A Line Drawn in the Sand

     Somewhere, there is a line drawn in the sand. The sand is not owned by someone, the line is not owned by anyone, but it is there. That line, a marker of some inevitable boundary, a symbol of some limit of safe and excess, showing to all who would observe, that 'this is all that can be allowed'. A single and simple thing, a line drawn in the sand, that represents so much to so many, that we can easily be confused on it's original intent or reason for being. And simply looking at this line, we wonder why is it there and not here, how did this become so close to us, and most importantly, who drew it out so?

     We look around and find many things that we think to be normal, to be inevitable, to be okay and accept them without question, … until that is, we see that line in the sand. Some of us see beyond the thin veils of selfishness and illusions of egos. Some see through deception in motion, covering hidden actions against the majority of observers. Those people were targeted first, removed from play in a game so engrossingly enormous that even fewer realize that they play a part in it all. But there it is, still drawing our attention to it, beckoning us to see it and recognize it, that line in the sand. Did we draw it? When did it appear? Why hadn’t we noticed it before?

     Boundaries have always been a part of our world, allowing us to separate land, property, and people. Boundaries show us where it is safe to be, where we are allowed to be, and keep danger and harm safely away. Boundaries allow us to see the group and the individual, selecting for us areas of understanding or understood information and conceptual ideas. These all exist, and have existed, and yet are changed by consensus and definition often. But by who hand did those lines become drawn? And is this just another boundary that can be moved, this line in the sand?

     Maybe ignorance is bliss for it is blind to these things. As the Fool card in the Tarot teaches us, for the Fool walks blindly forward unaware of the dangers, yet not falling to the harm nor heading any perceived warning. Maybe that is why many do not see these things and have grown accustomed to the illusion of safety and secure passage in life. But why do some of us see these things? Are we questioning the realities of our world, do we challenge things that do not make sense to us? Is there some hint at 'wrongness' that awakens our instincts of survival? Maybe. Maybe that is why there is that line drawn in the sand. Maybe that is how it came to be.

     If we ponder too long on the why's and the how's and the who's, we loos sight of the simple fact that it is there, and it represents, if nothing else, a limit, a safe factor, a boundary. We know that we must defend it, for it is the marker of our safety. We come to understand that like so many other lines that have been drawn out, this one too was done as a consensus, and for reason. We know, instinctively, that this limit is ours, of where we must not be pressed beyond, where we would find not just harm, but find damages beyond our own ability to repair. This simple line in the sand.

     So we stand here, claiming all that is on and in our side of that line, and stand, and stand. Yet we have given so much without notice, that once we look down, we see that the line has been pushed to it's extreme elasticity of almost breaking. Now we understand, and are shocked that this has happened, while we were standing guard over it. How could this be? When did this happen? We question and begin anew by observing what we once thought of as clear information, yet now see illusions fade and false pretense fall. This is our line, and it falters, as we stand in it's defense. The pressure pushed into and against that line is great on both sides, yet we can see no relief either way. What happens when it is breached? Who's side will give first?

Somewhere, there is that simple line drawn in the sand, and we are just the grains that give it definition and purpose.

- In Solidarity, Sean Bigham

My take on the 'Bill of Rights'

Here is my personal take, on the original 'Bill of Rights' as given to us by our Founding Fathers in our U S Constitution...

   ( My comments in italics )

Freedom of Speech, Press, Religion and Petition 

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

---I can worship or not of my own choosing without punishment. I can choose to worship what I want. I can say what I want as long as it is truth or not against anothers right. I may assemble with others to say my piece or to observe, and I may petition the government for change.---

Right to keep and bear arms 

A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

---I may possess and maintain personal firearms and am free to own and use them as long as I do not violate criminal laws by thier use.---

Conditions for quarters of soldiers 

No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

---The government cannot house soldiers in my property without my permission nor without compensation for the use.---

Right of search and seizure regulated 

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

---No government official, acting in official capasity, can come into my home, collect any property or harrass me or my guests into statements, without a due processed warrent given by legal reasoning and securing said search and confiscation of proerty. And if said warrent was given without proper due cause and under false statement, I can address the government body with petition and legal defence.---

Provisons concerning prosecution 

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.

---I am protected by the laws of the government unless proven guilty of accused crimes against me.---

Right to a speedy trial, witnesses, etc. 

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

---That if accused, I am allowed a council and jury, an impartial judge to hear facts of witness and evidence on both parts of the case and to be held in such process in a timely manner.---

Right to a trial by jury 

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

---That I can request a jury trial of common folk to hear my case.---

Excessive bail, cruel punishment 

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

---That I will be treated fairly and justly in all cases against my person.---

Rule of construction of Constitution 

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

---That these rights, given to me by the Nations Government, are to be ensured and protected by the government, the officers there of, and by the people there given unto.----

Rights of the States under Constitution 

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

---That when there is doubt to the coverage of Law, or to the jurisdiction there of, or the ability to uphold or enforce, that the States and or the People, by vote and judicial proceedure, can set presidence and incure laws and enforcement that would be just.---

Apathy, a non-action verb that destroys our Nation

In the last dozen years, we citizens have been asleep. Figuratively so, and so much so that the actions of our Nations government and political offices have gone almost unnoticed and definitely unchecked. It has been the 'status que' that our government wants, to keep us as uninformed as possible to what policies they want in place. They have lulled us into complacency, feeding our ego's, dangling 'shinny little goodies' and directing our thoughts by redirecting our media. We fell for it...
Apathy, it is a word that has come up many times in conversation lately in our household, our neighborhood and our social gatherings. I had to look it up in the beginning, and that alone ashamed me somewhat. I though myself informed and educated, up to date on news and current civil laws, I found myself lacking and in want of the actual reality of the world events. I had to re-evaluate what I had seen, heard, read, and understood. I began to research and question a lot about the policies that had been put into place. I was no longer complacent, I lost my 'apathy'. And in doing so I gained a few things I didn't count on...
I discovered that the Nation had changed, so much so, that we were no longer a Democratic Republic, That our Nation was no longer defending it's citizenry against injustice, that our education was not indulged in teaching civil laws and citizen rights, and that multinational corporations had somehow gained and had laid claim to our rights as a citizen. Our monetary system was in the hands of world banking tycoons and not our government, that alone made me question our Nation's leadership and values of our ability to govern and sustain our Nation. I discovered that there was legal differences in the terms,'Citizen of the United States' and a 'United States Citizen'. I also stumbled across the information that there are quite a few differences in the term 'unlawful' and 'illegal'. And of course I researched the legal, government, definitions of 'Right' and 'Privilege', and found a disturbing amount of regulation on both...
So, armed with information, and asking questions, I assumed that it was a good idea to share these things and inform my fellow American citizens of these and many other things. I joined internet groups and forums, stood with other active citizens in protests, rally and gatherings, contacted civil liberty and civil law activist groups, and exercised my 'Rights' to help inform others and stand against acts and proposals that were being offered by government officials that I did not believe were in the best interests of the citizens of my Nation.
By doing so, and as a product of past legislature and current laws being accepted by Congress, me and my fellow active citizens, were easily identified and labeled as 'low level terrorists' and seen as a political threat to this Nation. Excuse me? Now I am suspect to terrorism? By speaking my mind and sharing information? By not only protesting but by calling for public vote and voice in matters that affect us, as a Nation of 'Free' citizens? And this is being done with the majority of our Nations public not even aware of the Federal Governments ability to arrest and detain citizens without bond, trial or by any other lawful or legal reason except that we challenge our governments position on governing our media, our taxes, our trade and our borders.
Well I am no longer apathetic to these unjust, unlawful and un-American acts of our supposed Congress of the People. Patriot and Terrorists as closely defined as actors in a movement for or against a government. I am for this Nation, for the principals of it's People and will always side on the betterment of our People that have made this Nation a place to be proud to live in. Our Government needs it's citizens to support it, not the Banks and corporations that continue to bleed it dry and cast harder economics on it and bigger debt into it.
I am no Terrorist, I am no Patriot, I am something more powerful and dangerous...
I am a free citizen, educated and better informed, alert and aware of my government and political officials actions, and I not only have contacts and friends who are like me, I plan on continuing to inform and educate the public.
We have just over 400 political officials in office. We have over 7 million service personnel in our branches of military service in country. There are less than 4 million police officials in active duty rosters. But there are 1.8 billion U S Citizens and Citizens of the US. Do the math.
Yes there is a lot of groundwork for a Police State to be enacted in place, and a lot of talk about Martial Law being set into our countries Cities and States. That is not my 'paranoid ramblings', that is facts based on reports and statements made by our current government. So which way will this turn? Me, I hope for the best and the sovereignty of our Nation and it's People, however I have planned for the worst...
Apathy, a non-action verb, that our Nations Government hopes you continue to hold onto....

Blogs and Journalism

   I read, a lot, online, and from news sources and printed media. I enjoy the 'outside views' and the 'insider information'. As a hobby, I 'people watch', in my vocation I listen to people. All theses allow me to see a bigger picture than what my own eyes can observe, and allows me to understand, a little better, than where my own thoughts can lead me to understand about my world. I am a creature of curiosity, a student of questions and a philosopher of life that takes me many directions. However, I can and do make mistakes in my observations based on the information I observe. Sometimes we do not always see the same things, sometimes we miss a detail or two, and sometimes, we only see what we want.
   I tend to forget sometimes that there are resounding differences between Blogs and Journalism. Blogs are for the most part personal writings and observations of others who wish to share their visions, opinions and interpretations based on emotions, information and personal experiences. While these Bloggers do tend to do some if not extensive research into and for these Blogs, these are not non-bias reports. Journalism, from what I was taught in High School, is reporting of facts and information in a non-bias base to educate or inform the general public of events and ideas. There is usually much research involved, and references are given to ensure that this information could be cross-checked and continually researched for further developments and later date fact checking allowing for a historical record of information. Although much alike, the two are very different.
   In today's information age and society of internet access, we tend to blur the lines between 'good reporting' and 'open source informational blogs'. We find good information in both, and select lines of information to follow, yet we forget about news and tend to follow opinion, and in doing so, we also find sources that we disagree with and feel the need to 'comment' on either source; blog or news journal source. Yes, I agree and point out frequently myself, that today's "News Journalism" is not so non-bias and many are all but blogs for the producers side of the 'story'. Case in point would obviously be anything from a FOX News outlet. But all of today's media, at least the mainstream media (ABC, NBC, FOX, MSNBC, USA Today, ect,ect) has fallen prey to corporate owned and or backed entities that would like nothing less than to control how and what we think and do so by editing and displaying only what they want us to see, hear and understand what the 'news' is. This is not something new, it is an old tried and true, time tested maneuver of 'those in power' controlling the masses 'under them' into a sense of submission and domination. It actively allows confusion and easy discrediting any opposing view or information due to it's elevation of 'True' source or 'authority'. Basically, everything and anything else is misinformed, uninformed or 'treasonous' information and 'upstarts' of 'discontent'.
   Enter today's bloggers! Free individuals, without direct oversight from the 'people in power' and what news we find! We see so much more of the 'behind the scenes', the little revealed maneuvers of politics and government, the 'other side of the story' and 'the rest of the story' as told to us by those who either took the time to research these things or have strong opinions of these things or both. Yeah! Go us! But readers beware! Not all Bloggers are equal, not all Bloggers are accurate, and not all Bloggers are trying to inform you or even to fool you. again, KNOW THY SOURCE should be a mainstay in any and all of your sources about any and all you are researching and following. Bloggers, although are a good thing to have to keep a lot of information and misinformation in check, they too can be sources of misinformation fed by the same lines as the biased news and lost journalists. (Mind you that not all of today's journalists are bias and work to purposely misinform, many are edited so overtly that what they submitted for print and what was printed read like two different stories.)
   We like to find sources that we agree with and disagree with. We like to post commentary on both sources, in support and in defense or 'correcting them'. This is allowed on most blog and news sites, and is freely open, regarding a few comment or posting rules so that we 'play nice' and offer some sort of respect. I dig that, it follows our American (USA) Constitutional right of free speech, and allows the site owners to remain in control of their sites.   I question a lot, sometimes too much I think, and sometime not enough I find. I look to the information source, and a lot of times dig even deeper when things don't seem to add up. Call me a 'news skeptic', but it allows me to find out many related things about what I am searching for or researching into. Direct information and indirect supporting information sometimes can be and is manipulated by the authors of it to lead you in one direction or another. That should always be looked into and suspect of misinformation.
Ah, here I go lecturing about how to research...
   For the most part, I follow this advise and opinion of mine about news and blogs, and even research as deep and the information allows. Sometimes I get caught up in a story or event, and forget to go much further than the source that lead me to either support it or 'attack it'. Now I for one almost never directly attack the person who wrote an article or blog, but I will attack it's source, and I rarely personally 'attack' an individual without facts and evidence that supports my information or opinion. And no, I will never slander another blogger, even in my own blogs. We all make mistakes, we are all subject to misinformation and misleading evidence. That is our own bias, opinions and sources. We sometimes fail to see that 'bigger picture'.
   We also are subject to 'pissing people off' by our blogs, and our commentary posting. That too is normal and seen daily if you cruise through news sites, blogs and forums online. We are , no matter how logical or civil we believe ourselves, are subject to emotion, and therefore emotional responses. Now it comes to the matter or subject of ethical action. No, no lecture from me on this. Just information....
    Online forums, social groups, personal blogs and pages (mostly hosted on social media sites) have those pesky and welcome 'comment' sections. These are mostly open to any and all who might find themselves there, and are likely to use the 'comment' to say their piece. These are public, semi-public, and searchable by anyone. Use your best judgement, but don't be offended or surprised that someone, at sometime or another, is going to offend you, 'attack' you or your ideas and opinions, or just plain decides that they don't like you. In today's world, 'stalking', 'trolling', flameing' and 'blocking' and 'deleting' have so much more in definition and application on line. We are all subject to them.
    Well, besides this day's BLOG entry, I have no NEWS. I am not a Journalist for any network or media company. I freelance write now and again and I freely blog my opinions and share information. If I upset you, not my intention. If I made you think, then I have done my job.

A Message to the Nations Government by it's People

This movement of meaning, our occupation of our Nations Public places, and the messages that we bring,
are not weakend by Police eviction, not quieted by Government officials and not broken by coroprate banks.
We are given strength and resolve by witnessing the force and oppression against us.
We are feed by the reduced and restricted servings of our Constitutional Rights.
We are encouraged to continue on by the unlawful demands of those who would defeat us.

For every peaceful occupation disrupted
For every peaceful assembly disturbed
For every individual harrassed
We are shown and acknowledged in our Power.

This country, our Nation, the United States of America
was founded upon the freedom of government dictation,
the restriction of freedom, under the belief that we, not the wealty,
not the corporate machine, but we, The People, would govern ourselves
by representation, equal and freely choses and held accountable to the populace.

We arre calling for such accountability
We are demanding our government secured Rights
We are exercising our Freedom.

The Power of this Nation was born on the backs of citizens like us
The Soventry of this Nation was secured by its People
And the future of this Nation is our, the citizens, to decide

We are standing together, more powerful each time we are attacked.
We are speaking out, louder each time we are detained.
We grow more numerous, more determined, and more focused every day

We are the 99%,
and we want our Nation back!

An Occupiers Views of this Nation

   I know that I have only been aware of this countries political arena, side shows and grandstand events, for a measly 30+ odd years (the first 10 years or so, nothing beyond family and immediate friends counted in my life, therefore I do not count them) yet I have noticed the drastic turns and devastating twists that has occurred in the last 20 years. These twists and turns have taken the American citizenry and made it all but criminal to be not just a citizen, but a citizen with a voice, and a demand of one's Rights coupled with the education and knowledge of said Rights and an understanding of Civil Laws or the Constitution.

I fondly remember, while in school, taking classes such as Social Studies and Civics, which gave to me an understanding of not only what Laws were and how they actually work, from inception to enforcement, but also just what Government was and how it worked. We studied all three branches of our 'great democracy' and how it was designed to allow for checks and balances and how it was made to keep the People in power through representation and accountability of Government. Later in life, I got involved in Civil Liberties, a bit of Activism, and regularly exercised my civil rights of free speech, peaceful protesting, free press, and free exercise of religion. Much I did learn by actually actively exercising my civil rights, and first and foremost, I learned that Government officials do not like it when we stand up for ourselves and not only question 'what is going on', but demand from them corrective actions and more specifically, accountability of and by them for current government or National circumstances.

I was aware of the events and decisions, of certain government officials, without citizen voice or consent, that began placing certain Laws that began chocking our Civil Rights put into place by the US Constitution and supposedly protected by our US Government. I observed as our Civil Rights were slowly limited in action-ability and restricted or regulated by 'government officials', as if we needed permission to use them, and only by their regulation and conditions. I Grew even more concerned as our Civil Rights and our Social benefits, be them of Social Security, Medicare/ Medicaid, Retirement, Military benefits and retirement, all which are initially invested in by the recipient, which includes unemployment benefits, put into place to assure our citizens and help stabilize our economy and posterity as well as reward those who have invested into the government by service and income. What alarmed me most, however, is when the government began alluding to these Civil Rights and Social benefits as 'Entitlements' and tried to sway 'public opinion' to see these 'Entitlements' as a bad thing and that these people are not just undesirable in asking for these 'entitlements', but are almost underhandedly destroying the Nation by demanding these 'entitlements'.

Now, I am not so naive to believe that the American Citizen has no blame in the current situations and National position of our country, however I am not so ignorant on how this Nation got to this point in our history. I do recall, I do remember. What the current established and seated government has seemed to forgotten, is that we little citizens, with all our demands and selfish claims upon this country, all have a memory that reminds us of what we are 'entitled to' by the governmental writ best known to us by the Bill of Rights and the US Constitution. It is my belief and understanding to what was taught to me by my schools and my freedom to explore and question my government, that this Nation was born of the People, by the People, and for the People, and was not to the Corporations, the rich, nor foreign interests or banks, which, by the way, now claims possession of these rights and accuses the citizenry of unlawful and illegal action by demanding that these rights and benefits be returned to them and that the active government officials be held accountable for allowing the Nation to be victim of said entities that are NOT individuals by definition but have Civil Rights by Law! ???

How did we become so far removed from our Civil Rights? How did all these limitations and restrictions come into play? The shortest explanation would be ; 'apathy'. Also it could be; 'ignorance'. Mostly it is complacency, passive submission, and dis-interest for 'fear of getting into trouble' for speaking out. How soon we forgot that the Laws were designed, originally, to protect the people from the dictation of a corrupt government. And slowly, yet purposely, these Laws, these Civil Rights, were chocked, limited and restricted, by the seated government and the directing or controlling forces behind these decisions. Yes, there is something beyond our own Government, with the power and a voice louder and more influential than the Citizens of this Nation that has taken the control and concerns of the citizens out of the Government as it stands today. In less than 3 generations, we lost our Government to; financial institutions (both US and foreign), multinational corporations, foreign business and governments, corrupt government officials and to GREED.

Somehow, Corporations have become the focus of civil liberties and not the Citizens. Business's are given tax cuts, tax breaks, economic stimulus and free money, all without much of regulation nor requirement of responsibility nor a duty to be held accountable for. Yet citizen are demanding 'entitlements', 'freeloading off the Government'. I can care less of the 'wealth dispersement' issue that seems to be taking center-stage here lately, I am most concerned with the 'revolving and circulating' economic health of the Nation, and it is almost dead. Soon, it will not matter how much money we have, it will be worthless if we cannot get get our government to 'take control back' from these master puppeteers!

In the meantime, I encourage you to exercise your rights, get strong within them. Educate yourself in the Laws that govern our Government. Question everything, and do not just accept demands that limit, regulate, restrict and deny your Civil Rights and liberties. Stand up to corruption. Demand accountability of these Bankers, these government officials, and yes even the US Supreme Courts. You do not have to be a politician to be an active citizen.

Once again I will state the obvious...

I woke this morning from dreams of conversations half heard and arguments stirred on by vague opinions. It disturbed me mostly due to it's stark reality of what I have witnessed in the past during actual gatherings of people who are to be said 'of liked minds'. As I awoke, what was on my mind, and slipped from my lips was this;" It is rude to discuss religion or politics in mixed company, simply because you don't know who your'e going to piss off!"

I made my morning coffee and decided to do some reading and research on the current going's on of the Pagan world, and true to form, there is a lot of hub bub going on. We Pagans are so diverse, we can't seem to even agree within our own 'traditions' for the most part, and there is good reason for it. (I'll get to this later.) And when we do agree, it is usually to do so while, or because, we are attacking another religion or Pagan tradition, and these mini-truse's seem to last only as long as we focus on our subject(s). Then it occurred to me, that this is generally accepted as not only the norm, but approved of by the majority of Pagans. It still didn't shock me, it stirred me on!

The phrase I am so used to hearing is;"Self - proclaimed Witches or Pagans". I truly believe that this is supposed to be an insult or a belittling of one's belief. Guess what? It is a statement of FACT! Here is my take on it...
I am a 'self-proclaimed' Druid, and I am a 'self-proclaimed Wiccan Priest'. Almost all of us Pagans are 'self-proclaimed' something or other within our beliefs. Some, or maybe most of the more vocal, are not only 'self-proclaimed', but are also 'papered' by some recognized organization or another within those boundaries of that belief system, AND licensed by a 'legal' entity such as a State or by Federal recognition of the government. Still, we are 'self-proclaimed'. I proclaimed to the world my belief. I state that I am a practitioner, Priest, and believer of my faith and religion. So the title is true; 'Self-Proclaimed'.

Like many others, I took the time to honor my religion by studying under various mentors and training systems to better understand the philosophies, histories and symbolism of my religion. I researched every aspect of my belief through science, literature, and mysticism known to me or taught to me by others. My mentors went to great pains to teach me their understandings so that I was exposed to other concepts of belief. Even before I became a 'legally recognized clergy memebr' of my religion, I was publicly recognized and personally proclaimed as not only a practitioner, but as a honorable Priest of my faith. Not the faith nor belief of my mentors, but my faith.
"Let no man dictate your religion, it rests between you and your creator."
This was the truest statement I have ever heard. It has never left my understanding, nor has been removed from my teachings. Yes, I teach what was taught to me, discovered by me, and interpreted and understood by me. However, my students are taught to 'think for themselvs' and encouraged to learn from ALL sources of information, for and against, literal and scientific, historical and myth, about the religions and cultures that birthed them to us. Ours is NOT the Old Way, it is our belief that is Old, our practice is New.
Yes, we carry many of the 'old sciences' along with us, so that the Old Way, like Herb lore, is not lost to the new science of pharmacology. We continue to follow the 'old' teachings of astrology, and we hold to the psychology and metaphysical understandings of practices long debunked by 'modern' science. Bit these are only a part of our belief. Mighth as well accuse us of 'idolatry' and 'false deity' worship! That too is true! It is because it is OUR RELIGIOUS BELIEF(S).

I do not always agree with others in my religious belief, and rightly so. You and I see things from 'single points of perspective'. We can either agree, disagree or compromise in those individual points of view. And as a group we tend to rationalize the majority or most accepted concepts as the 'truth' or approved view. Yet, we remain true to ourselves and our Gods in our belief. Pagans, today, seem to think that; a) we should all be able to get along, or b) that we are within our rights to act barbaric and uncivilized in our disagreements. Both concepts are of course backed by statements of historic or mythological record of 'right and propper' action.
I absolutely HATE followers! If you or anyone you know within the Pagan community are followers of some Priest/Priestess, then you are not thinkers. Everyone in any Pagan religion, or ANY religion for that matter, needs no Priest, Revrend, or Minister/Clergy, to commune with Nature or the Gods.
Here is a clue, of all the Pagan cultures that I have studied in my 25 years, only a hand-full EVER fought over a religious point or practice!The 'great religious wars' didn't even come about until the Judao-Christian faith and the Muslim faith locked horns. In Egypt, there was several minor militant-religious wars, but that was about the time of the Hebrew captivity. There is plenty of research available on this, please feel free to study up on it.

Secondly, Pagans are not as 'fluffy' as some would believe, and rightly so due to the religious teachings of their faith(s). Although I try my best to diffuse conflict and avoid physical confrontation, I am a warrior, and have no qualms when defending myself, or my belief. I am Celt! Descendant of a culture that conquered most of the known world, including Egypt and Rome! Yes, they also fell, as all Great Nations do. But the blood remembers. ( Ask any Native American!)

As a Pagan, we do not have to 'get along' on things we do not agree on. However in this country, the USA that is, we had best decide to defend one another's rights to believe in our faith(s) and honor that if nothing else. Why? Because the religious movement in america had not lessened, only grown more secretive and selective in its activities. Our government had again allowed for 'questioning' of our 'guarenteed' rights as set by the Constitution, and in so doing are opening up an opportunity for those faiths that are organized and are co-supportive, to be able to help rewrite these amendments and secure those freedoms and rights away from us. don't think it can happen? Look to the first breaking of the Catholic Church, they didn't think that either!

So, get over yourselves! Quit accusing each other of 'self-proclaimed' this or that. (BTW: most books out there on the market not only approve on 'self dedication and solitary study/practice, they teach one how to accomplish it.) Doing so only weakens us as Pagans and adds not only ammunition to non-Pagan assultants, but injures our honor, our Rights and faith(s).
Follow YOUR religion, hold to Your beliefs and remain true to YOUR Faith, and quit trying to interpret mine and tell me how wrong I am or anyone else is because you have found something different. It is our differences that not only make us unique, but strengthens us in our understanding of our religion. It is our similarities that allow us to communicate and celebrate our history, our ancestors and our Gods together.

The Season is come...How to support your community and Nation

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide
Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods --merchandise that
has been produced at the expense of American labor. This Year can be different. This year Americans
can give the gift of genuineconcern for other Americans. There is no longer
an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands.
 Yes there is!
It's time to think outside the box. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon
or barber?Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some
health improvement. Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small,
American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a
book of gift certificates. Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing
of plonking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen?
 Perhaps that grateful giftceiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer,
 or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.
There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants --
 all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint.

This isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting
your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their
doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day or some other personal service. My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and
knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes. Locally crafted soaps, coffee, art works or books form local authors are another idea.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theater.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
How about local bakeries that make specialty breads and  cakes?
Honestly do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those
kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
Or how about taking that money you were going to spend on each other and "Donate It" to that
Fund Raiser they are having in your neighborhood for that child who is fighting Cancer (or whatever the fight for their life is) ! You don't have to send money overseas in order to help somebody, there are plenty of people needing help right here in America !!
You see,
Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Lets take Christmas back to Caring !! Christmas is about caring about each other, and encouraging Americans to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our
communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
These are only a few ideas. Be creative, go
American.

The following is some commentary on this blog post that I placed on another forum;

I prefer to care about the entire world not just Americans.

 "I agree, but one step at a time...we need to focus on healing our own state of affairs to

truly be effective in helping other countries...This post isn't saying hault all humanitarian aid


 to nations in need. Simply buy local to help a neighbor, a friend, pretty much any local ma
'
 n pa' shop so more of them don't close down because Walmart (i.e.) has the latest in crap


 toys made in China that will probably be re-called anyways due to high levels of lead. We


 need to support local economies and stand on our own two feet as a nation instead of


 relying/suckling on the teat of some other country that provides the US with (more often


 than not) useless, cheaply made yet expensive foreign goods




 If we begin to focus on our local and then National economy, we help out our country and citizens, US companies not Multinational corporations, and help stimulate our economy, which by improving circulation of our currency, strengthens it in the world market, and then we can look to imports. WE MUST once again become a Nation of PRODUCERS, not just CONSUMERS. 100 years ago, we produced over 80% of our consumption, now we import over 70% of those consumer goods, yet export raw materials to other countries so that we may buy good from them. This is a cycle we have to end!

Shopping at Walmart helps American and Chinese employees receive paychecks.

 ---- has a point... If we wait until our country/state/city is perfect before helping another country... it'll never happen

  Perfection is not attainable; this is America, NOT Utopia. Sarcasm aside, if we constantly look outside our country

 to help; when are we going to focus on our country, and who is going to do it? We have to begin, and soon. And since this is a

 composite problem, then there are multiple solutions that can be applied. And since the current government has no clue on how to fix it, then we

 must stand up and try to do our best at resolving what we can, when we can, and how we can. Focusing on our local economy, local business and then to

state and national economic flows, we can do a lot. Multinational companies and mega corporations do supply many jobs, I agree, but

most of the revenue does not recycle into the local economies, but goes out of country. Wal-Mart, although a US owned and 'operated

' company, service and sells many things, yet it's bulk consists of international and or foreign products. Yes they are cheaper to buy, and

 I do on occasion shop there, but that revenue looses a lot as far as stimulating the US economy. We need a long term solution of

 economic flow, not a stimulus that actually costs us more 6 months down the road, nor a stimulus that we spend on foreign national

products essentially sending that money out of country. Again, this is just a small part of our current National troubles, but one we, as

citizens, can do something about. Much like moving our money from multinational banks to local credit unions, if we support our local or

 at least National business and their products and services, we support our Nation, not China, Japan, or wherever.

I support the world economy... I don't understand why people are so insistent on this "buy American" crap. Seriously, we don't have the resources or workforce to make everything in America that we use here. And it's not like America doesn't make money off foreign imports. Ever hear of tariffs? We probably make more money off merchandise that is made in China than we would if we make the same item in America. Plus, we can buy it for half the cost!

  The difference is, the tariffs do not constitute but a 8% income of the cost/money leaving the country. The difference is, 50 years ago we were PRODUCING over 80% of our consumer goods, and now import over 75% of these same goods. The difference is, we are supporting foreign national companies by buying their goods and keeping them employed as we have a growing unemployment situation due to the outsourcing to these countries. The difference is that we no longer have a growing economy that can keep up with, nor able to catch up with, our currently growing population of our Nation yet are supplying more benefits to not only foreign national corporations but also to illegal aliens in country than to the growing mass of population of unemployed and underemployed citizens. The difference my friend, is that our country has slipped down the ladder of education levels, economic growth, civil support and limits to our freedoms compared to other world countries. These, again, are just a part of the issues that we need to address.

Looking beyond the Scenes of today

There is much going on, So much so, that is is getting harder and harder for us to maintain any amount of direct focus and direct action as a Nationally Growing movement. We are the 99%, and we are being laughed at, misrepresented, ignored and plotted against by the powers that remain in control.

   Even if you do not want to get involved, on one side or another, you already are! By ignoring the issues and continuing to go about your daily lives, you are supporting a system that is systematically destroying your rights, your future and your Nation. If you stand in agreeing with any part or reason, champion any issue shared, or understand that the system is not just dysfunctional, but broken, and yet you do not get 'involved', then you too are part of the problem, and are allowing the corruption to continue unchecked, unchallenged and  ultimately unstoppable.
   For over thirty years, this Nation has stepped further and further away from a profitable Nation, and focused on Military and International Wealth. Our elected government officials have been puppets to big money through multinational banks and corporations, that do not have the sovereign rights of a National citizen, but are allowed to influence votes and elected officials directly. We, the US citizens, have become 'second class', and are treated with disdain and neglect by the very people, and government, that is supposed to be working for us, protecting our interests, and providing for the welfare of our Nation, not some multinational organization.
   Educate yourself, inform your friends and families.  Drop your credit card accounts, relocate your money, checking and savings, into local banks, or better yet, credit unions. Shop your local markets, support your local businesses, and local farmers. Start 'breaking the backs' of these political corrupter's and multinational influence's. Vote! Demand that your elected officials answer to your City, County, State and National needs FIRST. Demand for laws to regulate and hold accountable elected officials and business's that break the law and add to the downfall of the Nation.
     Get involved! Pick a side!
Make history..... and help remake this Nation.
 

Becoming Amy: A Pagan Journey: PLEASE SIGN ASAP!

Spreading my friends Blog message about Religious Freedom.

Becoming Amy: A Pagan Journey: PLEASE SIGN ASAP!: WE PETITION THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TO: bar courts and lawmakers from creating a "second-class" religion status for minority religions lik...

Revolution? Why I Occupy!!!

     Its been a month now with the Occupy Wall Street, and it has grown all across our Nation and has bloomed even across the Globe as not just a movement, but as a growing political concern and voice. Big governments have begun to see the citizens of their countries as  a little more self empowered than they would like, including the USA. The corporate world has done their best to silence them through media black-outs, hiring private security, and funding influential government offices and police departments to break-up and secure the streets the squares and the parks. Yet they continually find themselves out numbered and out shouted by the people. Don't mistake it, it is the people that have become fed up with the FED, the corrupt bankers, the unethical corporations and the elected officials who, by means of kick-backs and pay outs, who really work for them and not the people who they are supposed to represent.

     In the early 1900's we traded gold for paper in this country and in 1933 we allowed the Gold Standard act to pass. In and of itself, that wasn't too bad, however, the banks began gaining more and more control over the US currency, as well as other National currency, and the government no longer controlled the economic growth or direction of it's own people. Take a look at this... or this one . Many times the banks tried to seize power over this Nation and all of its people, and they finally did. The government was bought and paid for, not in taxes, but by the big pockets of greedy bankers and corrupt corporations. The last stand against a central bank was lost with JFK, he was the last President to stand against them, and we all know what happened to him.

     The electoral college, a non-Democratic tactic, was hoisted into place, basically nullifying the 'popular vote' as applied to the Presidential election. 'Popular Vote', love that term, it shows the majority vote in any election or opinion, yet it now means nothing when applied to the office of the US President. That's because the corporations and the bankers know that they cannot buy off the entire or the majority of the US voters, so they buy off the Congress, and then they get the 'puppets' in the office that they want. It's business as usual for them, and we wind up with the 'business end' of the results of their decisions, like it or not. ( Bit of info for you, the Bail-Out didn't get passed in the Democratic system, it was a 'back-room deal, without vote, without public input. Isn't that unconstitutional?)
     Bail-Out? What a joke. Banks and big business, and even a hand-full of uber-wealthy, got billions. Billions of tax revenue, billions in tax cuts and tax breaks. Billions of money so that they could 'stay in business'. Then the closed plants, fired laborers, and foreclosed on the properties that they were going to be able to 'help' the public with in financing with all that 'new' money. The year after Bank of America was bailed out, they increased their foreclosure speed and effectively became the nations biggest real-estate company.  JP Morgan , after their share of the bail-out, also went ahead and foreclosed on companies and private investments, because they were not able to 'profit' from the investments. ??? We Bailed Them Out! and They Screwed us!

      I'm not anti-capitol, I'm not anti-corporation. I am, however, anti-un-ethical, anti-corrupt, and anti-stupid. I , just like millions of the 99% that are taking to the streets in protest, want to see these overstuffed ass-hats held accountable for their misguided judgement, for ruining the lives of millions of hard workers and honest citizens because they decided that they deserve more! It is bad enough that the Congress elects to give themselves raises without merit, but these people have destroyed lives in pursuit of GREED, and then think that we, as good little slaves, should be content with the scraps that they allow us to live on?
     And no, the Federal Reserve Bank is NOT owned by the Federal Government, it is a privately owned bank, or rather a system of banks, which has dominion over our currency. They set when and how much can be printed, they set the inflation and deflation of the currency. They own every dollar printed. It is an elaborate set of illusions that they present us when it comes to the true 'value' of a dollar, and that we have to have it. And we, we fell for it, hook line and sinker, that if we were or are to change it, the entire system will crush our economy and our government into a stand-still. Unless, of course, we can come up with an alternative. To do that, we have to take back our government from the corrupt bankers and business's, and return it to the hands of the people. Revolution? in a sense, yes. But one that we have been over-ripe for going on 20 years.
     Pick a side people. Standing in the middle of this one will get you run over. People over Politics. Needs over Greed. The time is now to start making the changes we were so ready for in the last election.
   

Been busy with OccupyIdahoFalls

Watch live streaming video from occupyidahofalls at livestream.com

Linking my Android X to the blogs.

Since the Occupy movement on NYC I have been watching and promoting as well as sharing information on several of my personal accounts. It became clear to me that since I spend so much of my personal time online via smartphone, that I should load and use the Blogger.com app so that I can share and link when " breaking" news hits and be readily relayed.
So this post entry will not be long, nor filled with links and pics as many of my regular blobs are, as I am testing out this app and learning what I can to tweek  it and my ever mobile life.

Train of thought derailed, now getting back on track!

   
Today, like any other day, I sat down to meditate on the events around me that influence my life. Troubled by many things lately, those things that I do not control or have much influence on, it was hard for me to really focus on what I can do to better myself or position, or lessen the consiquinces of the actions around me. The more I thought on this, the harder it was to remain in a meditative state, and the clarity that I sought blurred until an over-whelming confusion took it's place. I gave up...

     I looked at my website bookmarks, and reviewed what I had been watching and reading for the last several days. Then I looked back at the last several months. I continued this review until I reached back to 2004. I found it, that line of thought, that progression of disconnected information that kept saying; 'Hey! This is important!. But why did I quit looking at it? Why did it drift out of my line of sight and out of my thoughts? So I looked again. There it was....

    Every government in the world shares one major thing in common, PR. It is not the ability to find good information and facts, it is the ability to fabricate information and facts that the governments excel at. Controlling the information gives indirect control over the population, and our governments can do this well. They can erase information and replace it, and almost no one objects to it. Those that do are listed as 'conspericy therorists' of labeled as lunatics. Their 'facts' disappear with their stories, blurred by other outside information and influence. Other things 'develope' and new things come-into the attention....

     So, back to my point, if there is one here. What happened to the 'ongoing investigations' in the Yellowstone Lake? can you remember the news report by the USGS about the lake bed rising back in 2009? That report, at least in part is still available online, but no new information can be found. What about the facts about the WMD's in Iraq? Oh yeah, there was none. Nor any actual proof of terrorists involved in several US attacks, nor any hard facts on why we are either at war or occupying three different countries right now. How about the Gulf oil spill? When did it get cleaned and who did it? No one, and there is still oil spreading all over along the coast lines and further out to sea killing millions of sea life. What about the massive deaths of birds that happened last Spring in the mid-south. Thousands of birds dropped dead, in mid-flight. Nothing is known about why, and almost everyone forgot about it.

     Here is a ling of thought, since I brought up Yellowstone; Haiti, Chili, Japan, and recently the 'cluster quakes' along the Alaskan coast. In the last 26 months, major geological, volcanic and siesmic activity along the 'Ring of Fire', yet  almost no news or media attention since Japans 9.0 and following Tsunami. It's not the San Andres Fault line that the USGS is worried about, it is the New Cascadia fault, 20+ miles off the coast of Washington. A major quake there, 8.0 or above, and we will loose most of the West Coast to the sea, and the tidal wave will reach into Portland within an hour!

     Back to government; what the Hell people? History has shown us what happens when civil liberties and government or corrupt business and or banks collide, and history often repeats itself. Rome, France, Egypt... you see my point. All were great empires, all strong in government and political 'world' standing, all fell after a period of time, and all fell to the people of the country not invaders! Look at what happened in London, in Cairo and is going on mow in New York and across the country. The government backed the banks, and the banks foreclosed on the people. Millions of people lost their jobs, their homes, their savings and retirement. No one benefited from a 'bail out' that was supposed to bring back the economic flow. The bail out was voted down in the beginning, the lobbyists for the banks and big corporations got it passed, and they got all the money, they drove the deficit up and then they demanded the US government pay up. Did you get all that?
Research it for yourself,  PLEASE!

     As a priest of Nature, and observer of the 'old ways', a man of science and fact, and a student of civility and as a citizen, I combine all this information and can draw many conclusions. And I do. But here, now, I just want You to think, to look, to research, for yourself, while you can. I posted the other day on Facebook

For those who aren't active in Politics, for the love of Freedom, get active in your citizenship! Exercise your rights, for once we are found not using them, they will be taken away. Defend your rights, for if not, they will be taken away. And least of all, remind your elected officials that they work for you, if not, then they surely will work for others... ya know, the ones who decided you weren't interested, didn't need your rights that you weren't using, and took them all away because you let them.
This was a public reminder...

And now that rings true ever more so....

Revolting Development

Something that first caught my interest, now has me getting involved...

Occupy Together (occupytogether.org) will provide you a list of places, dates and states that have gotten organized and are getting organized

Revolting Development

hactivism is a great use of this otherwise self serving social networking technology,

but when you overstate your case or senselessly exaggerate even the slightest of wrongs, you begin to become as corrupt as those you protest against.

in short, tread carefully, lest you become just another version of the man.

it’s trite to say that power leads to corruption, but that’s because it’s so true.

many of the dictators in the world came to power in idealistic revolutions.

the prevailing force in many ‘revolutions’ end up often worse than those they are replacing.

then came occupywallstreet, which seems both inspired and muddled. the lack of a coherent strategy hurt them with respect to public opinion.

even though i’m on their side, watching some of it did feel like a lot of people wanting to play the parts of protestor and activist, but not having the lines to speak. individually the people make a lot of sense, but outwardly they seemed confused, at least at first. i don’t think it was the fault of the protesters themselves, but just poor marketing and management, as silly as that sounds.

still, occupywallstreet has inspired similar ‘occupy’ movements in several cities. ‘day of rage’ movements have popped up as well, which i think are unfortunately named. i think they are taking the name from the arab spring protests, but it seems like that sends a wrong message to americans. howard beale was great fiction, but in this day and age he’s bill o’reilly or rachel meadow. he ain’t reaching anyone who doesn’t already share his views. being mad as hell is only entertaining, it doesn’t open minds.

i think everyone has the right intentions. but the point of the protests isn’t to pat ourselves on the back for caring but to reach out to the rest of the country to try to effect some kind of real, tangible change.

what i’m getting at is that we have to know who we are, what we are about and we cannot let the power of our movement be invested in any one person or group. i think this is key. i think it is possible to arrive at a simple framework of ideals that is attainable, non-violent, inclusive of everyone and dare i say it, moral.

the most important aspect of this movement would be careful consideration of your words. they will be used either to tear us down or show our rightness. you have the control over which it is. so many of the tweets and blogs i read about some of the occupy(fill in the blank) protests and the opbart (and opfullerton re: the kelly thomas death where the policeman was charged with murder) were so heavy with angry rhetoric as to sound crazy. it doesn’t have to be us vs them. we are them. they are us.

we don’t have to use the same rhetoric to decry those who would denounce as they use against us. this just makes for a noisy mess where no one is challenged to change their minds or consider our point of view. there is a way of answering criticism not by replying with the same but by demonstrating knowledge, caring and benevolent determination. that sounds soft but i swear it will work. doing the opposite is just an argument, and no one ever wins an argument.

i don’t think our ‘enemy’ is other people. it’s corrupt systems. it’s unjust (or just too many laws). it’s any police force that has more power than the people they are ‘protecting’. it’s the greed of an unchecked segment of society that chokes the economic opportunity of everyone else below it. it’s unchecked military aggression around the world. it’s a hawkish foreign policy that has been a huge contributor to the near-bankrupting of our nation. it’s a corporate climate wherein it pays businesses to send jobs to other countries. it’s a relentless diet of foreign oil. it’s a denial of even the simplest national environmentalism, whether or not you believe in climate change.

it’s an unjust and unintelligible tax code. it’s the loss of our sense of community. it’s the mired mess of how laws are written and passed in washington with cynical political dodges and lobbyists helping to write the laws in the first place. it’s allowing conglomerates like monsanto using the most cynical of means to control the future of farming, the landscape of our nation and the price of food itself.

it’s the unfettered ability of our government to surveil us because they are purportedly trying to find terrorists. it’s declaring wars on ‘things’ like drugs or terrorism: silly, endless wars that can never be ‘won’. it’s using nonsense and emotion to get people to argue against things that are in their better judgement, which is what all of politics on both sides seems to be anymore. it’s the government of our country having a globalist outlook. it’s putting people to death in prisons, something very few 1st world western nations do. it’s taking people’s land by force when they won’t sell it otherwise in order to hand it off to a big corporation that will pay more in taxes. it’s corporations that aren’t owned by the employees. it’s a corporate pay climate which ensures corruption and job elimination if it’ll mean a larger bonus for a handful of men who happen to be sitting on a board of directors. it’s the astronomical inflation seen in the cost of higher education.

it’s a stock market that has been reduced to nothing more than a handful of interests essentially gambling with our economy and taking a nice percentage for themselves, whether they win or lose. it’s the growing gap between the wealthy and the poor. it’s the shrinking of the middle class. it’s the death of main streets all over this country. it’s mindless political rhetoric that separates people and distracts the nation while the ‘leaders’ gerrymander themselves into perpetual wealth. it’s allowing factions to put forth moral issues as political ones which clouds the mind and emotions and causes the average person to lose sight of the real problem: that those doing the distracting are walking away with our futures.

damn, we have a lot of enemies. but they can call be beaten.