[For Common Month Correspondences refer to Archives/Gnostic Pagan Calendar of Celebrated Days.]
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Recession, Phony Election, Energy
Crisis, Middle East Violence...
“HAPPY NEW YEAR?”
The last month of Y2000 ushered in a dramatic escalation of KALI YUGA around the world. The Middle East "Peace Process" is in a shambles, slaughtered beef in Europe is fatally contaminated, NATO soldiers are poisoned by their own weapons, disease, poverty and starvation continues to ravage Africa and much of the East--and meanwhile, in the bastion of The New World Order, the United States (The New Rome) lurches toward Recession, Electricity is (supposedly) running out in California, a Presidential Election between two Capitalists degenerated into a judicial shoving match, violence against women and minorities intensifies, and kamikaze lone-gunman killings increase around the country--and all the time the mindless, sexist Pop Culture sings the praises of Capitalist Americana---WHEW! So when we say HAPPY NEW YEAR, it is certainly expressed with a profound sense of irony.
For those who are new to our Tradition, the KALI YUGA is a metaphysical concept relating to the dissolution of gross materialism created by mortals enslaving the Human Spirit. This idea that technology without wisdom leads to collective disaster is shared by many cultures, including the indigenous peoples of what is now called North and South America. Many predictions of this time have already been fulfilled, such as the birth of White Buffalo (who was born a white calf, then transmuted thru several other colors and finally red, an incarnation of the Goddess Ma’at) several years ago. During the KALI YUGA the Collective Race will either self-destruct or revert to a degrading barbarism through its own ignorance, greed and materialistic exploitation--or The Race will evolve to a higher sphere of physical manifestation (transubstantiation) on planet Earth. [NOTE: As difficult as life can be on the Earth Plane, if Spiritual Liberation (The Great Work) is not achieved here, it won't be achieved in some idyllic afterlife.]
As Old Aeon religions lose their psychological hold on the people, as the reactionary dogmas and symbols lose their power--humanity increasing becomes adrift in a sea of materialism, unable to anchor or find its way without a spiritual compass. So-called "New Age" beliefs and practices (including Scientology, much too much of the "Wicca" Movement, and a myriad of loony personality cults) aspire to an alternative, but all too often revert to the reactionary illusion that one can buy one's way to enlightenment (or, as in the case of Wicca, revert to a simplistic lifestylism that can be irritatingly childish--the "McDonaldization" of Paganism and Metaphysics in general.)
[NOTE: Our position regarding the political irrelevance of Wicca may seem harsh and divisive, however sometimes it is necessary to separate the wheat from the shaft in order to arrive at a finer product—the cereal. Incidentally, the Gnostic Pagan Tradition is the result of an Oregon Collective in 1967, most members of which participated in various Traditions that now are generically called “Wicca”—and were also actively involved in the International Socialist milieu. As stated elsewhere, when we criticize others we are fully aware that we are likewise criticizing aspects of ourselves--in other words, we've been there and understand.]
The Energy Crisis (that will only become worse with overpopulation) in itself indicates that the evolutionary benefits of Capitalism has not only reached a zenith, but is actually deteriorating. Not even the Federal Reserve's "Gift to Bush" of a 1/2% reduction of the U.S. interest rate prevented a Stock Market dive just two days later. The question used to be how long could the United States and Western Europe continue to suck up Earth's resources at the expense of everyone else--but now not even California can survive at its own expense. There’s no question that California—as well as the rest of the Industrialized World—must learn conservation. However, the current “crisis” is being manipulated by Corporate Capitalism at the expense of Consumers. Deals are being made behind the scenes to insure the big profits of the Capitalists (in fact, documents made public reveal that Pacific Gas & Electric paid BILLIONS in surplus profit just last year to its big Corporate investors—and now is crying poor mouth. This is an OUTRAGE!) The energy breakdown in California is the direct result of deregulation. The theory behind deregulation is that by deregulating Corporate Capitalism the resulting trillions of dollars “earned” by such mega giants as PG&E, the Communications Industry, etc., etc. will eventually trickle down to the consumer in the form of lower rates and improved product. Anybody other than one of the Capitalists themselves should have known that this neo-Reagan economics would have only one end result: The Capitalists get even richer, the “product” deteriorates, and the Consumer gets screwed!
It is no coincidence that “moderate” Democrat Clinton was President at the height of Federal deregulation.
He never was a friend of the Working Class—Labor Bureaucratic adulation to the contrary.
So now the Federal debt is “paid off” (to the Capitalists) and the richest State in the Union is threatened by rolling blackouts and energy rate increases that not even well-paid workers can afford, let alone the poor and many of the elderly. But who cares? The United States is the sole world Superpower and that’s all that matters.
JOIN
SONOMA COUNTY
RENT CONTROL
COMMITTEE!
Working Class and low-income people need the
protection of a solid countywide RENT CONTROL ORDINANCE. If you agree, join our Organizing Committee
today! For more information
Email editor@gnostics.com or visit our site
[NOTE 07/01: The close to complete gentrification of this North Bay (San Francisco area) county is now a done deal. The up market Wine Industry has successfully displaced and made financially obsolete all other forms of farming in this once semi-rural part of California. Mansions, Wine Estates, and Bed-and-Breakfasts are most definitely IN—the Working Class (for the exception of two-income, fulltime working families & the ever needed migrant workers) and the Poor are definitely OUT.
Rents and the cost of buying a home in Sonoma County are now as obscenely high as those in The City. For example, a simple, modest, older home valued at $79,000 less than 8 years ago will now sale for $250,000 and more THE FIRST DAY IT GOES ON THE MARKET!
(We surveyed several mortgage companies and the results were unanimous: The median cost of an older home in Sonoma County is $275,000 and $375,000 for a newer house. Anything less than $140,000 is often not up to code or would require $20,000 up front to bring it up to code. A house must be up to code in order to be eligible for a loan. In order to obtain a mortgage for $175,000 to $220,000 ordinarily requires 2 borrowers (usually husband and wife) working fulltime at $20 an hour—and with a perfect or almost perfect credit history. This criteria applies to most Government programs as well.)
Of course this is a windfall for many longtime residents who’ve hopped on the real estate bandwagon, but there is a collective price to pay. The charms of nature that initially attracted the Bourgeoisie to Sonoma County are quickly being replaced by Wall-Marts, strip malls and uptight, restricted Country Clubs. Gang related violence (unheard of just a few years ago) is increasing at an alarming rate as the Poor become increasingly alienated—and the spoiled New Rich children are sadly lacking the natural orientation (including good manners and courtesy) that guide most residents in a rural communities. They are plastic reflections of a disoriented New World (Global Capitalist) “Order.”
While it’s true that the County is being “polished up”—its’ rural character has been sacrificed for the sake of unrestrained commercialism. It has become just another superficial and "posh" Bay Area Suburb.
As an interesting side note, the Wine Industry has been demanding forced, mass insecticide spraying to prevent infestation by the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Grasshopper. This environmental issue has been just about the only one that has aroused ANY political interest in Sonoma County youth. Maybe they’re right on this one. Maybe it would be a GOOD THING if the Sharpshooter CONQUERED THE VINES! Then other farming could return (provided the Sharpshooter is selective) and PROPERTY VALUES WOULD GO DOWN!!!
(Of course the above is meant tongue-in-cheek. Over-population is also a primary problem. Still, the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter could be an unlikely hero in this situation.)
We thank the people (all Working Class and many whom have become displaced) who responded to the NASM call for Rent Control. Unfortunately the monetary power of the Bourgeoisie has brought THEM another victory at the expense of a rural, Working Class community. Now the average person who can afford to remain in Sonoma County can look forward to working their ass off to PAY OFF a wildly inflated mortgage. The struggle for economic equality in Sonoma County must be shifted to help those who are being displaced by the crass gentrification of this area.]
Capitalist Western Governments Escalate Immigration Hypocrisy
The Old Aeon governments, notably those of France, (the phony "Labour" regime of) The U.K., Germany, and Spain and, of course, The New Rome (Washington) are escalating anti-immigration sentiments in the form of anti-immigrant crackdowns. These reactionary "Orders" built their wealth primarily at the expense of conquered native populations--while their own petty-bourgeoisie indigenous Capitalists (farmers, contractors, manufacturers, etc.)--continue to thrive on the exploitation of these same "illegal aliens" (undocumented workers).
The gross hypocrisy and non-reconcilable contradictions of Global Capitalism continue the march of humanity towards the Abyss...
Bush Sends Colin Powel to Sabotage Any Hope for Middle East Peace
Not satisfied with his tax cut to the wealthy and setting the concept of the separation of Church and State back 200 hundred years--arch-reactionary George W. Bush the Second is also sending recently appointed Secretary of State Colin Powel as a "negotiator" in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict! Powel was instrumental in the slaughter of tens of thousands of Arabs during the Gulf War--and now he goes to Israel to intervene in that particular conflict? Get real. The message is clear: The Palestinians can drop dead!
Now there is no going back and there is going to be hell to pay in terms of world peace.
Colin Powel is perceived as some sort of hero and even a role model by the African-American electorate. But make no mistake, he is a home grown reactionary to the core, give his blessing to the Conservative Agenda of social program slashing. He and his homeboy George II represent the most destructive forces of The New Rome.
Bush II Continues Bush I War of Aggression!
As Baby Bush visits Mexico his Papa Bush-Behind-the-Scenes continues his cruel vendetta against Iraq. Once again the world stands by and watches U.S. high tech. rain destruction on the impoverished people of this Arab nation. The message is all too clear: ARABS ARE EXPENDABLE...and this in a time when Israel is on the brink of a real Armageddon. What is this idiot thinking? Why do the American people sit back, watch their boob tubes and swallow this madness?
These are questions only a really "Free" people can answer...
For Political Revolution to Overthrow the Maoist Bureaucracy...
Down with the Death Penalty in "Red" China!
Only the most deluded--or biased-- person on the face of the earth could believe that the Stalinist regime in China has anything to do with true Socialism--but rather is, in fact, a National Socialist (Fascist) Police State (which is, in part, why the U.S. turns a blind eye to Chinese Human Rights abuses.) The Communist Chinese reactionary government is based on quasi-Marxist property forms (at best)-- and its' economic kowtowing to The New Rome (USA) and repression against its own people is utterly despicable...
[NOTE 07/01: Regarding the Olympics and Beijing—the Olympics have been politicized and corrupted since their modern revival. Need we mention the recent Salt Lake City scandal? This is not in any way to demean the inspiring spectacle of the International ATHLETES involved in the games. It was Adolph Hitler in 1937 and the United States under Arch -Reactionary Ronald Reagan in 1980 that both monumentally perverted the Olympic Games for political ends. The Salt Lake City fiasco simply mirrors the across board materialistic corruption of an athletic event that was held as SACRED in ancient times. If the Olympics maintains ANY SPIRITUAL VALUE AT ALL TODAY, then let it be held in an empty field in beautiful, natural surroundings. Dump all the commercial hype and greed and Nationalistic hypocrisy. Barring that, it doesn’t matter what city “hosts” the Olympic Games.]
FOR
INERNATIONAL SOCIAL REVOLUTION!
Taliban Thugs Blast Buddhist Ikons
12. Ostara
Today Taliban fanatics in the Islamic Fundamentalist State of Afghanistan completed their crazed "mission" to destroy the 1,500-year-old 150 and 120 feet high statues of Buddha carved in the limestone cliffs overlooking the Bamian Valley.
Leaders from around the world pleaded with the Taliban to "spare" the cultural relics--all in vain, for the Taliban doesn't care about human life (and particularly the life of women), let alone respect the spiritual and cultural heritage of any people besides that of their own murderously limited and petty selves. We were well aware of the destructive, homicidal nature of these mutants way back when the U.S.--and much of the so-called political "Left"-- was supporting them in their reactionary struggle against the Soviet-backed regime in Kabul.
See also, EDITORIALS 1998: Condemn U.S. Embassy Bombings...and American Counter-Attack!
Cal Thomas' column "Idols for Destruction" (distributed by Tribune Media Services) belatedly condemns the authoritarian nature of the Taliban (without a word regarding the elected progressive government they butchered)--while actually praising the destruction of the Buddhist "idols" by quoting a typically intolerant verse from the Judeo-Christian Bible (Exodus 20:3)!
[PS. We won’t waste the cyberspace to quote the aforementioned passage from that Patriarchal tract—Readers may do that for themselves if they so desire.]
The "Leaders" of the Old Aeon are impotent in the face of the Kali Yuga they themselves have created...
Not only is contemporary human culture at stake--but also that of The Ancestors.
Will people ever wake up to the great danger currently binding the Earth and take POSITIVE ACTION to salvage our History and the Planet?
[For more information see AFGHAN CULTURAL HERITAGE CRISIS]
Marcos Triumphs in Mexico City!
Last Sunday (11.Ostara/March) enthusiastic throngs filled the streets of Mexico City following the dramatic progress of Subcommandante Marcos who, along with 23 other Zapatista rebel leaders, rode and marched into the Capitol to support a new law that would protect Mexico's 10 million mainly Indian poor. Enraptured supporters cheered and cried as the charismatic Marcos was blessed by Native Spiritual Workers, underscoring the Subcommandante's message of a New Marxism--a Marxism tolerant of The New Age and--hopefully—also sanctified by The New Aeon of the Crowned & Conquering Child.
Marcos has vowed that the guerrillas would not leave the City until a bill was
passed giving more autonomy to Indian communities. He stated, "It is
time for this country to stop being an object of shame dressed in the color of
money."
The Subcommandante is in line to embody the destiny of true International Revolutionary Socialism--a task of utmost importance during these final years of the Old Aeon of the Dying God.
There is extraordinary political "packaging" going on behind the scenes centered around the enigmatic figure of Marcos. Hidden behind the typical Zapatista "ski-mask," his intense, dark eyes penetrating, another mystery--and the crowning touch--smoking a pipe ( a pipe, of all things!) behind the mask, like some latter day "Invisible Man"--the image of Marcos is quite compelling. There is the hint of Animus here, of sexual intensity and political fervor--not at all unlike the charisma of Che Gueverra or Eva Peron--and therein lies the real danger.
Is it possible on the earth plane as it is now manifesting during the concluding stage of Kali Yuga for a single individual to perform THE GREAT WORK of--not only spiritually transforming himself--but also elevating Collective Consciousness and transforming the physical environment around him?
If Marcos and the Zaspatista Movement are a legitimate focus for our Socialist Goals--and a medium for The Ancestors in Their revolt against The New Rome (Washington)--can he and the Movement remain uncorrupted by Material Power?
Will he--can anyone?--live up to such a supreme role of leadership without, himself, becoming the focus of yet another Old Aeon Cult of Personality/Reactionary Leadership Syndrome?
By all the Goddesses, Gods, and Our Selves we fervently hope so.
[NOTE: Celebrants of The Gnostic Pagan Tradition/New Aeon Socialist Movement are encouraged to transmit POSITIVE THOUGHT FORMS/POLITICAL SUPPORT to Marcos and, indeed, all the Zapatistas during this time of critical social change in Mexico.]
[NOTE: 4/08 The Zapatistas have left Mexico City with some parliamentary concessions, that still leaves an open question regarding their ability to enact Socialist Transformation in Mexico. Was their triumph nothing more than a craven political maneuver? Time will tell.]
Macedonia Next Victim of N.A.T.O. Incompetence?
Old World "Order" On the Brink!
Just as we-- and other International Social Revolutionaries-- predicted, the criminal intervention of that front group of The New Rome (Washington)-- N.A.T.O.--has created all the conditions necessary for a monumental political explosion in the Balkans (see N.A.T.O=North American Terrorist (Dis-) Organization.)
The United States in an unholy alliance with its European "Allies" conspired to bomb Yugoslavia during the totally illegal War in Kosovo, thereby allowing Albanian Separatist Forces to pursue terrorist policies of hegemony. Now these same forces of Nationalist Disorder under N.A.T.O. auspices are spreading the violence into Macedonia.
The negative results of aligning oneself to The New Rome should be abundantly clear to anyone with at least rudimentary intelligence.
Simultaneously in Israel, the newly constituted Racist Government--encouraged by the Phony Election of George the Second in the U.S.-- is stepping up its violence against Palestinians. Today a peaceful demonstration of Palestinian women was fired upon by Israeli troops.
This is not the end of Kali Yuga—(and CERTAINLY has NOTHING to do with The New Aeon that is not yet in political manifestation)—but, rather, these latest events represent just another round of Kali Yuga terror.
U.S BLOOD $$$ For War Criminal Milosovic!
[For Common Month Correspondences refer to Archives/Gnostic Pagan Calendar of Celebrated Days.]
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While the U.S.
Wraps Up in The Flag and Patriotic Fervor…
The Contradiction$ Continue
The latest trend in American fashion is the pre-Summer release of the Stars-and-Stripes bikini swimwear and matching Speedos. One can’t help but wonder what the “Founding Fathers” would think about Old Glory gracing patriotic private parts? Poor ol’ Betsy Ross must be a-turnin’ in her grave…
[NOTE: The term “Founding Generation” has been suggested to replace the patriarchal and inaccurate “Founding Fathers.” Gnostic Communications whole-heartedly endorses this substitution. Women contributed a lot more to the success of the American Colonial Revolution than just sewing—not to demean the homey skills of the quasi-mythological Mistress Ross.]
During the War Against Vietnam it was considered sacrilegious to do anything with The Flag other to raise it up in the morning and take it back down at night. Hippies who wore Stars-and-Stripes bellbottom pants and tie-dyed shirts were condemned from the Pulpit to the floor of the Senate. But that was when the majority of Americans were turning against the War. Today the majority of citizens support the “War Against Terrorism”—and the Capitalist “Leaders” (i.e. Manipulators) couldn’t care less if The Flag drapes a rump or a rooster—just so long as support continues to the ultimate goal, the Invasion of Iraq and Expansion of American Capitalist “Culture.” Whereas during the Vietnam War founding members of our Tradition offered varying degrees of support to conscripted soldiers of that Conflict (including hospital visits and bailing out homeless, discarded Veterans whose only ”crime” was to be found sleeping in public parks)—today’s Military is voluntary and its combatants have made a conscious decision to join up—often lured by the promise of free education and other “perks.” Traditionally the Military has provided opportunities of career advancement for Working Class Youth; but these young recruits may be singing a different tune if they end up with a combat-related illness. The Capitalist Government of the United States has a very poor track record in that particular area.
Our Tradition opted not to oppose the rooting out of Osama bin Laden and the Taliban in Afghanistan—but does not trust either American motives or ultimate intentions. The U.S. (and its politically corrupt partner The Northern Alliance) kept silent in face of Taliban oppression against women until the Taliban foolishly harbored bin Laden and his Unholy Warriors. We were well aware that the U.S. military action would not just harm innocent civilians, but would also foster the most Rightwing elements in the United States. The Capitalist Elite have a stake in the Social Conformism of America, and War is one of the greatest Conformist Institutions around. Nonetheless, in brute karmic terms the Taliban simply got what they asked for. And the U.S. Military simply provided the physical power to carry out the request. Technologically superior Brute Force triumphed over technologically inferior Brute Force. We wanted to see the Taliban crushed, but WE WILL NEVER SUPPORT THE U.S. MILITARY MACHINE (unlike certain other “Thelemite” individuals and fringe groups). So, yes, we sat tight and observed Brute Force play out against Brute Force—and both Forces are bound to the gross materialistic domination of Yahweh (MORTAL EGO-MIND).
But if U.S. retaliation for September 11th involves the invasion of Iraq, we say: ENOUGH!
U.S. HANDS OFF IRAQ!
If the United States invades Iraq it will be creating even more violence that will inevitably kill even more innocent civilians ("collateral damage"), and ultimately such action will be also turned against even more innocent Americans (added collateral damage of Capitalist World Dis-Order).
Additionally, the detention of Afghan prisoners on the U.S. Guantanamo Bay Base in Cuba is a flagrant provocation against the Castro Régime.
U.S. AND ITS CAPTIVES OUT OF CUBA!
September 11th provided a political goldmine for the beleaguered George Bush II Demented Dynasty Administration previously under attack by just about every Special Interest group in the country. Then came The Crisis and that Son-of-a-CIA was elevated to the level of a Folk Hero. It seems that everyone from Jerry Farwell to Kid Rock are falling all over almost everyone else in god blessing America. But while the Masses were out buying flags, Capitalist Corporations continued gouging the public and throwing people out of work—while the Wealthy were granted enormous tax cuts fueling Recession. The Capitalist Establishment response? Give the Corporations even more PROFIT!
The collapse of mega-energy producer Enron demonstrates just how “patriotic”
the Capitalists are to their own Workers. Employees were, in many cases, lured
into investing all of their life savings in Company Retirement Funds. They
continued to receive encouraging emails from the CEO of Enron even when he knew
full well that the Company was on the verge of bankruptcy. While Workers were
being fed misleading financial information, Corporate Insiders (Top Level Management
and their Political Cronies) were scrambling to dump their shares before the
Bust. This is exactly why Socialism demands Worker/Consumer Control of all
Essential Services (including Healthcare & Insurance), and an end to the
Capitalist stranglehold of the Democratic Process.
[NOTE: Celebrants of The Gnostic Pagan Tradition honor and love the Land that is currently known as The United States of America—and we respect the Power of the People who inhabit that Land. And, of course, we can understand the attraction the “American Lifestyle” has for so many people around the world. But we continue to say, there is so much MORE to be won! We Love & Will to Protect The People, The Animals and the Land of that space currently called The United States of America—but we DO NOT honor or respect its current Capitalist (Mis-) Leaders. The Strength and Toil of Generations of Workers have not been dedicated to support a corrupt and decaying Old Order, but will be most productive when the vast Majority of Global Citizens come together to create a truly Democratic Socialist New World.]
The Contradictions of Wealth, Racism, Alienation, Crime and Potential for
Violence in Capitalist America will not go away just because of the “War
Against Terrorism,” no matter how popular it may be at the moment. The New Rome
(Washington, D.C.) may have been given a “Just Cause” to exploit, but then
Washington has always fostered an overt and covert Terrorism of its own.
There are no clean hands under the current System. Gnosis
(Knowledge and Understanding), not Capitalism and War, is the only lasting Path
to both Physical and Spiritual Liberation.
Anything less in terms of Human Endeavor is ultimately vain and/or transitory.
[NOTE: We are not so foolish as to imagine that our Tradition is the ONLY Path to Realization; we exist as but ONE of MANY SIGN POSTS on The Way.]
[NOTE 2/21/02: The Capitalist U.S. Government has decided to form a “Propaganda Office” operating out of The Pentagon. No doubt the American Press, particularly CNN, will be the mouthpiece for this new overt DISINFORMATION. Of course the United States has always engaged in propaganda on a multitude of fronts, but the Official Announcement of the formation of a Propaganda Office serves to notify us all that the Capitalist control of Information is, indeed, going into the ominous high gear we predicted would happen several years ago. Free Speech and Access to Information are under serious attack in the United States. See also, DETACHMENT vs. ALIENATION & NEO-CONFORMISM.]
[NOTE 11/20/02: We’re sort of skipping back and forth a bit in time here, but this seems an appropriate place to reprint an Editorial from The San Francisco Chronicle dated 19. November 2002 titled “Government knows best”. It goes to illustrate that we’re not the only ones who are just a tad concerned over the Bush Ascendancy to the Throne on the backs of the Democrats.
Incidentally, The Chronicle is basically a Democratic mainstream paper, and this article was written just a week after the Democratic Party Election Debacle.]
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE EDITORIAL
Government knows best?
Tuesday, November 19, 2002
JUST HOW MUCH secrecy does the federal government need to
protect the nation from terrorism? Far less than the Bush administration seeks.
Ever since Sept.11, 2001, top government officials have tried to shield the
government from public scrutiny and to initiate new ways of
spying on its own citizens.
Last May, for example, Mitch Daniels, director of the Office of Management and Budget, informed federal agencies that they no longer needed to use the printing services of the Government Printing Office. Instead, he said, they could use private contractors
So what's wrong with that? The current system, which date back to the Jeffersonian era, guarantees that neutral librarians in the GPO make all government documents available
to the public. Under Daniels' plan, each federal agency could edit and delete embarrassing passages from their documents. Daniels, of course, puts a different spin on the proposed change: "The time has come for the executive branch to liberate its agencies from a monopoly that unfairly penalizes both taxpayers and efficient would-be competitors." The GPO a monopoly? That's like calling the Library of Congress a holding company.
Wait, it gets worse. The new version of the homeland security bill includes a Freedom of Information Act exemption for information submitted by private industry to government agencies. Because all national security data are automatically classified, civil libertarians and journalists view this exemption as an effort to protect the private sector from public scrutiny -- and possible litigation. "This bill sacrifices, in the name of homeland security, the long-standing American principle of open government," says Robert Leger, president of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Even more sinister, the Bush administration has jump-started a "virtual, centralized grand database" that can track our private lives from both government and commercial electronic sources. John M. Poindexter is heading up this research project, which goes by the Orwellian name of "Total Information Awareness."
Poindexter, you may remember, helped mastermind the Iran-Contra arms-for- hostages scam with Ollie North in the1980s. Convicted of lying to Congress, Poindexter's verdict was overturned by an appeals court. Congress had given him immunity in exchange for his testimony. This is not the man you want controlling Big Brother's electronic surveillance. The new computer database, if implemented, will constitute the greatest invasion of individual privacy and the most extensive violation of the Fourth Amendment that has ever occurred in American history. Congress should act immediately to shut down this program. Huge dossiers on Americans will not make us safer. It will only make our government less democratic.
[END OF CHRONICLE EDITORIAL]
[In response, Gnostic Communications can only respond,
“Gee, no kidding!”
and, of course, that old favorite,
“Told ya so!”]
+++
[NOTE 8/02: We are focusing on this particular “United States issue” with so much concentration because it is THE issue that, whether we care to admit it or not, will determine the direction of world events for DECADES to come (assuming, of course, that we’re not all destroyed by U.S. militarist diktats¾backed-up by the British Nationalist Reactionaries and Zionist Racists¾and fueled by the insane Fundamentalist Islamic “vision” of Violent Martyrdom). The United States has the technology to destroy the infrastructure of ANY country it views as a threat to its “National Interests.” When will the people of America—of this planet—stand up and say, ENOUGH? Considering the lunatics who are calling the shots right now, it’s not an overreaction to suggest that WE ARE RIGHT ON THE EDGE...]
[NOTE: 10/22/02. The Reactionary North Korean Communist Regime delivered a stunning checkmate to Emperor George Bush II (better known as “Baby Bush,” or “His Imperial Bonehead”) by announcing that they were, indeed, developing nuclear weapons. This really shouldn’t have come as a surprise to anyone, but the announcement was cleverly timed to cause embarrassment to Bush just as he was about to invade Iraq in order to avenge his father’s failed foreign policies. Iraq hasn’t had nuclear capability since Israel (in flagrant violation of International Law) blew up its one reactor almost two decades ago. Now that North Korea has fessed up—and is obviously more of a real threat to The New Rome and its current Capitalist Ruler—it puts Bush on the hot seat since his infamous remark calling Iran, Iraq and North Korea “an Axis of Evil.” No doubt this moral hypocrite, Daddy’s Boy will want to first go after Iraq, and then, in true cowboy fashion, take on North Korea. Of course that will mean a nuclear war and probably the end of civilization as we know it, but what the hell? If that’s what it takes to avenge the Bloody Bush Family Feud—why not? We don’t think so—and we’re not the only ones who are astounded by the Bush arrogance. Many “moderates” within the Establishment are expressing fear and concern over the threat George Bush is creating. He is putting the entire world at risk. Like his ex-CIA daddy, Bush doesn’t have the intellectual depth to deal realistically with foreign affairs; and, just as in the case of his father’s Presidency, the U.S. economy is on a downspin…and his war mongering is just making it worse. This man and his family represent an Axis of Political Evil just as dangerous as Saddam Hussein, Osama bin Laden and all the manipulators who advocate violence and terrorism in the name of some holy cause or phony moral principle. They should ALL be put on trial before an International People’s Tribunal.
In all fairness we must add, the Democrats are equally responsible for this acceleration of war fever by their abject and craven groveling to approve Bush's demand for war powers and a COLLOSAL MILITARY BUDGET--and this during a time of Recession and inhumane cutbacks directed at the elderly and disabled. This should stand as a testament to the lie of a two party system in the United States. There is only ONE RULING PARTY--and that is the CORRUPT PARTY OF CORPORATE STATE CAPITALISM!]
[11/02: Popular actor Sean Penn took out a full page ad in a leading newspaper and published an open letter to George Bush. In it he appealed to Bush as “a fellow patriot and father” and urged Bush not to invade Iraq in order to “save American lives.” Naturally we would have preferred it if Penn had prefaced his appeal as "a fellow human being and patriot of the Earth” rather than appealing to national chauvinist paternalism (which is probably all that Bush can comprehend), and urged the saving of everybody’s life. However, if this is what it takes to prevent Bush’s mad militaristic adventurism, so be it. As it is, Sean Penn displayed courage in posting the letter. In today’s climate of intentionally heated up right wing reaction, some would view even Penn’s mild tone as “unpatriotic.” He is to be congratulated on daring to dissent against the Bush II plan to invade Iraq.]
[11/02: On November 2 in Beijing, North Korean Ambassador Choe Jin Su asserted his country’s right to arm and defend itself despite U.S. intimidation. Choe stated, “The U.S. unilateralism and high-handedness rather took us by surprise.” Reacting to the U.S. demand that North Korea immediately cease all nuclear weapon development (while the U.S. maintains its own arsenal), Choe replied, “The U.S. is sadly mistaken if it thinks such gangster-like logic would work…North Korea has neither need nor duty to explain anything to the U.S.” Commenting on Bush’s claim that North Korea, Iran and Iraq represent “an axis of evil” Choe responded, “Obviously, this was a declaration of war.” The idiotic Bush "strategy" of intimidation has (as many people predicted) backfired in a very dramatic and dangerous way. He should be IMPEACHED immediately before he blunders to a point of No Return. This isn't, like Bill Clinton, having a little extramarital knookie in the Oral (...oops, that is Oval) Office. Bush II (like Bush I) is capable of sacrificing thousands upon thousands of people for the sake of phony macho posturing. HE MUST BE STOPPED! He never earned the popular vote, anyway. THROW HIM OUT OF OFFICE BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE—and for god sake—GET RID OF THAT PERPETUALLY POLITICALLY CONSTIPATED VICE—and we do mean “VICE”—PRESIDENT TOO!]
[NOTE TO THE ABOVE]: We know that the people in the United States (and this is Election Tuesday, for what that's worth) aren’t about to take the initiative to kick out Bush—anymore than they would elect Tina Turner President (and she’d be a hell of a lot better Prez than the sorry asses we’ve seen recently, and we’d vote for her without hesitation—no doubt she could kick some WASP butt!). The permanent political demise of Bush, his creepy ex-CIA Daddy—in fact, the ENTIRE BUSH DYNASTY—are WAY UP THERE on our Gnostic Pagan Solstice Wish List!]
[NOTE 12/01/02]: Reprinted below is an Open Letter the editorial office is sending to various media, groups and individuals. We encourage all Celebrants and other Readers to copy and email to other interested parties.
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12/01/02
Editor,
The threat from within to this country has never been greater in its
entire history--and that threat is from the George Bush Dynasty and its
co-conspirators against liberty.
The United States experienced a horrific wake-up call on 9/11/01--but who
was to know that this terrible act would salvage the questionable
"election" of George Bush the Second and gives this hypocritical
Daddy's Boy the authority to overturn the United States Constitution?
Who would guess that the Democrats would grovel to his throne?
(Well, judging from public reaction, it didn't come as that much of a
surprise to a lot of concerned and responsible people)
Perhaps it is just a coincidence that events of 9/11 and the subsequent
Republican AND Democrat rush to subvert the Constitution dovetailed in an
unconscious conspiracy to overthrow the basic civil rights in the U.S., the
greatest experiment in egalitarian democracy in the history of the world.
Or was it just a coincidence?
We may never know.
But of one thing we can be certain--if the working class,
"average" citizen in this country DOESN'T DO SOMETHING (and do it
QUICK) the Corporate Oligarchy apparently calling the shots will not only drag
us into an endless war no one can win; they will also persecute our elderly and
infirm through NEGLECT; they will destroy the average working and middle class
standard of living; and they will effectively turn the United States into a New
Rome, loved by none and despised by all.
Many people from all walks of life have demonstrated their courage
against this corrupt New World Order (sanctioned by the Supreme Court) by
coming out publicly against this internal tyranny and treason perpetrated
against the People of the United States.
This is a suggestion: Individuals
and grass roots organizations should call for a GENERAL STRIKE DAY once a
month. This would be a strictly non-violent and non-confrontational way for
people to EFFECTIVELY get involved in an opposition movement to protect the
Constitution and our Civil Rights. On this day people would not go to work,
they would not buy anything and they would not patronize any business
establishments (hopefully businesses would demonstrate their REAL PATRIOTISM by
closing their doors as well.) In addition, no one would turn on a television,
or the radio, or buy a newspaper. The Internet would only be used to spread the
word of the Strike. Supporters would spend the day rejuvenating the process of
free, democratic association. If this General Strike gains momentum, then it
could extended from one day to two or three a week--then for an entire week.
Maybe then the Oligarchy manipulating this country would take notice and pull
the right strings to jerk the Bush Dynasty out of the picture for good--for it
obviously represents an "Axis of Evil" as dangerous to our welfare as
Saddam and bin Laden.
GNOSTIC COMMUNICATIONS
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INFIDEL AND PROUD OF IT!
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