New links on main page, and:
- Added "Clickables" page
- Added "Writing Archive" page and selected works
Saturday, August 16, 2008
More Prohibition! (Since it worked so well in the 1920's!)
This is the way it goes. A vocal minority passes itself off as the righteous majority, stupid laws get passed, some people end up jailed at great expense to taxpayers, or dead, while others make ridiculous amounts of money (untaxed) by breaking the stupid law, or get killed.
Fab system, guys. Truly a wonder.
Let's review.
The U.S. Senate passed the Eighteenth Amendment on December 18, 1917, and was ratified on January 29, 1919, having been approved by 36 states, and went into effect on a Federal level on January 29, 1920. It lasted until repealed with ratification of the Twenty-first Amendment, on December 5, 1933.
You couldn't legally make, buy or imbibe alcohol in this country from 1920 to 1933. And it worked great! Just ask the mobsters that ran the bootlegging enterprises. They made money "hand over fist," and fought bloody street wars to protect their empires.
Fast forward 36 years. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, claiming it has "a high potential for abuse and no acceptable medical use." Suddenly a bunch of relatively harmless potheads are felons, and genuine criminals - much like the bootleg empires of the 1920's - suddenly have entry to a huge, lucrative (and tax-free!) market.
A few years later, enter, stage right, the "D.A.R.E." program. Lies, damn lies, and propaganda. I don't know of anyone personally who avoided drugs because of D.A.R.E., but I do know plenty of people who got so pissed off at being lied to that they DID experiment, and made their own decisions on whether or not to continue using drugs. (For the record, most of them tried many things but stuck with only one: marijuana.)
A few more years, and we get the ridiculous PSAs on TV about "smoking pot supports terrorism." Wut?! Smoking pot supports the snack industry, that's for sure, and probably MTV as well. Terrorists know the score, and the smarter criminals can do the math: cocaine and heroin products are more compact to smuggle and give a higher return on investment at street level.
Now a moment for comparison. How many people have been killed by drunk drivers in this country, plus the number of deaths from lung cancer in people who smoked tobacco (alcohol and tobacco being legal and highly taxed commodities), versus the number of people killed by drivers under the influence of marijuana, plus the number of people who have developed lung cancer from smoking marijuana? (I don't have the figures myself, but we can all estimate that set one is a significantly higher number than set two.)
And then you have incidents like what happened to Rachel Hoffman.
More here, including relevant links:
And now, in the infinite wisdom of our government, we have a ban on contraceptives looming.
Seriously, people, am I the only one who sees something WRONG with this?!
We don't need MORE government in our lives. We need better education and more personal responsibility. The more freedoms we allow our government to take away, the less able we are to take care of ourselves, which gives the government more opportunity to restrict our freedoms. It's a cycle we need to break, and it's not like it's hard to see. They aren't doing this in secret. There's no back-room, clandestine operation here. It's going on RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU and only by speaking up, raising a fuss, refusing to be quietly complacent out of apathy, fear, or disgust can we stop this.
Please, people of America, if you love what this country should stand for, if you believe what we pledge about "liberty and justice for all," STOP BEING SO STUPID and take back control of our nation.
Fab system, guys. Truly a wonder.
Let's review.
The U.S. Senate passed the Eighteenth Amendment on December 18, 1917, and was ratified on January 29, 1919, having been approved by 36 states, and went into effect on a Federal level on January 29, 1920. It lasted until repealed with ratification of the Twenty-first Amendment, on December 5, 1933.
You couldn't legally make, buy or imbibe alcohol in this country from 1920 to 1933. And it worked great! Just ask the mobsters that ran the bootlegging enterprises. They made money "hand over fist," and fought bloody street wars to protect their empires.
Fast forward 36 years. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, claiming it has "a high potential for abuse and no acceptable medical use." Suddenly a bunch of relatively harmless potheads are felons, and genuine criminals - much like the bootleg empires of the 1920's - suddenly have entry to a huge, lucrative (and tax-free!) market.
A few years later, enter, stage right, the "D.A.R.E." program. Lies, damn lies, and propaganda. I don't know of anyone personally who avoided drugs because of D.A.R.E., but I do know plenty of people who got so pissed off at being lied to that they DID experiment, and made their own decisions on whether or not to continue using drugs. (For the record, most of them tried many things but stuck with only one: marijuana.)
A few more years, and we get the ridiculous PSAs on TV about "smoking pot supports terrorism." Wut?! Smoking pot supports the snack industry, that's for sure, and probably MTV as well. Terrorists know the score, and the smarter criminals can do the math: cocaine and heroin products are more compact to smuggle and give a higher return on investment at street level.
Now a moment for comparison. How many people have been killed by drunk drivers in this country, plus the number of deaths from lung cancer in people who smoked tobacco (alcohol and tobacco being legal and highly taxed commodities), versus the number of people killed by drivers under the influence of marijuana, plus the number of people who have developed lung cancer from smoking marijuana? (I don't have the figures myself, but we can all estimate that set one is a significantly higher number than set two.)
And then you have incidents like what happened to Rachel Hoffman.
More here, including relevant links:
And now, in the infinite wisdom of our government, we have a ban on contraceptives looming.
Seriously, people, am I the only one who sees something WRONG with this?!
We don't need MORE government in our lives. We need better education and more personal responsibility. The more freedoms we allow our government to take away, the less able we are to take care of ourselves, which gives the government more opportunity to restrict our freedoms. It's a cycle we need to break, and it's not like it's hard to see. They aren't doing this in secret. There's no back-room, clandestine operation here. It's going on RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU and only by speaking up, raising a fuss, refusing to be quietly complacent out of apathy, fear, or disgust can we stop this.
Please, people of America, if you love what this country should stand for, if you believe what we pledge about "liberty and justice for all," STOP BEING SO STUPID and take back control of our nation.
cross-posted at my LJ
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Nontheistic Energy Work Technique 1: Super-Green
Originally published in Rending the Veil Volume II Issue 5 (Lughnasadh 2008)
Click to read ...
Most of us have places to be, and must traverse public roadways to get there. A handy tool to facilitate these commutes is a technique we call “Super-Green.”
Super-Green encourages traffic patterns to be favorable to your transit: other vehicles will “magically” maintain drama-free, orderly procession; traffic signals will be green for you when you need them; your route, with practice, may even “fold” so that you can shave minutes off your commute time.
This technique is most effective when used with a locus, either physical or verbal, to reinforce the objective to the aspects of personality before the trip begins. Otherwise, Super-Green can remain in effect on a typically traveled route, but will begin to “stale” and become erratic and unpredictable if not refreshed.
Also, when using Super-Green, it is very important to recognize when the technique is “failing” for your own good, such as catching a red light just before an ambulance comes racing through on the cross street, or being forced to slow in traffic moments before you spot the officer at the speed trap.
Preparation
You will need:
* A familiar route
* At least two days of driving said route to lay the foundation of the Super-Green
* Clarity of purpose
* A locus
Your Route
Begin by traveling your route when you do not need to be at the destination – do not try to lay the foundation when you are concerned about getting to your job, for example – but, if possible, make the trip under traffic conditions similar to those of your typical commute. On these trips, pay particular attention to the location of the signal box at the light-controlled intersections, so that on later trips you do not need to look for them.
Many people try to “push the light,” but this is foolish, since the light is at the end of the circuit, and the box is what controls the light. Also, pay attention and give thought to the pressure plates on the road, as those sensors (when present) alert the system that a vehicle is waiting.
While it is obvious that inanimate objects like traffic light control boxes are not alive in a way we understand life, there does seem to be a perverse sort of humor exhibited by the inanimate at the expense of the animate. This seems to hold particularly true for traffic signals. In our experience, they also seem to respond to flattery regarding the wittiness of their humor.
Put this to good use in laying the foundation of your Super-Green. Encourage those boxes to change the lights when it would be funniest – that is, most annoying to drivers approaching the intersection. Then compliment them when they do so, offering your laughter in place of what they cannot give voice to.
Establishing a good rapport with the boxes will make it far easier to manipulate their actions when you need to.
Once you know where the boxes are and have begun to establish rapport, continue to drive the route with thoughts now on the road itself and the traffic you share it with. In most cases, many of the other cars will also be regulars on the route, and conditioning the others drivers to your Super-Green is a large part of a drama-free drive.
Your Purpose
Your goal is to arrive safely at your destination, with a minimum of drama, in the least time possible. But safety must be your first goal and you must allow “failure” of the Super-Green technique to preserve your safety. It will not get you to work faster to be struck broadside by someone else in a hurry.
Your Locus
Ideally, you should aspire to use of the simple phrase “Super-Green” (or similarly evocative word or phrase) as the sole necessary trigger or reinforcement for your drive. You should also recognize that this is a reminder for you, not a “magic word.”
If you have experience with servitors or have always wanted to make one, this is a good opportunity. A construct designed to engage the control boxes, whether joking with them or coaxing them to your will, could certainly prove useful. A fitting vessel might be found in any unattended precut metal, particularly at those intersections that seem most resistant to allowing your easy passage. A quick look will reveal a wealth of such objects in rectangles, pentagons, octagons, and more, although of course it should not need to be said that we do not condone nor encourage theft of municipal property.
A sigil is another possibility for your locus. If your usual discipline includes “forgetting” the sigil after completion, the glove box is a natural place to “lose” such an item, or beneath the driver’s seat is another handy location.
Alternatively, a small object in your vehicle – best, a green one – where you can see it while driving (such as suspended from the sun visor or rearview mirror) can be used as a visual focus/reminder of your clarity of purpose. If you are particularly artistic, you might consider creating a small object representative to you of your purpose, and even incorporating a sigil into it, and hanging the completed piece from the mirror or affixing it to your dashboard. (Don’t leave loose objects in the car – that would be contrary to the safe commute.)
In Practice
Before starting your vehicle, remind yourself of your purpose (invoke Super-Green). It is important to do this before you even start the engine, to ensure you can fully dedicate your attention to it.
As you drive, simply remind yourself (and the control boxes, your servitor, etc.) that your commute will be smooth and drama free. There are three main “troubleshooting” points to keep in mind:
First, if lights are seeming to delay changing, check your speed: if you are habitually driving more than five miles an hour over the posted limit, you are “overdriving” the lights and creating a larger obstacle for yourself. Keep your speed within five mph of the posted limit and you will find that the lights change for you in a timely manner, allowing you to minimize – even eliminate – stop-and-go driving, even when traffic is heavy.
Second, if you are driving the limit and a light suddenly goes stubborn, consider the possibility that something you would not expect might be poised to occur: an emergency vehicle, someone running the light in the cross direction, or trouble further along on your path that needs time to be cleared out of your way.
Third, if, for example, a certain intersection just will not cooperate with you, someone may have influenced before you did. You can either put more effort into overcoming their influence, adjust your transit to try to avoid coming into direct conflict with their timing, or select another route to avoid the intersection altogether.
Road Folding
After some successful Super-Green travel on a particular route, especially long ones, you may find that your travel time is dramatically reduced. If you keep track, you might even note that your mileage is less than what it should be.
This is due to a phenomena called “folding the road.” Reality has weak points (some call them “thin parts of the veil”) that can be exploited, including physical locations where an energy worker can access the infinite possibility of actuality and assert it on consensus reality. (Some people find weak points occur naturally along ley lines.)
Particularly on well-traveled highways, where many people have traveled wanting to get where they were going faster, road folding can be quite easy. It only takes a little extra effort. First, attune yourself to the road and the “weak” spots will become known to you. Then, a minor “push” will encourage consensus reality to fold at those points. You will usually still drive the same miles through the folded area, but even at the speed limit you will do it much faster than otherwise “possible.”
Parking Spaces
One you've nearly gotten to where you want to be, often the final snag is finding a place to park.
Super-Green can facilitate this as well, with only a minor addendum at the start of your trip. As described, before even starting the vehicle, remind yourself of (invoke) your Super-Green purpose, and with clarity of purpose and deliberate intent, add the knowledge that a convenient parking space will be available when you arrive at your destination.
If necessary, take the extra moment to actively visualize the parking space you want. Do not imagine it empty, as an empty spot will be snagged by someone else before you arrive. Visualize another vehicle there, but with the knowledge that as you near your destination, the owner of the other vehicle will be finishing up hir business and preparing to leave.
Conduct your commute as usual, knowing that your drive will be Super-Green and your spot will be waiting for you. When you near your destination, you should be able to see the person who is going to vacate “your” parking space getting into hir vehicle. If you cannot physically see it, actively visualize it without giving an iota of thought to any other possibility.
Be sure to give the departing person a wave of thanks as they pull out, even if you have to wait a few minutes as they fuss around – civility is in short supply nowadays, and a friendly smile and wave will possibly make hir day and help spread the ambient Super-Green further.
Conclusion
At the end of any Super-Green travel, whether it worked to your satisfaction or not, take another moment before jumping out of your vehicle and charging forth to business to appreciate a safe arrival and reflect upon the aspects of your commute.
As you consider any rough spots that might need refinement, keep in mind the following:
Super-Green does not replace responsible time-management. If you habitually leave late for work, for example, you need to take responsibility for that and leave home on time.
If you are prone to “road rage,” Super-Green will probably not work for you. Reckless driving, such as while impaired (by chemicals, distractions – like talking on the phone or eating – or lack of sleep), following too closely, too fast for weather conditions, or racing up to stop signs and so forth, is contrary to the purpose of a safe commute.
Finally, acknowledge that some things are simply beyond your control, and the only option you have is to control your reaction to them. Maintaining a positive attitude during your commute – no matter how contrary it seems on the surface – will only serve you well. Instead of fretting about time wasted in your vehicle, recognize that you have been allotted precious “you time:” you can think your thoughts, consider your plans, and contemplate past and future events without the distractions you will have upon your safe arrival.
Click to read ...
Most of us have places to be, and must traverse public roadways to get there. A handy tool to facilitate these commutes is a technique we call “Super-Green.”
Super-Green encourages traffic patterns to be favorable to your transit: other vehicles will “magically” maintain drama-free, orderly procession; traffic signals will be green for you when you need them; your route, with practice, may even “fold” so that you can shave minutes off your commute time.
This technique is most effective when used with a locus, either physical or verbal, to reinforce the objective to the aspects of personality before the trip begins. Otherwise, Super-Green can remain in effect on a typically traveled route, but will begin to “stale” and become erratic and unpredictable if not refreshed.
Also, when using Super-Green, it is very important to recognize when the technique is “failing” for your own good, such as catching a red light just before an ambulance comes racing through on the cross street, or being forced to slow in traffic moments before you spot the officer at the speed trap.
Preparation
You will need:
* A familiar route
* At least two days of driving said route to lay the foundation of the Super-Green
* Clarity of purpose
* A locus
Your Route
Begin by traveling your route when you do not need to be at the destination – do not try to lay the foundation when you are concerned about getting to your job, for example – but, if possible, make the trip under traffic conditions similar to those of your typical commute. On these trips, pay particular attention to the location of the signal box at the light-controlled intersections, so that on later trips you do not need to look for them.
Many people try to “push the light,” but this is foolish, since the light is at the end of the circuit, and the box is what controls the light. Also, pay attention and give thought to the pressure plates on the road, as those sensors (when present) alert the system that a vehicle is waiting.
While it is obvious that inanimate objects like traffic light control boxes are not alive in a way we understand life, there does seem to be a perverse sort of humor exhibited by the inanimate at the expense of the animate. This seems to hold particularly true for traffic signals. In our experience, they also seem to respond to flattery regarding the wittiness of their humor.
Put this to good use in laying the foundation of your Super-Green. Encourage those boxes to change the lights when it would be funniest – that is, most annoying to drivers approaching the intersection. Then compliment them when they do so, offering your laughter in place of what they cannot give voice to.
Establishing a good rapport with the boxes will make it far easier to manipulate their actions when you need to.
Once you know where the boxes are and have begun to establish rapport, continue to drive the route with thoughts now on the road itself and the traffic you share it with. In most cases, many of the other cars will also be regulars on the route, and conditioning the others drivers to your Super-Green is a large part of a drama-free drive.
Your Purpose
Your goal is to arrive safely at your destination, with a minimum of drama, in the least time possible. But safety must be your first goal and you must allow “failure” of the Super-Green technique to preserve your safety. It will not get you to work faster to be struck broadside by someone else in a hurry.
Your Locus
Ideally, you should aspire to use of the simple phrase “Super-Green” (or similarly evocative word or phrase) as the sole necessary trigger or reinforcement for your drive. You should also recognize that this is a reminder for you, not a “magic word.”
If you have experience with servitors or have always wanted to make one, this is a good opportunity. A construct designed to engage the control boxes, whether joking with them or coaxing them to your will, could certainly prove useful. A fitting vessel might be found in any unattended precut metal, particularly at those intersections that seem most resistant to allowing your easy passage. A quick look will reveal a wealth of such objects in rectangles, pentagons, octagons, and more, although of course it should not need to be said that we do not condone nor encourage theft of municipal property.
A sigil is another possibility for your locus. If your usual discipline includes “forgetting” the sigil after completion, the glove box is a natural place to “lose” such an item, or beneath the driver’s seat is another handy location.
Alternatively, a small object in your vehicle – best, a green one – where you can see it while driving (such as suspended from the sun visor or rearview mirror) can be used as a visual focus/reminder of your clarity of purpose. If you are particularly artistic, you might consider creating a small object representative to you of your purpose, and even incorporating a sigil into it, and hanging the completed piece from the mirror or affixing it to your dashboard. (Don’t leave loose objects in the car – that would be contrary to the safe commute.)
In Practice
Before starting your vehicle, remind yourself of your purpose (invoke Super-Green). It is important to do this before you even start the engine, to ensure you can fully dedicate your attention to it.
As you drive, simply remind yourself (and the control boxes, your servitor, etc.) that your commute will be smooth and drama free. There are three main “troubleshooting” points to keep in mind:
First, if lights are seeming to delay changing, check your speed: if you are habitually driving more than five miles an hour over the posted limit, you are “overdriving” the lights and creating a larger obstacle for yourself. Keep your speed within five mph of the posted limit and you will find that the lights change for you in a timely manner, allowing you to minimize – even eliminate – stop-and-go driving, even when traffic is heavy.
Second, if you are driving the limit and a light suddenly goes stubborn, consider the possibility that something you would not expect might be poised to occur: an emergency vehicle, someone running the light in the cross direction, or trouble further along on your path that needs time to be cleared out of your way.
Third, if, for example, a certain intersection just will not cooperate with you, someone may have influenced before you did. You can either put more effort into overcoming their influence, adjust your transit to try to avoid coming into direct conflict with their timing, or select another route to avoid the intersection altogether.
Road Folding
After some successful Super-Green travel on a particular route, especially long ones, you may find that your travel time is dramatically reduced. If you keep track, you might even note that your mileage is less than what it should be.
This is due to a phenomena called “folding the road.” Reality has weak points (some call them “thin parts of the veil”) that can be exploited, including physical locations where an energy worker can access the infinite possibility of actuality and assert it on consensus reality. (Some people find weak points occur naturally along ley lines.)
Particularly on well-traveled highways, where many people have traveled wanting to get where they were going faster, road folding can be quite easy. It only takes a little extra effort. First, attune yourself to the road and the “weak” spots will become known to you. Then, a minor “push” will encourage consensus reality to fold at those points. You will usually still drive the same miles through the folded area, but even at the speed limit you will do it much faster than otherwise “possible.”
Parking Spaces
One you've nearly gotten to where you want to be, often the final snag is finding a place to park.
Super-Green can facilitate this as well, with only a minor addendum at the start of your trip. As described, before even starting the vehicle, remind yourself of (invoke) your Super-Green purpose, and with clarity of purpose and deliberate intent, add the knowledge that a convenient parking space will be available when you arrive at your destination.
If necessary, take the extra moment to actively visualize the parking space you want. Do not imagine it empty, as an empty spot will be snagged by someone else before you arrive. Visualize another vehicle there, but with the knowledge that as you near your destination, the owner of the other vehicle will be finishing up hir business and preparing to leave.
Conduct your commute as usual, knowing that your drive will be Super-Green and your spot will be waiting for you. When you near your destination, you should be able to see the person who is going to vacate “your” parking space getting into hir vehicle. If you cannot physically see it, actively visualize it without giving an iota of thought to any other possibility.
Be sure to give the departing person a wave of thanks as they pull out, even if you have to wait a few minutes as they fuss around – civility is in short supply nowadays, and a friendly smile and wave will possibly make hir day and help spread the ambient Super-Green further.
Conclusion
At the end of any Super-Green travel, whether it worked to your satisfaction or not, take another moment before jumping out of your vehicle and charging forth to business to appreciate a safe arrival and reflect upon the aspects of your commute.
As you consider any rough spots that might need refinement, keep in mind the following:
Super-Green does not replace responsible time-management. If you habitually leave late for work, for example, you need to take responsibility for that and leave home on time.
If you are prone to “road rage,” Super-Green will probably not work for you. Reckless driving, such as while impaired (by chemicals, distractions – like talking on the phone or eating – or lack of sleep), following too closely, too fast for weather conditions, or racing up to stop signs and so forth, is contrary to the purpose of a safe commute.
Finally, acknowledge that some things are simply beyond your control, and the only option you have is to control your reaction to them. Maintaining a positive attitude during your commute – no matter how contrary it seems on the surface – will only serve you well. Instead of fretting about time wasted in your vehicle, recognize that you have been allotted precious “you time:” you can think your thoughts, consider your plans, and contemplate past and future events without the distractions you will have upon your safe arrival.
Nontheistic Energy Work, Part Two: Foundation
Originally published in Rending the Veil Volume II Issue 4 (Midsummer 2008)
Click to read ...
This article is divided into two sections. The first covers the underlying principles that, when competently understood, will greatly facilitate the successful execution of any energy work. The second provides guidelines on basic skills that will be useful, if not necessary. Another article (or, perhaps, series) will follow with regard to specific techniques.
Section 1 – Underlying Principles: Psychology, Energy, Possibility (Actuality)
1A. Psychology
The field of psychology is far too broad to be covered herein; most of it doesn’t apply to any one individual anyway. However, understanding one’s own psychology is imperative, whether or not one chooses to practice energy work.
Typically, a person is a highly complex system of tangibles and intangibles. The tangible part, or aspect, is the physical body (which is itself a complex system); intangible, but integral to every person, are the elements of personality. These personality elements are themselves easily grouped into discrete aspects, most often numbered at three. In this article, these personality aspects are the Red (preconscious/High Self/superego/Godhead), Yellow (conscious/Middle Self/ego), and Blue (subconscious/Young Self/id) – hopefully new, non-subjective terms that will allow unbiased consideration and application.
The aspects of personality can operate in conflict; each can be considered to have its own feelings, intentions, desires, and fears. A key to success is acting in consensus with the majority. As an example of a path of conflict, it is common for the Yellow aspect (the “I” of a person) to recognize only itself and its wants, and attempt to ignore or discount the other aspects.
Many systems suggest that the Red aspect (the spiritual self) is the gatekeeper of energy work, and perhaps even success in general. Without the consent of the Red aspect, it seems little can be accomplished without intense struggle. Therefore, it is in one’s best interest to understand this aspect of oneself as fully as possible, and to accept for one’s life path what this aspect seeks for the whole. (In other words, one’s “calling” is voiced by the Red aspect, and the path of least resistance is the one it suggests.)
Finally, the Blue aspect cannot be discounted. While its demands might seem base and short-term, they are as legitimate as those of the other aspects, and as important to consider when one is planning any kind of route to successful effect.
It is in the best interest of any individual to explore the myriad philosophical avenues available to garner greater understanding of oneself, and to recognize the different needs and abilities of the aspects that create a whole person.
1B. Energy
One doesn’t have to believe in magic to accept that energy exists, and that it is available in many forms. The energy spectrum encompasses waveforms from both organic and inorganic sources, but, generally speaking, organic energy is easiest to manipulate and poses the least risk to the user.
Light is energy; sound is energy; movement is energy. Light and sound are translated by one’s receptors (eyes and ears) into biochemical signals that are interpreted by the brain and the less tangible aspects of personality.
There are other waveforms less readily identified by current technology; this part of the spectrum is the domain of the energy workers. These include healing energy, growth energy, chaos energy, and decay energy, among others.
It is important to identify the the appropriate energy for the desired result. It is also important to understand that individual experimentation is necessary to identify various energies, as one person’s perception can vary greatly from another’s, which can result in radically different descriptions of the same type of waveform.
1C. Possibility (Actuality)
Accepting that anything is possible is a vital element to successful energy work.
Generally speaking, we are conditioned to accept that consensus reality – what the majority of perspectives agree is “real” – is all there is, and this reality is limited by the ability to perceive, understand, label, and explain. It is, however, imperative to understand that while one might be limited in the ability to perceive or understand the universe, that limitation does not restrict the universe to what is perceptible or understandable.
Beyond the human constraints of consensus reality lies actuality. It is in actuality that all things become possible, although, as in reality, some things remain more probable than others.
The key to breaking the constraints of reality to successfully evoke the possibilities of the actual lies in selective manipulation of probability. In other words, just because anything is possible doesn’t make everything probable. To attempt to force extreme possibility is far more difficult and will require far more from the energy worker than to encourage or nudge probability. It is a good idea for the worker to begin with small probability shifts – such as manipulation of traffic patterns to allow an easy commute – to become accustomed to the methods, experience and effect of success.
Section 2 – Basic Skills: Perception, Visualization, Actuation
2A. Perception
As a species, our primary sense for perception is sight; however, an energy worker might find that one of the other five senses is more “in tune” with the available energies. Sound, scent, flavor, texture and impression (so-called “ESP” or intuition) are all viable avenues of information for the worker. Further, with practice, one might find that different types of energy are best received through different senses; as an example, one might identify healing energy by texture and growth energy by sound. Many individuals have a natural predisposition to favor a particular perceptive sense, but this does not render the other senses inoperative, nor should it be an excuse to the worker to neglect exercising those other senses or discounting what is perceived through them.
2B. Visualization
Success in any context is dependent upon the recognition of success. Without a clear definition of what one hopes to achieve, success will remain elusive and frustration will be the end result.
The practice of visualizing success forces concrete definition of one’s desires. By establishing an absolute definition of intended result, the likelihood of achieving and recognizing that result increases.
The process of visualization can vary from individual to individual; what remains the same is the end result of a concrete, unambiguous definition of success. It may be necessary to break down a general idea to the components one seeks, a series of steps with each goal bringing the worker closer to the ultimate desire.
2C. Actuation
Actuation is the final step in successful energy work. Once the definition of success has been agreed upon by the aspects of the individual and the appropriate energy type has been identified, it is time for the energy worker to combine energy with intention.
A common method of actuation is “sympathetic magic,” the use of tools, herbs, stones, etc. to help the worker define and focus energy and intent. This is a useful technique, but use should be limited, as this technique limits the worker. It is, basically, a crutch: while one cannot be faulted for using a crutch while one’s leg is broken, to continue to use it once the leg is healed is irresponsible and counterproductive to the advancement of one’s development.
The actuation of energy work will require repeated attempts by the worker, as is the case with any new skill or refinement of skill already acquired. Again, it is best to begin with small, simple goals to allow oneself to become familiar with the process, as well as the experience of success.
Success is addictive. Once the worker has achieved a goal, all aspects of personality will desire the achievement of another, and then another. Be selective with establishing such goals (be careful what you wish for), since each success makes the subsequent effort easier.
Preview: Nontheistic Energy Work Technique 1
Most of us have places to be, and must traverse public roadways to get there. A handy tool to facilitate these commutes is a technique we call “Super-Green.”
Super-Green encourages traffic patterns to be favorable to your transit: other vehicles will “magically” maintain drama-free, orderly procession; traffic signals will be green for you when you need them; your route, with practice, may even “fold” so that you can shave minutes off your commute time.
This technique is most effective when used with a locus, either physical or verbal, to reinforce the objective to the aspects of personality before the trip begins. Otherwise, Super-Green can remain in effect on a typically traveled route, but will begin to “stale” and become erratic and unpredictable if not refreshed.
Also, when using Super-Green, it is very important to recognize when the technique is “failing” for your own good, such as catching a red light just before an ambulance comes racing through on the cross street, or being forced to slow in traffic moments before you spot the officer at the speed trap.
Click to read ...
This article is divided into two sections. The first covers the underlying principles that, when competently understood, will greatly facilitate the successful execution of any energy work. The second provides guidelines on basic skills that will be useful, if not necessary. Another article (or, perhaps, series) will follow with regard to specific techniques.
Section 1 – Underlying Principles: Psychology, Energy, Possibility (Actuality)
1A. Psychology
The field of psychology is far too broad to be covered herein; most of it doesn’t apply to any one individual anyway. However, understanding one’s own psychology is imperative, whether or not one chooses to practice energy work.
Typically, a person is a highly complex system of tangibles and intangibles. The tangible part, or aspect, is the physical body (which is itself a complex system); intangible, but integral to every person, are the elements of personality. These personality elements are themselves easily grouped into discrete aspects, most often numbered at three. In this article, these personality aspects are the Red (preconscious/High Self/superego/Godhead), Yellow (conscious/Middle Self/ego), and Blue (subconscious/Young Self/id) – hopefully new, non-subjective terms that will allow unbiased consideration and application.
The aspects of personality can operate in conflict; each can be considered to have its own feelings, intentions, desires, and fears. A key to success is acting in consensus with the majority. As an example of a path of conflict, it is common for the Yellow aspect (the “I” of a person) to recognize only itself and its wants, and attempt to ignore or discount the other aspects.
Many systems suggest that the Red aspect (the spiritual self) is the gatekeeper of energy work, and perhaps even success in general. Without the consent of the Red aspect, it seems little can be accomplished without intense struggle. Therefore, it is in one’s best interest to understand this aspect of oneself as fully as possible, and to accept for one’s life path what this aspect seeks for the whole. (In other words, one’s “calling” is voiced by the Red aspect, and the path of least resistance is the one it suggests.)
Finally, the Blue aspect cannot be discounted. While its demands might seem base and short-term, they are as legitimate as those of the other aspects, and as important to consider when one is planning any kind of route to successful effect.
It is in the best interest of any individual to explore the myriad philosophical avenues available to garner greater understanding of oneself, and to recognize the different needs and abilities of the aspects that create a whole person.
1B. Energy
One doesn’t have to believe in magic to accept that energy exists, and that it is available in many forms. The energy spectrum encompasses waveforms from both organic and inorganic sources, but, generally speaking, organic energy is easiest to manipulate and poses the least risk to the user.
Light is energy; sound is energy; movement is energy. Light and sound are translated by one’s receptors (eyes and ears) into biochemical signals that are interpreted by the brain and the less tangible aspects of personality.
There are other waveforms less readily identified by current technology; this part of the spectrum is the domain of the energy workers. These include healing energy, growth energy, chaos energy, and decay energy, among others.
It is important to identify the the appropriate energy for the desired result. It is also important to understand that individual experimentation is necessary to identify various energies, as one person’s perception can vary greatly from another’s, which can result in radically different descriptions of the same type of waveform.
1C. Possibility (Actuality)
Accepting that anything is possible is a vital element to successful energy work.
Generally speaking, we are conditioned to accept that consensus reality – what the majority of perspectives agree is “real” – is all there is, and this reality is limited by the ability to perceive, understand, label, and explain. It is, however, imperative to understand that while one might be limited in the ability to perceive or understand the universe, that limitation does not restrict the universe to what is perceptible or understandable.
Beyond the human constraints of consensus reality lies actuality. It is in actuality that all things become possible, although, as in reality, some things remain more probable than others.
The key to breaking the constraints of reality to successfully evoke the possibilities of the actual lies in selective manipulation of probability. In other words, just because anything is possible doesn’t make everything probable. To attempt to force extreme possibility is far more difficult and will require far more from the energy worker than to encourage or nudge probability. It is a good idea for the worker to begin with small probability shifts – such as manipulation of traffic patterns to allow an easy commute – to become accustomed to the methods, experience and effect of success.
Section 2 – Basic Skills: Perception, Visualization, Actuation
2A. Perception
As a species, our primary sense for perception is sight; however, an energy worker might find that one of the other five senses is more “in tune” with the available energies. Sound, scent, flavor, texture and impression (so-called “ESP” or intuition) are all viable avenues of information for the worker. Further, with practice, one might find that different types of energy are best received through different senses; as an example, one might identify healing energy by texture and growth energy by sound. Many individuals have a natural predisposition to favor a particular perceptive sense, but this does not render the other senses inoperative, nor should it be an excuse to the worker to neglect exercising those other senses or discounting what is perceived through them.
2B. Visualization
Success in any context is dependent upon the recognition of success. Without a clear definition of what one hopes to achieve, success will remain elusive and frustration will be the end result.
The practice of visualizing success forces concrete definition of one’s desires. By establishing an absolute definition of intended result, the likelihood of achieving and recognizing that result increases.
The process of visualization can vary from individual to individual; what remains the same is the end result of a concrete, unambiguous definition of success. It may be necessary to break down a general idea to the components one seeks, a series of steps with each goal bringing the worker closer to the ultimate desire.
2C. Actuation
Actuation is the final step in successful energy work. Once the definition of success has been agreed upon by the aspects of the individual and the appropriate energy type has been identified, it is time for the energy worker to combine energy with intention.
A common method of actuation is “sympathetic magic,” the use of tools, herbs, stones, etc. to help the worker define and focus energy and intent. This is a useful technique, but use should be limited, as this technique limits the worker. It is, basically, a crutch: while one cannot be faulted for using a crutch while one’s leg is broken, to continue to use it once the leg is healed is irresponsible and counterproductive to the advancement of one’s development.
The actuation of energy work will require repeated attempts by the worker, as is the case with any new skill or refinement of skill already acquired. Again, it is best to begin with small, simple goals to allow oneself to become familiar with the process, as well as the experience of success.
Success is addictive. Once the worker has achieved a goal, all aspects of personality will desire the achievement of another, and then another. Be selective with establishing such goals (be careful what you wish for), since each success makes the subsequent effort easier.
Preview: Nontheistic Energy Work Technique 1
Most of us have places to be, and must traverse public roadways to get there. A handy tool to facilitate these commutes is a technique we call “Super-Green.”
Super-Green encourages traffic patterns to be favorable to your transit: other vehicles will “magically” maintain drama-free, orderly procession; traffic signals will be green for you when you need them; your route, with practice, may even “fold” so that you can shave minutes off your commute time.
This technique is most effective when used with a locus, either physical or verbal, to reinforce the objective to the aspects of personality before the trip begins. Otherwise, Super-Green can remain in effect on a typically traveled route, but will begin to “stale” and become erratic and unpredictable if not refreshed.
Also, when using Super-Green, it is very important to recognize when the technique is “failing” for your own good, such as catching a red light just before an ambulance comes racing through on the cross street, or being forced to slow in traffic moments before you spot the officer at the speed trap.
Nontheistic Energy Work, Part One: Introduction
Originally published in Rending the Veil Volume II Issue 2 (Ostara 2008)
Click to read ...
Raised by an agnostic and an almost-agnostic Christian, my first religious schooling was provided by polytheistic mages (“witches”) when I was 13. They were nice folks, but nothing I gained from them touched me spiritually. After a couple of years, I got bored with the pageantry, frustrated with what I saw as an abdication of personal responsibility, and began exploring my own path to enlightenment.
I attended a Catholic high school, and what I learned of their faith was depressing. One friend there referred to me as the devil, and I accepted that moniker with the mutual understanding that the devil challenged Adam and Eve to think for themselves. She challenged the tired teachings to find within herself the Divinity and Love with which she had been created. As a result, she became a bad Catholic but a self-loving, empowered Christian (a true believer in the teachings of Jesus, rather than an adherent of the teachings of Paul), with a close, unshakable relationship with her God.
I was still searching. Monotheism didn’t ring true for me, and polytheism wasn’t really much better. I spent years as an agnostic, accepting Something Out There without attempting to resolve my spiritual questions. I learned about Deism, which seemed a bit more sensible, but still offended my need for personal responsibility. I settled upon agnostic pantheism, accepting the validity of all faiths without assumption of attachment to any. Clearly, there are Somethings Out There, but I simply couldn’t trust any entity that wanted me to worship it.
I began working with local groups, participating in their rituals with chaotic results. It was a fun time for me, and a definite learning experience for them; through one of the more capable mages, I made the acquaintance of an entity known to some as Discordia. I had never had an intimate encounter with a deity before, and the experience was impressive. But, being me, I couldn’t fall to my knees and humbly give praises. In our first moment of contact, which on Her end was clearly “Here I am, what do you want?”, all I could think of in response was, “How’s it going?”
I might be the only person to date to render a goddess speechless. I didn’t want anything. I wasn’t looking for proof of Her existence; I wasn’t wanting help for spell-casting. I just wanted to say “Hi,” and once I did, I simply expressed hope that all was well on Her end and that we might maintain cordial association in the future.
I felt Her presence often after that. I think perhaps there was something like suspicion on Her end, not trusting that I wasn’t trying to soften Her up for some huge favor. Months went by, and I continued to ask for nothing, only inquiring after Her state and sympathetic to what seemed to be complaints about what She was asked to do, and what was done in Her name. Then She began what seemed to be tests of my intent, flexing Her metaphysical muscles to perhaps prove She was worthy of my worship. I had to politely decline, as partly because of Her own actions, I had learned that worship (at least for me) is not an option for a healthy spiritual life. I cannot enslave myself to anything but my own potential, nor would any deity want my worship for anything but their own ends. She didn’t take my refusal well at first. The abrupt absence was a bit intimidating, but I remained firm. Finally, I did reach out to Her: “I don’t need you, but I do appreciate you, and I leave it to you to decide which is more important.” Apparently, She decided my knowing respect was better than blind worship, and we resumed our acquaintanceship with contentment on both sides.
Through all of this, I continued to study and practice alone, finding it too difficult to work with people who thought they needed a deity to achieve results in spell-work. I also felt no desire to debate with Discordians that would certainly challenge my views and experiences with ‘their’ goddess, especially since She seemed to think a significant percentage of them were whiny, demanding clods.
I challenged myself repeatedly, and found that the energies of the Universe are there regardless of what one believes. While some may require the assistance of a deity to access, harness, and utilize Universal energies, deities do not create, own, or fully control those energies. (Note: this does not apply to deific energy, which is of course the property of the entity emitting it.) I had achieved a level of enlightenment – finally, I understood why the Christian and the pagan could share certain ‘energy taps,’ such as healing, ESP, protection, and cleansing.
I still won’t work with deities for my needs, and it’s probably cheeky of me to be sympathetic to their frustration with humanity. But at the same time, when I feel the energies of the Universe at work, I also perceive a contentment that can only be the satisfaction of entities that want us to strive for our own perfection, rather than blindly follow another person’s idea of what a deity wants.
My energy works remain selfishly small in scope but unfailingly effective. Next time, I will share the foundation process for Nontheistic Energy Work (NEW), which is easily adaptable to any religious framework (for those of you that do have a close and personal relationship with one or more deities). Future articles will detail some of my favorite day-to-day ‘spells,’ including Aware-Web, Super Green, Well Red, and Don’t-You-Dare-Crash-You-Stupid-Computer.
Click to read ...
Raised by an agnostic and an almost-agnostic Christian, my first religious schooling was provided by polytheistic mages (“witches”) when I was 13. They were nice folks, but nothing I gained from them touched me spiritually. After a couple of years, I got bored with the pageantry, frustrated with what I saw as an abdication of personal responsibility, and began exploring my own path to enlightenment.
I attended a Catholic high school, and what I learned of their faith was depressing. One friend there referred to me as the devil, and I accepted that moniker with the mutual understanding that the devil challenged Adam and Eve to think for themselves. She challenged the tired teachings to find within herself the Divinity and Love with which she had been created. As a result, she became a bad Catholic but a self-loving, empowered Christian (a true believer in the teachings of Jesus, rather than an adherent of the teachings of Paul), with a close, unshakable relationship with her God.
I was still searching. Monotheism didn’t ring true for me, and polytheism wasn’t really much better. I spent years as an agnostic, accepting Something Out There without attempting to resolve my spiritual questions. I learned about Deism, which seemed a bit more sensible, but still offended my need for personal responsibility. I settled upon agnostic pantheism, accepting the validity of all faiths without assumption of attachment to any. Clearly, there are Somethings Out There, but I simply couldn’t trust any entity that wanted me to worship it.
I began working with local groups, participating in their rituals with chaotic results. It was a fun time for me, and a definite learning experience for them; through one of the more capable mages, I made the acquaintance of an entity known to some as Discordia. I had never had an intimate encounter with a deity before, and the experience was impressive. But, being me, I couldn’t fall to my knees and humbly give praises. In our first moment of contact, which on Her end was clearly “Here I am, what do you want?”, all I could think of in response was, “How’s it going?”
I might be the only person to date to render a goddess speechless. I didn’t want anything. I wasn’t looking for proof of Her existence; I wasn’t wanting help for spell-casting. I just wanted to say “Hi,” and once I did, I simply expressed hope that all was well on Her end and that we might maintain cordial association in the future.
I felt Her presence often after that. I think perhaps there was something like suspicion on Her end, not trusting that I wasn’t trying to soften Her up for some huge favor. Months went by, and I continued to ask for nothing, only inquiring after Her state and sympathetic to what seemed to be complaints about what She was asked to do, and what was done in Her name. Then She began what seemed to be tests of my intent, flexing Her metaphysical muscles to perhaps prove She was worthy of my worship. I had to politely decline, as partly because of Her own actions, I had learned that worship (at least for me) is not an option for a healthy spiritual life. I cannot enslave myself to anything but my own potential, nor would any deity want my worship for anything but their own ends. She didn’t take my refusal well at first. The abrupt absence was a bit intimidating, but I remained firm. Finally, I did reach out to Her: “I don’t need you, but I do appreciate you, and I leave it to you to decide which is more important.” Apparently, She decided my knowing respect was better than blind worship, and we resumed our acquaintanceship with contentment on both sides.
Through all of this, I continued to study and practice alone, finding it too difficult to work with people who thought they needed a deity to achieve results in spell-work. I also felt no desire to debate with Discordians that would certainly challenge my views and experiences with ‘their’ goddess, especially since She seemed to think a significant percentage of them were whiny, demanding clods.
I challenged myself repeatedly, and found that the energies of the Universe are there regardless of what one believes. While some may require the assistance of a deity to access, harness, and utilize Universal energies, deities do not create, own, or fully control those energies. (Note: this does not apply to deific energy, which is of course the property of the entity emitting it.) I had achieved a level of enlightenment – finally, I understood why the Christian and the pagan could share certain ‘energy taps,’ such as healing, ESP, protection, and cleansing.
I still won’t work with deities for my needs, and it’s probably cheeky of me to be sympathetic to their frustration with humanity. But at the same time, when I feel the energies of the Universe at work, I also perceive a contentment that can only be the satisfaction of entities that want us to strive for our own perfection, rather than blindly follow another person’s idea of what a deity wants.
My energy works remain selfishly small in scope but unfailingly effective. Next time, I will share the foundation process for Nontheistic Energy Work (NEW), which is easily adaptable to any religious framework (for those of you that do have a close and personal relationship with one or more deities). Future articles will detail some of my favorite day-to-day ‘spells,’ including Aware-Web, Super Green, Well Red, and Don’t-You-Dare-Crash-You-Stupid-Computer.
Contraception is NOT abortion!
Most people would never confuse the two; after all, that's why we have TWO DIFFERENT WORDS for them.
But SOME PEOPLE - not mentioning any names - *cough* Dubya *cough* - seem to think the terms are interchangeable and one the same as the other.
In case you are as easily confused as certain Oval Office oafs, let me explain the difference to you: "contraception" is a method - INCLUDING ABSTINENCE - that prevents pregnancy. Abortion is a method, medical or biological, that ends pregnancy.
Some idiots in high places, having solved all of the world's other problems, want to make it illegal for people - primarily women - to have access to contraceptive devices and drugs.
That's right. Condoms would be illegal.
Not only that, basically what the idea there is, having sex for any reason other than procreation would be illegal. You know, a sin.
Because, after all, this country is by, for, and of the Christian Bible, and a woman's worth lies in her ability to reproduce healthy offspring.
No matter what your stance on abortion - and I understand, I really do, the argument against (though I don't agree) - what person in hir right mind can look at the state of the world and say, "hey, yeah, let's outlaw contraception"?
Oh, I guess I answered it there, didn't I? No person in hir *right* mind would. It takes an idiot, a mental defective, or a religious nut (all of which *are* fairly interchangeable terms and conditions) to think that.
"WTF" doesn't even begin to cover this one.
MoveOn.org clued me in on this latest moronic move by our "elected" officials (more info under the cut). I encourage everyone - no, I beg, demand, plead and insist! - to sign the petition they set up to stop this nonsense before it gets any further.
You can sign the petition here. Already 200,000 people have signed, and MoveOn is hoping for a quarter million signatures before sending it on to the Health and Human Services Secretary, Mike Leavitt.
MoveOn's emails
Email 1:
Can you imagine living in a place where birth control is considered an "abortion" and health insurers won't cover it? Where even rape victims are denied emergency contraception?
It seems unbelievable, but the Bush Administration is quietly trying to redefine "abortion" to include birth control. The Houston Chronicle says this could wipe out dozens of state laws that protect women's reproductive freedom and protect rape victims.[1] Access to basic health care for millions of women would be jeopardized. And it's being pushed as a "rule change"—meaning, it doesn't need congressional approval.
Can you sign an emergency message to Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, whose department is considering this rule change right now? Tell him: "Contraception is NOT abortion. The Bush Administration's proposal to change the definition of abortion and reduce women's access to birth control must be stopped."
The best way to beat back this proposal is to show Secretary Leavitt massive public outrage—that's why today we're launching this petition jointly with Planned Parenthood Action Fund. Together, we'll deliver every signature to Leavitt. You can help add to our momentum by forwarding this message to friends.
Here's what some others are saying about this proposal:
The draft regulation would define birth control as abortion...it could deny access to critical family planning for women across the country.—Letter signed by Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and 26 other senators.[2]
The draft rule could void laws in 27 states that require insurance companies to provide birth control coverage for women requesting it [and] laws in 14 states requiring that rape victims receive counseling and access to emergency, day-after contraceptives.—Houston Chronicle editorial[3]
The administration needs to stop playing word games with women's health and state clearly they will reject any regulations that will undermine women's access to basic health care.—Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.[4]
[It's] a spectacular act of complicity with the religious right... —RH Reality Check, Information and Analysis for Reproductive Health[5]
The birth control pill, the IUD, and emergency contraception might all become unavailable—illegal—as a result.—Brigid Riley, executive director of a Minnesota teen pregnancy prevention organization[6]
Can you help send a loud message to Secretary Leavitt that birth control is NOT abortion?
Thanks for all you do.
–Nita, Laura, Patrick S., Adam G., and the rest of the team
Sources:
1. "Redefining abortion; Federal officials considering a rule allowing health care workers to refuse to provide contraceptives," Houston Chronicle, August 10, 2008
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/5935532.html
2. Letter to Secretary Mike Leavitt from Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and 26 other senators, July 23, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=4042&id=13468-2980773-SO9Qp5x&t=6
3. "Redefining abortion; Federal officials considering a rule allowing health care workers to refuse to provide contraceptives," Houston Chronicle editorial, August 10, 2008
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/5935532.html
4. "Birth control: is administration backing down—or not?" Los Angeles Times blog, August 8, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=4043&id=13468-2980773-SO9Qp5x&t=7
5. "HHS Moves to Define Contraception as Abortion," RH Reality Check, July 15, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=4041&id=13468-2980773-SO9Qp5x&t=8
6. "White House Considering Contraception Restrictions," Public News Service, August 11, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=4040&id=13468-2980773-SO9Qp5x&t=9
Email 2:
Wow. In less than 24 hours, over 200,000 people have signed a message to the Bush Administration saying contraception is NOT abortion. Every signature will be delivered next week to Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, and the media will be notified of our final signature count.
The more folks who sign, the stronger our impact together will be—can you help us break a quarter-million signatures? To do that, just think of 10 friends who care about reproductive rights and forward them the message below.
Thanks for all you do.
–Nita
But SOME PEOPLE - not mentioning any names - *cough* Dubya *cough* - seem to think the terms are interchangeable and one the same as the other.
In case you are as easily confused as certain Oval Office oafs, let me explain the difference to you: "contraception" is a method - INCLUDING ABSTINENCE - that prevents pregnancy. Abortion is a method, medical or biological, that ends pregnancy.
Some idiots in high places, having solved all of the world's other problems, want to make it illegal for people - primarily women - to have access to contraceptive devices and drugs.
That's right. Condoms would be illegal.
Not only that, basically what the idea there is, having sex for any reason other than procreation would be illegal. You know, a sin.
Because, after all, this country is by, for, and of the Christian Bible, and a woman's worth lies in her ability to reproduce healthy offspring.
No matter what your stance on abortion - and I understand, I really do, the argument against (though I don't agree) - what person in hir right mind can look at the state of the world and say, "hey, yeah, let's outlaw contraception"?
Oh, I guess I answered it there, didn't I? No person in hir *right* mind would. It takes an idiot, a mental defective, or a religious nut (all of which *are* fairly interchangeable terms and conditions) to think that.
"WTF" doesn't even begin to cover this one.
MoveOn.org clued me in on this latest moronic move by our "elected" officials (more info under the cut). I encourage everyone - no, I beg, demand, plead and insist! - to sign the petition they set up to stop this nonsense before it gets any further.
You can sign the petition here. Already 200,000 people have signed, and MoveOn is hoping for a quarter million signatures before sending it on to the Health and Human Services Secretary, Mike Leavitt.
MoveOn's emails
Email 1:
Can you imagine living in a place where birth control is considered an "abortion" and health insurers won't cover it? Where even rape victims are denied emergency contraception?
It seems unbelievable, but the Bush Administration is quietly trying to redefine "abortion" to include birth control. The Houston Chronicle says this could wipe out dozens of state laws that protect women's reproductive freedom and protect rape victims.[1] Access to basic health care for millions of women would be jeopardized. And it's being pushed as a "rule change"—meaning, it doesn't need congressional approval.
Can you sign an emergency message to Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, whose department is considering this rule change right now? Tell him: "Contraception is NOT abortion. The Bush Administration's proposal to change the definition of abortion and reduce women's access to birth control must be stopped."
The best way to beat back this proposal is to show Secretary Leavitt massive public outrage—that's why today we're launching this petition jointly with Planned Parenthood Action Fund. Together, we'll deliver every signature to Leavitt. You can help add to our momentum by forwarding this message to friends.
Here's what some others are saying about this proposal:
The draft regulation would define birth control as abortion...it could deny access to critical family planning for women across the country.—Letter signed by Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and 26 other senators.[2]
The draft rule could void laws in 27 states that require insurance companies to provide birth control coverage for women requesting it [and] laws in 14 states requiring that rape victims receive counseling and access to emergency, day-after contraceptives.—Houston Chronicle editorial[3]
The administration needs to stop playing word games with women's health and state clearly they will reject any regulations that will undermine women's access to basic health care.—Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.[4]
[It's] a spectacular act of complicity with the religious right... —RH Reality Check, Information and Analysis for Reproductive Health[5]
The birth control pill, the IUD, and emergency contraception might all become unavailable—illegal—as a result.—Brigid Riley, executive director of a Minnesota teen pregnancy prevention organization[6]
Can you help send a loud message to Secretary Leavitt that birth control is NOT abortion?
Thanks for all you do.
–Nita, Laura, Patrick S., Adam G., and the rest of the team
Sources:
1. "Redefining abortion; Federal officials considering a rule allowing health care workers to refuse to provide contraceptives," Houston Chronicle, August 10, 2008
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/5935532.html
2. Letter to Secretary Mike Leavitt from Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and 26 other senators, July 23, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=4042&id=13468-2980773-SO9Qp5x&t=6
3. "Redefining abortion; Federal officials considering a rule allowing health care workers to refuse to provide contraceptives," Houston Chronicle editorial, August 10, 2008
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/5935532.html
4. "Birth control: is administration backing down—or not?" Los Angeles Times blog, August 8, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=4043&id=13468-2980773-SO9Qp5x&t=7
5. "HHS Moves to Define Contraception as Abortion," RH Reality Check, July 15, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=4041&id=13468-2980773-SO9Qp5x&t=8
6. "White House Considering Contraception Restrictions," Public News Service, August 11, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=4040&id=13468-2980773-SO9Qp5x&t=9
Email 2:
Wow. In less than 24 hours, over 200,000 people have signed a message to the Bush Administration saying contraception is NOT abortion. Every signature will be delivered next week to Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, and the media will be notified of our final signature count.
The more folks who sign, the stronger our impact together will be—can you help us break a quarter-million signatures? To do that, just think of 10 friends who care about reproductive rights and forward them the message below.
Thanks for all you do.
–Nita
cross-posted at my LJ
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Connecting the Dots
Made myself a home-page, which you can visit here:
WildAspie.net
I also made a Facebook profile, as well as a list at 43Things.
And, you might have noticed, I updated my profile picture. Go, me!
So the idea is now to keep things current and coherent. We'll see how well that goes.
I also made a Facebook profile, as well as a list at 43Things.
And, you might have noticed, I updated my profile picture. Go, me!
So the idea is now to keep things current and coherent. We'll see how well that goes.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Local Events (Joliet/Chicago)
- Aug 11 7pm Human Rights and Mental Health - Sacred Heart Parish Hall (Will County Green Party)
- Aug 16 9pm WCGHS Open Investigation - Undisclosed (Will County Ghost Hunters Society)
- Sep 20 10am Fellowship of Isis Annual Gathering - Chicago
- Sep 23 6:30pm NEIS Forum - Joliet Public Library (Will County Green Party)
- Oct 25 10am Candidates Debate - Mount Olive Baptist Church (Will County Green Party)
My YouTube Count
106 Channel Views
2 Subscribers
48 Original Pandas (added 080429)
42 Improved Pandas (added 080430)
225 Ringo Buys a Rifle (added 080504)
20 For What It's Worth (added 080509)
619 Eat All The Old People (added 080511)
736 Obama - So You Want To Be A Boxer (added 080514)
306 If The Animals Could Talk (added 080518)
27 Bring The Boys Back Home (added 080521)
90 You Are My Sunshine (added 080525)
57 Bad Guys (added 080528)
183 Madman (added 080601)
96 Kill A Kitten (added 080608)
103 Do Not Go Quietly Unto Your Grave (added 080611)
110 Hook In Mouth (added 080618)
279 Stuart (added 080623)
================================
2941 Total Video Views
2 Subscribers
48 Original Pandas (added 080429)
42 Improved Pandas (added 080430)
225 Ringo Buys a Rifle (added 080504)
20 For What It's Worth (added 080509)
619 Eat All The Old People (added 080511)
736 Obama - So You Want To Be A Boxer (added 080514)
306 If The Animals Could Talk (added 080518)
27 Bring The Boys Back Home (added 080521)
90 You Are My Sunshine (added 080525)
57 Bad Guys (added 080528)
183 Madman (added 080601)
96 Kill A Kitten (added 080608)
103 Do Not Go Quietly Unto Your Grave (added 080611)
110 Hook In Mouth (added 080618)
279 Stuart (added 080623)
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From SpiritCompanion.com blog:
"Police caught Hoffman with pot but promised to drop charges if she agreed to go undercover in a drug bust. She was killed soon afterward.
Rachel Hoffman is dead. Rachel Hoffman, like many young adults, occasionally smoked marijuana.
But Rachel Hoffman is not dead as a result of smoking marijuana; she is dead as a result of marijuana prohibition.
Under prohibition, Rachel faced up to five years in a Florida prison for possessing a small amount of marijuana. (Under state law, violators face up to a $5,000 fine and five years in prison for possession of more than 20 grams of pot.)"
http://tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080512/NEWS01/805120325/0/COMP
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=5442615&page=1
http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?wtm_view=&Group_ID=4530
http://www.abcnews.go.com/print?id=5442615
http://tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080509/VIDEO/80509031
http://stash.norml.org/2008/04/04/stoners-in-the-mist-more-prejudiced-propaganda-from-ondcp/
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=5454035
http://www.alternet.org/drugreporter/63988/