conspiracy theory, let alone disenfranchised, even when it may be true to some degree. The essay on "The Four Governments" (further below) relates belief systems to perception of ones place relative to politics (and objectivity). As we these things in mind, we can develop more assets for sharpening our objectivity with the media.
Most conspiracies contain a grain or more of truth. And most are generally communicated with a few of the same things in mind. That is, firstly, the (stated) target of the theory is kept relatively obvious, and the basic premise must be kept simple enough to keep it understandable, which means generalities and half-truths will likely abound. Secondly it needs to create a drama or "shock effect" in order to motivate the recipient in some way. (If you participate in "I can tell you something even more scary" conversations very often, then you are the addict conspiracy theorists depend on.) The trick in most conspiracy theories is the increasing complexity - multiple plot levels which enhance the novel-like building excitement. Many are designed for those who brief-read and for librarian types who often serve as the unofficial "fact-keepers" and fact distributors of a community, especially those based on exchange of political information. Too many folks don't take the time to unravel the "evidence," enjoying the brief moment of celebrity in passing on the stories. All of which, over time with enough of these kinds of stories, results in an underlying confusion within the reader, that can lead to feeling there is no way to do anything about the going's on of the powers that be, or giving up one's power to "the experts."
Example of the "It's so bad that..." conspiracy approach:
"Say Hello to the Goodbye Weapon" By David Hambling Wired News Tuesday 05 December 2006 Documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act detail the US military's extensive human tests of its Active Denial System - a non-lethal weapon that uses millimeter wave radiation to induce instant, searing pain that forces people to flee. http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,72134-0.html
My Response: ***IF they could get away with it,*** if "they" had such a weapon ready to go, they might test *us* with it, to see how we responded. But there is no way that "they" could possibly think, so far in this society anyway, that they wouldn't get so burned by various political action groups for doing that.
First they will have to justify martial law. That is, justify it to those elected reps & other more powerful folk who actually do fight for democracy, including many in the pentagonwho have resisted the Rumsfield/Cheney doctrine and (other forces of) fascism in general (the "Brass Resistance" !). Then they will have to justify this amount of force. On a battlefield (in a "legal war"?) they risk only the possibility of war-crimes tribunals. Besides, super-powers have been testing "superweapons" forever. You know, the boy-toys thing. What helps to remember when we come up against with these things is the question of "Can they get away with it." Now, in 3rd world countries, in isolated work farms or something like that, IF a corporation could aquire the weapon. And when reading this kind of material watch out for the "It's SO bad that" barrage (or inclusions)-- hype and imaginative creations for the over-active mind -- strategy to keep well-read and data-addicted citizens feeling disillusioned, hopeless, and otherwise disempowered, eg: to prevent effective democracy. EG: maybe the true conspiracy is a dis-info campaign. Mr. Hambling, for one thing, seems to be getting off with the shock value thing that conspiracy theorists seem to be addicted to. IF we can keep the democracy here, we won't have to worry about these things - HERE (with all the white "Christian" people) at least. If that makes you feel better. 
IMHO
| [ Unless certain kinds of cops are really sneaky. There are now Homeland Security divisions apparently testing the limits of legal immunity. Am speaking of those who have been breaking up the demonstrations against the military's using some of Washington's ports in the way that it has. One of the least known of the Tacoma Police Department's specialized sub-units is the "Disorder Response Team" (DRT), pronounced 'DiRT.' (http://www.ufppc.org/content/view/5872/). And then there is NorthCom (try word-search for it at SNOW-News archives) . 5/23/07: a Tacoma Municipal Court judge told two attorneys for the City of Tacoma to provide evidence to counsel for some twenty defendants charged in connection with March's port militarization resistance protests, or risk having their cases dismissed.[1] -- At issue: police videos that have still not been produced. -- Also at issue: the identity of those who commanded riot police units deployed at the Port of Tacoma. -- Those names were mysteriously redacted from documents prepared by the Tacoma Police Department. (http://www.ufppc.org/content/view/6202/ & http://www.ufppc.org/content/view/6029/) Fall'07: In the end, we are winning this battle because we are persistant, resourceful, and committed. ] |
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This is NOT to say that conspiracies don't happen, or that some people who are more "powerful" in some way or another (at least as a group), never make agreements about dealing with those less powerful in those way(s), and that over time such involvements can become very complex (as noted in above essay). Neither does it negate that one of the best ways to disenfranchise citizens is to convince them, through propagating conspiracy theories, that they have no power to change things. Because citizens always do have that power, I believe. But the sooner such challenges are recognized for what they are, the more quickly and easily can changes can be made that will make a difference.
Some basics: The holding of any kind of power is not automatic, whether via the spoken or written word, whether political, psychological, or otherwise. In a democracy (which we still have, basically, at least, to the degree our elected reps actually represent us [2007]), power generally has to be willingly surrendered through the democratic process to the degree it is not circumvented. I didn't say that power had to be "consciously" surrendered. Manipulation is the basic means of acquiring power over someone else, whether the manipulation is for good or for ill, whether it happens by telling the truth or not, whether the person is in full conscious agreement of the manipulation or not. For example, you pay a chiropractor or massage therapist to manipulate your tissues into a more healthy alignment, or therapist to manipulate your awareness into a more healthful perspective about yourself and your world. Even a good hypnotherapist instructs so as to achieve the client's full conscious awareness of the process. To the degree that power is given up unconsciously, we call this brainwashing. The point here is that if you're being manipulated, and it's not by your conscious permission, then you're probably going to regret it.
Trends, Memory, Tracking, Credibility, and Forgiveness
Oh, and Trust (or "Discrimination: Whether, When, or How to have Expectations of Accountability")
Any professor of political science will tell you that politicians know that the average citizen's political memory is very short. (Two weeks is the estimated average time period for that, according to professors of political psychology). Perhaps this is due to how distastefully most of us perceive politics in general. Change ('learning') on a community or national level first requires tracking and observing trends - and then developing and accomplishing realistic goals. Of course, observing internal trends (within oneself as well as within ones community or nation) and external effects as well, would help a lot. Too bad that that when it comes to politics and politicians, that's considered "magical thinking" these days. In any case, it's probably safe to say that short memory would be, and has been, a favorite reality of those politicians who specialize in manipulation.
Forgiveness (or lack thereof) effects memory, and that effects tracking (and basic observing/comparing of trends, events, etc. Experiment with that for yourself if you don't believe it - the worst thing you could cause is feeling guilty for lightening your load ). The desire for so many Americans to believe they are "the good guys" (so dangerous when felt as vital to self-esteem no matter what the cost) also relates to self forgiveness and effects perception of events, not to mention memory/tracking.
Suspension of memory to some degree, is also a key element in brainwashing, since this largely determines how we make decisions - about voting for example. This pertains to memory of "facts," of events that more obviously imply contrary facts, or of strong feelings born out of events (because for some people, the emotional memory is the means of access for how they will make decisions about many things). It also pertains to more subtle feelings that have yet to consciously give rise to facts as obviously contrary. The desire for so many Americans to believe they are "the good guys" (so dangerous when felt as vital to self-esteem no matter what the cost) also effects memory; for some it may be so strong to also effect perception in the first place. Note: It wouldn't hurt to take mental notes if not keep an outline journal (ie: events & dates) with the initiation of any new administration.
| Ahhh, is so polite to forget. We might think so. It is healthy to forgive, but forgetting can be dangerous. Like when forgetting becomes denial. Treatment summary: 1) Remember the whole emotional ordeal (including any denial), 2) forgive (including any denial), 3) create appropriate response for circumstances that led to the previous denial, 4) celebrate having alternatives ready for the future, 5) consider how this might be applied to group situations (including politics and denial of ...). Ok, I ad-libed for the last one. Sometimes others' unworthiness for trust is the biggy, or even forgiving self for trusting (at that time). But if you can't trust anyone for EVERYthing, or EVERYone for anything, maybe it's not so much about *who* to trust. Maybe, more usefully, it's about who to trust for what, and what to trust from whom. Sometimes others' unworthiness for trust is the biggy, or even forgiving self for trusting (at that time). But since you can't trust anyone for EVERYthing, or EVERYone for anything, then maybe it's NOT so much about *WHO* to trust. Maybe, more usefully, it's actually about who to trust for what, and what to trust from whom. |
Memory of the basic sequence of events, and their basic cause and effect relationships (or "Tracking"), is not a terribly difficult thing to manage, even during stressful and confusing times. Journaling helps much to establish both the mental and emotional experience in time and space. Another way is the daily mental review that is most effectively done just before retiring. Combining these two -- perhaps in separate experiences, say a few or more hours apart -- improve the effectiveness of either. |
at the 3000 GI's Lost Gathering |
WHO to TRUST? This is not about "judgment" - it's about appropriate discrimination in order to make good decisions about what to expect from others, and making best choices about what you are to do and what role you take in/for related situations (and what not to). [I clarify because some political progressives and spiritual eclectics get the judgment/discrimination thing mixed up, and my views are not about *condemnation.*] For my own assessments, my theory on trust goes something like this: Trust, if not blind, is a result of knowing, to some degree at least, about oneself and the other in the question of trust. It has a lot to do with discriminative thinking and self-honesty, objectivity and filters. We all have filters. Know the filters and you know better how and when to trust whom for what. I trust those people that don't know themselves very well -- to be *inaccurate* about themselves and others. I trust most folks to rely on "convenient memory filtration" to protect their ego's to one degree or another. But I don't trust someone to be responsible for things (whether objects or intangibles) that s/he hasn't earned that trust for. We are all learning, no one is perfect, no is can be trusted for everything.
Peace Keeping, Indian Island 9'06 |
Hopefully, with time and maturity in a relationship (in this case, with media), you can eventually trust the particular media you consult to have a known degree range of objectivity about each kind of topic they cover. And that you can eventually trust yourself to know when and how well you retain your own objectivity, and when you may tend to fool youself about any of that.
Hence, I trust people to be people - with specific kinds of trust(s) for individuals I know to some degree. I trust politicians to be politicians -- to be less than objective when comes to how long they should stay in office or how much they can be trusted with a promise. (I have similar expectations for "politician types" and their agendas. And then there's when some otherwise wonderful folks just go into that mode...) I trust lovers of power to try to insure that the doors of power keep revolving (between businesses, congress, and regulators of business), and to keep themselves moving through them. I trust the media to be influenced (against their will or not) by their owners - so I like to know about the owners - especially when there are increasing patterns of decreasing diversity in the ownership of a great percentage of the media that people pay attention to. Conspiracies are more likely to be created by, as well as about, such media conglomeration.
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Under these trying circumstances it is important for the citizen to pay attention to alternative media - with the same considerations as noted above. I trust citizens to wake up (to some degree) under *traumatic* circumstances they wished never happened (like 911). But I hope for the day when they don't go so deeply back to sleep, even given the political image-makers and image-shifters who create the re-frame scenario's, that they project to the citizens so that they will go back to sleep. Just as I trust such sleeze-merchant mercenaries to attempt to do that to them - because (in other words and in summation) I also *trust* them to remain consistently who they are until and unless something actually changes that.
Some might notice that this particular use of the word "trust" might be very akin to that of the word "expect." That might be because this view on trust is born out the Buddhist belief about "expectations as essential cause of suffering."
Arrested at Bangor, 2004 |
Granted, the whole expectations thing (and the work in maintaining awareness about one's objectivity) can be exceedingly difficult (some might say psychologically tricky). But the political world is repleat with opportunities for being/feeling disillusioned and/or betrayed, and (psychologically) faced with the choices of a) forgiving, healing, and continuing in service, or b) dropping out and rationalizing that choice with one of the many excuses that are called "spiritual." And you can't blame some folks for dropping out (for awhile), considering how badly they've been hurt and the amount/degree of psychological burdens they were already enduring. And how many of we "soft Americans" have sufficient strength to maintain awareness of the more difficult realities, to work to improve conditions, AND (after being knocked off the horse, get back on and) maintain a kind and compassionate approach every day? Related essays: "Why Politics at all? My Love/Hate Relationship with Politics" (in a section on the "World Healing Prayers" Page). And "Teach The Truth, And Change Will Come From Within" (in "Pragmatic Balance" section of Chalice Art/Integration page, and with a title that paraphrases my best teachers, and this means change will come from within the teacher as well as those taught).
Crazy person's argument: "But if I'm not tracking (internally and externally), then all's forgotten, there's no one to forgive, I trust everyone, and so everyone has credibility." Well, of course, few people are that crazy. And actually, the point, the core principle of application that we apparently most need to learn here... (Ready?) ...is that: what emotions we deny eventually become (unconsciously) projected out in ways that are self-perceived as safe. That is what is happening when we find "safe" targets for our worst emotions (including for whatever distrust, fear, hatred, jealousy, envy, etc that we have denied as associated with other people, things, events, etc). That includes "politically safe" targets. "Scapegoating" is the more conscious form of projecting. But just how "conscious" that is, is a matter of opinion - especially among psychologists and ministers.
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| Speaking of projecting or scapegoating, does the phrase "axis of evil" come to mind? And the lies that so many Americans so easily swallowed about Iraq in '02-03? (Big thanks to Fox News.) From the way that Americans have been managing their memory and their trust the last 8 years, the term "magical thinking" (not to mention "denial"), comes to my mind. (One might equate the two processes.) Can we ever forgive those who led us in these directions? Of course (with effort). Maybe if we start with those who believed so easily? Can we Forget? That would be sociopathic. |
![How do you ask a soldier to be the Last Person to die for a Lie? Banner [Photo by Gary Davis]](images-ced/LastSoldierBanner[GaryD]-c60AdjCrp-600px.jpg)
Poignant question. Photo by Gary Davis, Veterans For Peace Greater Seattle Chapter 92 |
Buttons Commemorating the Oct27 Action
Available via Oct27 Coalition
(via yours truly via at polypsyart@iinet.com) |
Again: How can so many who believe in the death penalty be so quick to dismiss the mandate for accountability for such "leadership"??? Accountability is critical NOW more than ever. Why? No, not for revenge! But for the sake of teaching our young (and less mature adults) that doing wrong does not pay. It's what we call "appropriate structure" in the fields of education and health, as opposed to the kind that would have judgment meated out for not believing in the same God. (11'07, 10'08)
Case in point: It's Amazing (to me, anyway) how the Bushies actually argue against the basic need for accountability in a political office, not to mention at the presidential level. Silly me: before four years ago, I'd have thought they're simply doing *that* would earn them a jail cell. But notice how it's just become part of "the news." [Now THAT is some fancy programming, folks - How's that hook taste?!] How can so many who believe in the death penalty be so quick to dismiss the mandate for accountability??? Accountability is critical NOW more than ever. (11'07) |
How does one determine what news or sources to believe? Well, if you are so inclined to reading and study, and this applies to the internet as a resource in general, one way to sort things (that I have found effective) is "theory stacking." It's probably similar to how a good detective views the stories of suspects and witnesses. I also apply this method to assessing the reliability of sources of news on the internet, whether from email or web sites. First off, for the method to work, I accept that a) personalities are never totally objective about everything (even those of our most trusted leaders), b) that some of those personalities might even specialize in disinformation, and others may sometimes speak or publish before they really know, c) there are often many ways to explain things, especially complex events, and d) that few of these ways are fully eliminatable, and most have some tidbit to offer, even if I should establish one explanation as sure fact.
That established, I can *entertain* any number of explanations for an event that I make time to become aware of. I don't feel I need to remember all the details of a theory, but retain the gut feeling about it, and just keep a copy accessible for later reference. Then as a given theory shakes out more plausible relative to the other theories in the stack what I do is let it rise to the top of the "theory stack." That is, it would rise in my mind's visualization of it. (This method is probably related to my enjoyment of making and using charts.) eg: Over time, I may notice some theories getting lots of support from various sources, even those that often contradict each other in other topic areas, and so that theory may rise in credibility way over the top of any other explanation. I don't call a theory "truth" although I might believe certain parts of the theory. And I often don't call one of them a total lie, even if it's (currently) at the bottom of the stack.
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Yet another approach - for the truly unconventional data researcher. And it's only going to work for those who are either already experienced in meditative contemplation or meditative prayer, or those who are sufficiently open and willing to apply themselves to that experience. And once you learn this approach, then you choose a situation to apply it to. Yes, it includes meditation (or a more detached, objective focus. Yes, political ole' me still does that), and...
What's this got to do with "Data Research" ? I'm getting there... It is based on the notion that no matter how challenging something seems, there is something good that can come out of it, that you (or anyone with sufficient faith to take this approach) can somehow make some bit of difference - especially if there might be others somewhere also taking this approach for the same and/or related situation(s). And, if you're attached to the outcome of your research, then you'll definitely be dissuaded by this approach. By now I've either dis-interested you or intrigued you.
What's this really got to do with "Data Research" ? If you're feeling adventurous, check out "Notes on Beliefs, Healing, and Prayer" -- Practical considerations and a fair amount of science to boot (especially if you follow-up on some of the references there). And also at this site is a page with an assortment of arts & science integrations: World Healing Prayers On Sacred Geometry Backgrounds; One prayer is specific to Iraq & Middle East, One focusing on clarity and direction as a citizen, Two are for planetary healing in general (although most comprehensive), one is specific to Media Communications, another to World Economy. |
Chalice Vortex Bridge & Earth |
A more involved perspective (or theory) about what current politics seems to be handing us is at Questions For Disillusionment, which also includes a suggested class format for "Overcoming Burnout for Activists," as well as "The Development of One Questioning Mind" - my pre-sentencing statement at the trial of the "Seattle 12," arrested for sitting in at our senators offices as we tried to convince them not to give in to Bush's drive for the power to declare war any time he saw fit, and "Questions for Personal Empowerment" -- question-based affirmations over colorful tapestry background, emphasizing capacities for self-determination and re-defining personal values.
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THE NEWS BEHIND THE NEWS (1998)
A fine example of political diversionary tactics, made more easy by the public's incredibly short-term political memory, is the incredible set of legislation that Congress sneaked in/out during the Sept '98 internet "expose" during the Clinton Scandal -- not to mention various critical yet little heard-of international events.
Other strategies include the "publication" of unexamined and selective perspectives put out as a "Legal" document ! It is one primary tactic in a strategy designed to intimidate due to its value to entertain (thus gain readership for the party line, not necessarily for the media, although all media in the U.S. are actually owned by 5 people -- all of whom are conservatives. (The one proclaimed exception to this doesn't pan out by any reasonable examination, and the proclamations are by the other four who happen to be ultra-conservatives.) Jeff Cohen, a riveting speaker, describes the media as "Weapons of Mass Distraction" ("Myth of the Liberal Media;" see link for Alternative Radio in Resource section, this page).
What crime could be pursued that could get as much energy riveted on it as the Clinton peccadillo has been set up to attract ? This could only be allowed where people are so bored and lacking in inner direction that gossip becomes the highest paying entertainment in the country. More importantly then, What is it that society/humanity is so desperate to avoid that we allow the powers that be to impel such focus on these kinds of matters? If indeed, some crimes have actually been committed and the proper address of such crimes are truly the intended purpose of all this attention, then I'll be the first one to say "Whoops, I was blind." But I think I'm safe on that one.
I can't help but feel that if we focused more on our health and less on issues like who can marry whom, there wouldn't be the legacy of Viet Nam vet suicides. Did you know that more have committed suicide since that war than were actually killed in it!?! It's true. And the word 'legacy' refers to how we are treating our Gulf War soldiers and vets right now. Maybe if we were more confident about our own spirituality (or about our own sexual nature) we wouldn't feel the need to force our beliefs on others. (I'm as straight as it gets, but I just can't believe that so many of us would feel so threatened by gay marriage, or even pay any mind to such issues when there's so many life and death issues, let alone life-threatening health issues, to deal with.) The sanctify of marriage? How about the forced marriage of Big Business, the U.S. Military, and evangelical Christianity onto the Middle East? How about sanctifying the worst S&M in the world by perpetrating the most globally selfish strategies ever devised on the planet (ie: the PNAC noted above) while allowing Bush to wave the American Flag to legitimize it?
These sad realities, the part of America that attracts so much Third World enmity and Second World headshaking, are the kinds of things that lead to our disillusionment. Consider a metaphor: TV ads that put the sexy babes by their products, contrasted by the churches who teach guilt for having a sexual fantasy or acting on it. What's perversely comical about this is that not only do both the babes and the guilt bring in more cash, but if you stopped either one, both the salesmen and the preachers would suffer drastic losses in income and followers (at least until we wised up to what our minds were doing to us). Ok, that was stolen from an old psychology joke. But it illustrates how our hypocrisy has led us to manipulate ourselves. This is also how the sophisticated gossip news shows work, by the way. Will we ever wise up? (Did I say "metaphor" ?) Think about it: look at how we have so often stimulated our economy: wars that we could call "holy" -- this is so old, we talk about this very tendency, yet (as of 2002) it hasn't ceased to work!
IF EACH CITIZEN KNEW S/HE WOULD BE ALIVE
FIVE-HUNDRED YEARS FROM NOW,
DO YOU THINK OUR POLITICAL ACTIONS WOULD BE DIFFERENT NOW?
(Maybe like we cared for our children's children, y' think? What do you think has created such interference to our socio-political foresight and long-term memory? How are we to heal that? Hint: there are essays and links about pain, disillusionment, "Re-Membering," attainment of goals, motivation, and healing at this site, via the Body-Mind Integration Index. For example, speaking of these topics, long term goals, and of desires versus needs, you can check out:
Essay, "Beliefs-Desires-Needs-Alignment"
"Emotion & Motivation on the Path and in Healing"
and The Outline for "Overcoming Political Disillusionment,"
"Neither we nor the plants and animals we value most in our biosphere have the genetic repertoire to adapt to the extraordinarily rapid introduction of novel toxic substances...It is up to us, members of the public whose dreams and aspirations for a good life are circumscribed by toxic emissions, contaminated housing tracts, and toxics in our drinking water... to take control over the fate of the earth..."
-- Marc Lappé, in Chemical Deception (Sierra Club Books)
To Section on Genetically Engineered Foods (on separate page)
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To TOP of PAGE
SOME HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR CITIZENS
If you don't know your elected official's office number,
You can Call 1-800-788-9372 and ask them to connect you.
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 Project Vote Smart
"Provides each citizen, conservative or liberal, instant, free access to the information relevant to that individual's own unique concerns ... is your one stop for political information on the World Wide Web. In addition to our extensive database on political candidates and officials, we also collect data such as the text of state ballot measures, voter registration information, federal and state judiciary data and educational resources.
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"Our interns and researchers: FIND, REVIEW, INDEX, and PROVIDE DIRECT LINK ACCESS to each political site on the Internet. We also provide a FREE printed directory of over 1000 key sites to visit, called the Vote Smart Web Yellow pages. "We are continually adding more information so let us know if there is something you would like to see. This extensive site also includes information on campaign contributions and finances, biographies and voting records, as well as pages like "Descriptions of Organizations Providing Performance Evaluations," "Research the Issues," "Think Tank & Research Institutes," and "Historical Documents."
For those who've lost faith in the two-party system (updated Oct. 2008)
Perhaps the perfect dream would be the Green Party and the Natural Law Party (see below) 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? By putting in the "conscientious" 'spoiler vote' -- under circumstances where the result would be more fascism in the White House? And then we'd be REALLY motivated for a bottom-up action, Right? Sorry, yes, that was sarcasm. But why encourage 3rd parties to strategize badly? IMO, when '3rd' parties become truly egalitarian, they will join forces to establish instant runnoff voting systems (now being termed 'rank-order voting'), locally, then nationally. See Below for more info.)
Partial Exception: in "SAFE STATES," why not set an example of who you really think aught to be president -- so long as you don't do & say things that encourage those in "un-safe states" - those in which no voting shennanigans can possibly happen? But why am I now questioning the assumption that there are ANY truly "safe states" in 2008? Because Karl Rove is still roving the states?. YES, that could be why. Check out Colorado (Oct'08).
Consider Instant Runoff Voting System (or 'rank-order voting')
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/
Related Promotional Video by BBC: at Better Ballot Campaign .Org
For a more perfect dream (IMHO)
add to that the vision of Representative Dennis Kucinich's and his constant/consistent solution offerings via legislation, sometimes succeeding, often ignored (so you don't hear about it unless you're on an email list such as my own. The big one you likely didn't hear about was the viable alternate solutions to the Iraq War BEFORE it started. That is referenced further above at "STOPPING the MID-EAST-WARS".
Notes On the Obama Momentum
Great reads for party platform statements
In case you haven't seen them yet Guess who puts it on the line for Natural Health
(including caution with GE Foods), energy efficiency, and common sense with so many issues, including prevention-oriented approach to health, education, and crime?
The Natural Law Party of the United States of America.
And who just puts it on the line for responsible government, economic reform,
and the environment? Well, of course,
The Green Party.
-- Making them Viable comes by Instant RunOff Voting Systems (now being termed 'rank-order voting' - See Above) --
Voting Related Issues, Tips, Etc
NoMoreStolenElections.org
Uncounted - The New Math of American Elections
At the above sites are also plentiful links to Black Box Voting and related sites
That includes all the horror stories you can stand. But let those MOTIVATE your being PRO-ACTIVE. Spreading horror stories (or conspiracy theories) w/o solutions doesn't always motivate. Constructive release of anger can initiate the healing of the planet. Then the love can bloom w/o passive agression, let alone purposeful infliction of pain. There will always be disagreement and conflict because there will always be ego. But conflict is a vehicle for growth when used with that intention.
Stop, Drop and Poll - What to Do if You Have Problems Voting -
This is a great, highly referenced and comprehensive list for any state. Exception to this page: unlike other states, it is reportedly safe in Washington State to use the absentee ballot. But you still might include a copy of your registration (you probably keep it in your wallet or purse), and use an extra stamp.
See further above for Project Vote Smart
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"Conscience is the root of all true courage; if a man would be brave let him obey his conscience."
- James Freeman Clarke
"Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it."
- Gandhi
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
- Leo Buscaglia
"If the nation states of the world are working day and night on a crash course of their own for our mutual annihilation, we cannot afford to be any slower in our work in the opposite direction. The leisurely teaching that was possible in ancient tribal cultures is no longer appropriate. The forces of nuclear and ecological destruction are in a hurry, and we must be too. People need to be awakened, not just through ordinary reality education, however important it is, but also through personal heartfelt spiritual realization-deep realization of the connectedness of all things. May we work together, and fast as we can."
-- Michael Harner, a Shaman
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Resources More Partisan in Position:
What's GOOD to Know?
If you don't know your elected official's office number,
You can Call 1-800-788-9372 and ask them to connect you.
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| The Declaration of Peace
The Declaration of Peace is a grassroots nonviolent action campaign calling on the U.S. government to establish a comprehensive plan to end the U.S. war and occupation in Iraq. The nationwide campaign is working to move Congress to defund the U.S. occupation of Iraq, to initiate the complete withdrawal of U.S. troops and military contractors from Iraq, and to support an Iraqi-led peace process.
In September 2007, the DoP Education Committee published a document “fleshing-out” the 9-point Peace Plan framework. The Comprehensive Peace Plan for Iraq and accompanying Talking Points continue to be updated and are designed for public education and for Congressional lobbying.
Please Sign the Declaration of Peace.
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GNA - Grassroots / Netroots Alliance
To help resolve America's growing Crisis, and to create a powerful "network of networks," GNA has linked the major single-issue progressive currents in the U.S. into a comprehensive Platform and Candidate Survey. Press the nation's thousands of local, state, and federal elected officials and candidates to take a pro-active stand on the burning issues. Read More about the group at UFPPC or The Nation. Or just jump right in and Take Action: Read and Send the GNA Survey
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More Fast Action with: Working Assets/Credo Mobile Action
Working Assets Activism AND all the "For A Change" action links is now at CREDO Mobile Action. At this link are quick updates to current events as well as links for activism. You can Sign Up to receive text message alerts to your cell phone -for who to call why
Almost Painless Ways to Help Out
(eg: We may not all choose to get arrested for our views, but we can all write letters - or...
be a detective for an effective perspective and get a grip on a selected Elective ): Access 60 popular merchants and donate 5% of your money spent on purchases. Also, a new corporate issue is featured there each month with the option to quickly email the targeted business leader; Access to give -- one or more of 250 groups in 11 categories ranging from environmental issues to children's rights. And connections to 20,000 organizations worldwide looking for volunteers; "simple to locate groups in your area..."
MoveOn.Org
Should be Replaced by GNA/Netroots ( see link above --especially as regards getting out of Iraq and on accountability/impeachment issues). But if you're going to use all routes to the mountain, Move-On ...does great work with and for the citizen activist, always providing current-issue opportunities in activism for Peace, Justice, Civil Rights, etc. Also features many articles and bulletins, including on Energy and War, Media Concentration, Conscientious Objection, Iraq and the Art of Misdirection, Selling the War, American Kleptocracy, Can Democracy Survive an Endless 'War'?, Who is Dick Cheney?
True Majority's Great Activist Site
The goal of TrueMajority is to make working for justice and a sustainable world fast, free, and sometimes even fun. By compounding the power of environmentalists, child advocates, peace advocates, etc. they create a force more effective than any of those movements alone. Here is how it works: TrueMajority monitors Congress on issues of social justice and the environment. When your voice counts, they send you a short email alert that describes the pending legislation. Then, if you choose, with just one click they will send a fax to your Congress person for you. It's free and it shouldn't take more than 2 minutes a month. Just go to TrueMajority.com and click "Register Here" at the top.
More Activism Opportunities at Mother Jones/Patagonia - EnviroAction page
Mother Jones EnviroAction page now Patagonia Environmental Action: "We acknowledge that the wild world we love best is disappearing. That is why those of us who work here share a strong commitment to protecting undomesticated lands and waters. We believe in using business to inspire solutions to the environmental crisis."
"Act Now for a Just Planet"
Energy/Cost Efficiency & other global warming related activism (letters and petitions to corporations & elected officials) via Climate Action .Org of Coop America
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The Rolling Thunder Tour
"What is it? It's a county fair with guts. A revival with a reason. A concert with consciousness. A festival with funk and function. The Rolling Thunder Down-Home Democracy Tour reawakens a great American tradition of asserting the power of regular people to fight for their rights; throws in some enlightening education, soul-stirring music, mouth-watering food and drink; tops it off with a good jolt of Jim Hightower wit and wisdom, plus invigorating insight from firebrand speakers ranging from Jesse Jackson Jr. to Barbara Ehrenreich, and shazam! It creates a thunderstorm of motivated minds and bodies demanding our democracy back from the greedheads and boneheads who have taken it hostage. Oh, and most importantly, we intend to have one hell of a good time every step of the way back to true democracy..." |
On Local and National Health Issues:
Well Being Journal
Taking charge of our Health
Local to Seattle, but great on the national health scene, Scott Miners provides a great resource for alternative health activism as well as great essays on alternative healing approaches. Includes "Things that Make You Go Hmm" (about various health related controversies)...
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NIRS/WISE
is the information and networking center for citizens and environmental organizations concerned about nuclear power, radioactive waste, radiation, and sustainable energy issues. Your comments and suggestions about this website are welcomed. Washington, DC: 202-328-0002; fax: 202-462-2183; nirsnet@nirs.org; Asheville, NC: 828-251-2060, nirs.se@mindspring.com. Related is the WISE Website: www.antenna.nl/wise |
National Bipartisan Commission on the Future
includes the Medicare Commission - Call for Solutions
National Institute of Health - Solutions Input page
Some Socially Responsible Organizations
(organized 2002, by name/line length actually, just to keep them all in the space of one window for now; more links above)
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, yet one that for years (since 1985 or so) has been creating body-mind integrative tools for self-healing out of blending gestalt psychology with therapeutic bodywork. As a therapist that attempts to see the hows and whys of world events, both in science and activism, I will be emphasizing 'perception' and 'FOCUS' in the coming paragraphs. 
Evolving Humanity
