And don't forget Papa is attached to Carlyle Group which has made a fortune

Must be great to line your pockets and play war as you make up the rules.

Brilliant! Thank you. Your article says what few Americans understand, and what few wish to hear. That's why it needs to be said. Hopefully someday enough will know, and then knowledge will begin translating into change. The online movie 'Zeitgeist' comes to mind.

George has used some of his war profits to buy himself a new pair of IRON HEELs. He's getting ready to take off on a stomp across the Middle East. He'll be careful of course not to stomp on poor little Israel. He will leave his footprints all over and then come back home and do a Texas line dance across America. Get out the brown shirts and come and enjoy the fun.
Hoa binh

Since1492:

Ah the Iron Heel. Perhaps even a more "correct" prediction of the future than Orwell's 1984. More, I believe that our government (and by government I mean the criminals who have stolen our democracy and crapped on our constitution) have blended the two into official policy. London's prescient "terrorists" and Orwell's Big Brother have met and had an illegitimate child. And now we're all paying the price. All we need add to this equation is Smedley Butler and there's all you need to know about how the scum that run our country REALLY operate

No one in this world, so far as I know -- and I have researched the records for years, and employed agents to help me -- has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people. Nor has anyone ever lost public office thereby. - Henry Louis Mencken 1920

Doug - you're certainly correct to add Smedley Butler's experience to the game plan. As one of Uncle Sam's Misguided Children I never knew of General Butler's book, WAR IS A RACKET. I wish I had discovered it earlier and maybe I wouldn't have joined the cult. Keep on rockin' in the free world.
Hoa binh

Without a spiritual revolution--a revolution from within--there can be no real and lasting change, reform and refine as we will. An awakening of consciousness is the only thing that will save mankind from its destructive course. Unfortunately, technological advancement has decreased the time we have to awaken. Albert Einstein realized this to some degree after the first atom bomb was exploded. Man remains on the level of ego and ideology opposition, which is responsible for all the misery and mayhem we see. Organized religion is not part of the solution, but part of the problem, and even worse because it has become, of late, the unwitting servant of fascism. We need to focus less on condemning others and more on transforming ourselves.

Wow there "Blackwater is on the short list of contractors in the running to grab a $15 billion contract to wage war on the narcotics trade the Bush administration claims funnels money to fund terrorism". Does that mean now that Blackwater will be at odds with the CIA and the Zionists who run the drug trade,Ahaaaa makes for competition free trade maybe, of course the present admin wouldn't be involved with drugs *coffs*

Not so much "Stupid Voters" an crooked henchmen. Bush's brother stole the election for him in 2000 and Ohio's governor Taft stole it for him in 2004. What trichs do these henchmen have in store for 2008?

dlnelson7..Poppa is attached to a lot more than Carlyle...but, I'll leave you to do the research. If there is a description of the bush cabal that's worse than "pure evil".....please apply it and let me know.

The same Dick DeVos who ran for Governor of Michigan where bumper stickers read, DIck DeVos, the more you know about him the less you like him.

Right EPHRAIM, SIOUXROSE, that is because there is a lot of imitation of transformation, and little "authentic" transformation. We cannot effect beneficial change without an understanding of what it is we are trying to change, and that understanding does not--cannot--come about through ideology, but only through awareness and intuition.

Many from the 60s and 70s gave up their quest for inner illumination and fell into the same materialistic pattern as their parents had before them. Ironically, they/we have unknowingly become the very thing that they/we had revolted against. Advancing age, along with fear of the future has a way of doing this, and it's all to easy to fall back asleep without realizing that we have done so.

CHESSGAME: My hat is off to you, brother. Well said! For all our discussions of this candidate or that one, of how US economics run on war profits, the ESSENCE of what and who we are derives from our inner core spiritual values. The old gods have held mankind hostage and maintained a paradigm of endless war. ONLY in transcending previous thought forms and core beliefs is a means away from this deranged pseudo-inevitability possible. Wish I could have a drink with you to toast this HIGH initiative here in the radiant Florida Keys.

First thing out of the Pentagon after the Democrats just tried to hold up new war funding: they announced brightly that they had trimmed some millions from "other budgets" to fill the terrible gap they feel in their profit addiction. AND what did they cut? The latest research lab that studies ways to beat IEDs that are killing U.S. kids on Iraq streets for oil. The threat of course is, "GIVE US THE MONEY OR EVEN MORE of your kids will die"---and these are the war-pigs who say they're making us safer....When the crimes of this generation come to be told it will make the JFK business look like kindergarten....

Personal transformation was the centerpiece of the legacy of the '60s and '70s, which mutated from political engagement (the New Left) to spiritual striving. Not much has changed as a result of looking inward, except personal attitudes. Even if huge numbers were to undergo profound spiritual transformation, we would still have to engage politically, even if it means dissolving politics altogether so we can interrelate on a higher spiritual plane, an unlikely event outside certain science fiction scenarios. We can't escape the political by navel gazing: the failures of the '60s are evidence enough. By all means, transform your consciousness. But the work hardly stops there. If it does, we get nothing but Bushism from here to the whimpering end.

EPHRAIM: I totally agree. I shared in this forum months ago that the New Age movement made change all about (and only about) the individual. This fragmented thought process derives from the way we are educated to study separate subjects or areas of discipline. The either-or approach fails to recognize the Gestalt, how the pieces must work or fit together. I believe we must both work on ourselves and build a just society. A society that encourages bad habits like obesity, drug use (I don't include pot there), alcohol abuse, violent sports, violent engagement that leads to war (our anthems are tributes to war, religion now sees war as "god's will") and conformity is NOT about building healthy citizens; nor is it easy for citizens to remain healthy or balanced if their nation focuses on the worst in human nature. I noticed this pushing aggressive behaviors--violent sports, beer, rap "music" and how it then calls for a reciprocal need to pay policing forces to manage those behaviors, the social equivalent of Amy's Shock Doctrine. Spiritual transformation is key to waking up people, but when used only to feel personal enlightenment, it's empty, causes one to become Blake-like as they behold eternity in an hour and the world in a grain of sand from their likely prison cell.

Oops.. I mean Naomi's Shock Doctrine.

It figures the whole scam would be connected to DeVos and Amway -- Amway is a pyramid scheme that wraps itself in God and the flag wherein those at the top get filthy rich while promising the other 90 percent of the membership that they have a future chance for wealth, if they only stick with it, work hard, and don't ask too may questions, especially of the group's leadership. True riches, or even a decent profit, is visited upon the trolls about as often as someone wins the lottery, but that's the carrot that keeps them running inside the Amway wheel, making money for those at the top, a perfect description of the Bush family's idea of good government.

All right, I just HAVE to comment on the so-called No Child Left Behind software with the acronym COW. Nice, docile, easy to herd COWs- then when they grow up sit 'em down in front of FAUXNews and let them pretend they know something about politics. Christ they're doing it right before our eyes people.

CAN THE RHETORIC

Regardless of the anti administration rhetoric, the real blame lies in the voters who helped this administration steal two elections, the five Supreme Court justices who placed politics over duty when planting Bush in office, and our legislators for allowing such unprecedented presedential abuses of our government.

These unprecedented abuses will continue until we replace this administration with one that honors integrety and logic, and acts in the interests of the populace rather than those of special interests.

Fortunately for Bush there are lots of very stupid Americans

DUH...remind me not to vote in US elections ever again. It's a complete waste of time.

And get this one. In 2004, I heard this: "It doesn't matter who you vote for, as long as you vote". He had no idea how true the words are.

I don't get it. Bush and Cheney have committed many crimes, but they're still in charge. All I ever hear is complaints about what the Bush Family Evil Empire has done, but no one is ever held accountable. No wonder Bush is always giggling. He and the rest of the thugs have gotten away with so much.

I guess the Congressional Democrats aren't the only ones that have no spine.

SIOUXROSE, CHESSGAME AND EPHRAIM---all laudable efforts to shift the focus/perspective. Transformation always starts within each heart/soul. "Physician heal thyself."
It is not a destination, but a tool, both personal, and collective. As we increase our own capacity to emanate the Light, we light the way for others. If we want to make the world a just, compassionate and peaceful place, we cannot do it unless we cultivate those qualities within. We are not other than the mass consciousness we wish to influence. We are part of it.

In this current "story" underway, we can choose any number of roles to play, but if our over-arching choice is to influence the rest of the "cast of players" to act in ways that promote peace, justice, compassion and truth, well then, once again, we have to embody that vision. Energize your own "story", and others who are attracted to your vision, as well as your expanding and inclusive Light will join you.

Visualize whirled peas

starofthesea___It is certainly commendable to work toward showing peace and compassion, and we will have some influence. However, Jesus himself, the master of all those qualities we should aspire to, did not have much influence on the powerful forces that controlled the land at that time. Human nature is more vulnerable to greed, lust, self preservation, and false leadership than the good qualities we need so badly to save our country from destruction. Consider that it took many charismatic people over many years for the religious right wing to gain the power they now hold. That is the only thing that can turn a country around and we cannot seem to find people who are able to accomplish that and set us on course again. It has always been easier to control people with false fears than to use truth, justice, and peace.

It seems to me that the many who choose to pursue financial success in lieu of enlightenment or fulfillment have intentionally rigged the rules by which society must play, in an effort to force the more compassionate, or spiritual, or empathetic souls to give up their path to inner peace and harmony just so that they may survive. Laws are designed to thwart individuality, self sufficiency, true thoughtfulness, and peace. One cannot legally live in a simple structure and comply with housing or building codes. One cannot live in harmony with nature without succombing to the rat race as he would be incarcerated as a vagrant. One cannot openly or freely discuss his existence lest he be stoned by the virtuous who know the answers to the unanswerable. The pursuers of treasure will not accept grey in their world of black and white. To be truly enlightened is possible, to live in this society and shine that light on others would illuminate too many uncomfortable truths to those who need desperately to be blind. How do we reverse the trend of hostility born of our own selfishness?

"How do we reverse the trend of hostility born of our own selfishness?" Avoid road trips with Ted Kennedy? Hunting trips with Dick Cheney? I'm not sure where you're goin' with this....

Robert Settgast says, "...until we replace this administration with one that honors integrity and logic, and acts in the interests of the populace..."

Forget it. You're dreaming. It won't happen.

America has become about money and who controls it.

Public service is a joke. Ethical or even "grand idea" people will never become government representatives of the people. They're blocked out.

Try to become a Congressman or Senator. It takes, literally, millions of dollars. Plus, you must align yourself with one of two parties whether you agree with their policies or not.

Representatives of the people - that's a joke, the true lie. These representatives are moneyed people, with warped morals and influenced ONLY by American oligarchs.

Elections are a simple ritual obligation and change nothing because Americans have limited/controlled choices and limited/controlled political discourse.

If you want change, the political process must become open and accessible.

One way to achieve openness is through the advocacy, stimulation and encouragement of multiple political parties. (I find it absurd that 300 million people can only express their views through 2 political parties. One step below totalitarianism.)

To achieve accessibility we could have publicly financed elections (do you want your tax dollars to be spent on war or for new ideas on public policy).

A new American Revolution is needed. Where individual freedoms and human rights are the pinnacle of the political system.

MARCTILESTON: Excellent post. I do believe some of us have been endowed by Grace to be the Light by example. And to the extent possible, seek to create (like a pebble) those ripples of change the world's people crave and deserve. I have elaborated before on the way our world was modeled after a circle with 12 counterbalancing principles, but this ingenious design fell apart (its center cannot hold!) when MARS and the use of war/force took over. Mars is exalted in Capricorn, the sign of repressive government and its business elites. Mankind's answer is a return to inclusion, all voices at the table... not just falling under thrall to the gods of division, raw power, and repression.

It took centuries for more egalitarian models to fall prey to the hierarchical ones, and it may take centuries to find our ways back to a better plan for all. NATURE will cooperate with this task, however, since as has been brilliantly defined on CD, the rabid corporate capitalist model now spreading over the world like a cancer, is by its nature, antithetical to life. LIFE has a longer shelf life. Ask an amoeba.

Siouxrose and others,

The inner evolution towards a healthy balance and the sharing of those values certainly qualifies as a positive and progressive process. However, for such a process to grow and strengthen it must produce significant and reliable rewards in inter-human interaction, i.e. there must be positive feedback loops within groups of people. Has not history shown that these processes only grow through some sort of formal, or quasi-formal, organizations, that have the structure and stability to provide these feedback loops? However, there are no current progressive organizations that appear to have the capacity to grow to the point they could make a significant difference in the oligarchy's march towards total domination.

A shock, as Milton Friedman noted, is usually necessary for radical economic transformation (which Naomi Klein brilliantly elaborated on in "The Shock Doctrine"). Such shock, which most likely will come in the form of an economic depression, could provide the impetus for radical growth of progressive organizations just as it may provide the fascists with an opportunity for total domination. When that happens, let us hope that progressives do not turn inwards, as tyrants from Emperor Constantine to George W. Bush have always encouraged those they would dominate to look to the spiritual and to self-absorption as they makes them easier prey.

lillulu November 20th, 2007 7:47 pm

My favorite is when he talks about the war with a smile on his face. He knows...

"...Well, he woulda run for office, but that'd be runnin' from the law.
He'd run a major corporation, but he'd have to grow a claw.
He'd be a man of vision, but he was blinded by what he saw..."

"...He's stuck between his laughing youth, the yawning grave, and the twisted truth,
where self-righteous perform like John Wilkes Booth..."

From "Fool on a Corner" by Rick Hart

"My favorite is when he talks about the war with a smile on his face. He knows…"

You are of course being unfair. You would have to apply this across the board but you don't. Sure you are going to stick with this conclusion?

Smiling doesn't always mean you are happy about something.

Sorry jakenewton. The Bush smile means "I am screwing you and you can't do anything about it."

Siouxrose, all, many equate enlightenment with introversion, or turning inward, which is isolation. All through history the authentically enlightened, like Christ and Buddha, did just the opposite. Because of their great compassion, they understood that they must spread the Light, rather than close themselves off from others. In a touching story, after Buddha achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, he faced one last temptation from Maya to keep it to himself, which, of course, he refused.

The Light does not need progressive organizations to spread its Will; like a flower emitting a fragrance, it is available to those who wish to partake in it. If enough people were to awaken, everything would be transformed is such a way that reflected that new Understanding, and in ways that are now impossible to predict. Any idea/ideal of utopia is doomed to fail unless enough individuals recognize it as such and work to make it happen. To do that, they must all derive their Knowing from the same Eternal Source, and this would also mean that nothing could be set in stone, as Love itself cannot be.

"The Bush smile means "I am screwing you and you can't do anything about it.""

That's stupid.

KIVALS: I recognize YOUR viewpoint as complementary to my own. The issues and perspectives we raise are not mutually exclusive. All through time there have always been enclaves of enlightened ones. Sometimes (during the Inquistion or Dark Ages) these individuals had to go "underground." Frankly, I see my own loss of voice in media the past 10 years as something like this. (It's why I write often in THIS forum.) By the way, I wrote something to you specifically on the treatment of cancer a few days ago. (I have to look up where I left it! Hope you caught it!)

CHESSGAME: Buddha first had to go to the cave to GET his version of enlightenment, and there are a purported series of "lost years" where many believe Jesus went to the East to study with masters. The New Age movement in America became popular in the l980's when Reagaon gave greed its facelift, and everyone began to BUY/GET enlightenment. This selfish, self-centered focus aided and abetted by the media's so-called spiritual darlings encouraged this lack of engagement with larger social causes. So when cool people learned to meditate on their belly buttons, the rightwing bought out school boards, built its mega churches with their huge TV presence, and funded think tanks when NOT buying politicians/policy outright. How many times did I hear "all things work for good for those who love God," and while I have felt personally protected, and seen miracles large and small, the FACTS is our nation's status is indisputably corrupted.

Capitalism's engine, consumerism, is killing the Great Mother. Professor Emeritus Robert E. Lane's book, "The Loss of Happiness in Market Democracies" points out through evidence that people tend to value close, loving relationships over STUFF; yet a media driven consumer feeding frenzy characterizes much of American life today (bankrupt on important levels. Tragic, that for all the things acquired, none can fill the existential emptiness that ensues until we GET real, make peace with one another, and HONOR even in simplicity the greatest gift of all, the non-negotiable fact of our TIME granted on earth. A total shift in values is inevitable, and it probably will start with the cycle of lack that falls like a shadow upon our land quite soon. My bet, the evidence (we see all the gathering storm clouds now) is undeniable in late 2009 and into 2010. SIMPLIFY! Honor your daily bread.

Siouxrose, there are not different "versions" of enlightenment, only different expressions of the same Light; if the Light is not a universal essence, then there is no Light because then it becomes reduced to a self-gratifying concept, and little more.

The "getting," as you put it cannot be done in isolation, only in relationship--and society is a relationship if nothing else. So society cannot be whole and sane unless the individuals who compose it are or, at the very least, working toward it. Perhaps that is that is the proverbial "elephant in the room."

CHESS: We do agree... I am explaining social phenomena in relation to the quest for Light/enlightenment. Where is Aymon?

Great article but the following paragraph, alone, could change everything. If only it could be forwarded as often as the Nieman Marcus cookie recipe...

>> snip

The simple way to end the madness is for the Democrats in the Senate and House to insist that the war be financed on a pay-as-you-go basis. No more war on the national credit card. Insist that tax revenues pay for military expenditures. What fiscally responsible lawmaker could oppose the proposal? Don't saddle our children with unconscionable debt. If you support the war, then pay for it.

I bring great empowering and excellent N E W S:

Our belief in the systematic bought-and-paid-for inattention of the mass media may in fact be an illusion and gov't hype to completely dis-empower us to "work the system"., as evidence points to what they've actually been doing - and it's "simple" repetitive phones calls and threats to hurt circulation, not total subjugation!

OK, it might be simple, but that is hardly the same as easy, right?

Please follow this link here, for 'Confessions of "an editor who ran Bush propaganda"', where in summary that editor states that:

Every time, without fail, if there was anything on the wire that supported the Bush* administration and we did not run it prominently and "favorably," the very next day, we would get a stream of phone calls from angered conservatives who railed on and on about the "liberal media." These calls, not surprisingly, registered in the offices of our senior editors ("news editor" is not a "senior editor," by the way), and those editors -- who feared for their own jobs if they pissed off readers and lost circulation -- insisted that we present the news in a way that was favorable to the administration's position.

Wow, isn't insidiously clever to make us think we :

(1.) Have a liberal minding media, but then
(2.) Convince us that it's really not going to speak the TRUTH, but
(3.) it still may be POSSIBLE to find truth again, if we finesse it as well as the shrub's SHOCK troops do, as they're clearly massively funded and organized for the 'duration'.
(4.) The re-Thuglicans likely have a quite distributed tag-team fon tree for each media outlet ALL across the globe, and duplication of pressuring (to own editor) would only improve their (or OUR ODDs) for impact.
(5.) OK, don't even bother with FauxNews, but maybe 'the denuded emperor pix' will leak out?

What GRASS ROOTS ACTION does it take from any of US?

_a._ Any person willing to call, and call again (watching the news wires, and being aware each day)
_b._ Heavy hitter progressive thinkers that will ACT (like STARS, Media celebrities, actors, chamber Commerce, talkers) with real influence, and or patience.
_c._ Lots of 'cold calls' in attempts to find each media
_d._ Attempt to convert retrenched re-Thuglicans as "double-agents" for TRUTH, as they know who to call

Like I said initially, this is SIMPLE, but it's hardly EASY.

We ALL can Go for IT, as we deserve the best media that OUR money (remember WE are the actual circulation- right?) can influence and buy.

P.S. Thanks to inspiration posts throughout CD, and my apologies for cross-posting this to get this powerful message out, as bandwidth is likened to our CD's very blood coursing through the ethereal veins of OUR WEB.

Namaste
__ __ __ __ We must be the change
__ __ __ __ we wish to see in the world __ Gandhi