Government
What can we do?
posted by jm at 2:19 AM
Thursday, October 16, 2008
What can we do?
About Me
- Name: jm
I am a brilliant creation of the universe formed from the cosmic protoplasm sailing into eternity. I have two hands, two feet, a couple of great ears, and I'm clipping through life at a moderate pace; minding my p*s and q*s, crossing my t*s, dotting every i.
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21 Comments:
"It looks like the Republican Party is going to have to be wheeled out. It's an extra expense, I realize, and health care is in a terrible pickle.
What can we do?"
Ha ha!
Well, taking a cue from cartoon reality, could try hastening the elephant's exit by having a mouse show it to the door.
There is a recent scientific study which shows that conservative subjects have a stronger startle response. Perhaps they are more easily rattled by stimuli that liberals take in stride.
When I was a youth, my mother was often startled to hear me walking through the room behind her back. She'd turn around and say, "Oh! You scared me!" I'd say, "Huh? Why?" She'd say, "Because I thought you were upstairs." I'd say, "But that was half an hour ago! People do move around, you know. Can't you hear me coming down the stairs and walking about?" I had the impression that she was self-focused, so lost in a narrow band of thoughts that she wasn't as attentively open to her surroundings.
In many respects, our parents were confounded that they'd produced a litter of creative, highly artistic children. Where did THAT come from, they wondered, puzzling over the family tree.
Just as the Republican Party, ever hearkening nostalgically to the past, is confounded by the electronically networked youth of today unapologetically seeking out their futures with vigor and enthusiasm, a veritable Uranian eruption.
Speaking of science, a recent study shows that conservatives tend to be neatniks and liberals have creative if messier environments. The environments reflect contrasting cognitive leanings -- conservatives prefer order whereas liberals prefer intellectualism and ambiguity. Duh!
"According to a controversial new study, set to be published in The Journal of Political Psychology, the bedrooms and offices of liberals, who are generally thought of as open, tend to be colorful and awash in books about travel, ethnicity, feminism and music, along with music CDs covering folk, classic and modern rock, as well as art supplies, movie tickets and travel memorabilia.
"Conservatives, on the other hand, tend to surround themselves with calendars, postage stamps, laundry baskets, irons and sewing materials in their personal spaces, according to the study. Their bedrooms and offices are well-lighted and decorated with sports paraphernalia and flags—especially American ones."
Scientific American this month has a swath of articles on Science and the U.S. election, as well as an article on The Psychology of "The War on Terror". The next U.S. president, it is suggested, should use metaphors and terminology that are more nuanced than those used by his predecessor, and that can therefore guide thought processes to ultimately more effective counterterrorism strategies. Hmm, Metaphorist-in-Chief as Commander-in-Chief.
It's a wonderful sign that science, traditionally a rational field, recognizes the power of metaphors to shape collective realities, to help select the kinds of stories we end up living. Understanding the U.S. election as choices between metaphors, stories, personalities and cognitive styles -- not only a dry matter of policy proposals -- does illuminate the arc traveled by the electorate. I find noteworthy the level of reflective information that has become available to mass consciousness as never before.
There is a recent scientific study which shows that conservative subjects have a stronger startle response. Perhaps they are more easily rattled by stimuli that liberals take in stride.
Interesting. Conservatives adhere to the Darwinian lone survivor model while liberals seem to be more socially dependent and helpful in theory. I wonder if that has anything to do with it.
Just as the Republican Party, ever hearkening nostalgically to the past, is confounded by the electronically networked youth of today unapologetically seeking out their futures with vigor and enthusiasm, a veritable Uranian eruption.
Well said. The difference between the two campaigns on the computer use has made all the difference in the world. The Republicans are shockingly inept. I wonder how they got as far as they did. Were they always that far behind? Or maybe It was behind ITSELF.
"Conservatives adhere to the Darwinian lone survivor model while liberals seem to be more socially dependent and helpful in theory."
Exactly! They do. Very strong on 1st chakra issues, survival and thus fear. I think it's also related to the development of societies, away from agrarian and going through industrial and into high tech.
"I wonder how they got as far as they did. Were they always that far behind? Or maybe It was behind ITSELF."
Heheh! Well, one article I read this morning warns that although the first mover to make good use of a new approach wins first, the loser can take its loss to heart, study carefully the keys to the winner's success, and become a strong second mover outmatching its opponent. And so it goes, the co-evolutionary spiral.
More interesting facts on liberals and conservatives. Maintaining the status quo would seem to correspond to neatness. It's amazing how we divide like that.
I wonder if they really respond to the flags or use them for show or obligation. The change this year from the strict patriotic association with Republicans is intriguing.
The biggest flaw in their reasoning is taxation. The question has been raised lately, "Isn't it patriotic to pay taxes to your country?" Maybe their ideology is due for a tune-up.
Yes. "Meatophrist-in-Chief". Delightful idea.
The next U.S. president, it is suggested, should use metaphors and terminology that are more nuanced than those used by his predecessor.
No doubt about it.
Understanding the U.S. election as choices between metaphors, stories, personalities and cognitive styles -- not only a dry matter of policy proposals -- does illuminate the arc traveled by the electorate. I find noteworthy the level of reflective information that has become available to mass consciousness as never before.
That seems to have taken a leap this year, partly due not only to the information available, but to the communication levels and development. That's why I refer so often to Neptune in Aquarius and the invention of the telegraph last time around.
The move away from dry policy is wonderful as well as the extreme scare tactics. People do seem to be searching and ready for an alternative narrative.
You can see this in the evolution from Joe Sixpack to Joe the Plumber with down-home Joe Biden in there too, as people try to find their identities in story form. The terrorists are too vague and disconnected. One of the candidates being raised by a single mom and grandparents also resonates a great deal, I think, as well as the classic rags to riches story in his rise from humble beginnings. The war hero works sometimes but maybe the younger generation just doesn't resonate with it and they are coming in. They've had nothing but ill-begotten non heroic wars, which could be an underlying theme in our evolution at present. The war hero story was soundly rejected.
Exactly! They do. Very strong on 1st chakra issues, survival and thus fear. I think it's also related to the development of societies, away from agrarian and going through industrial and into high tech.
I'm interested in this. It's true. The chosen leaders are completely related to the conditions of the times and the stories emerging. One could probably predict quite easily if one looked at it logically.
So this might indicate that primitive survival is not the issue as much this time, although economic survival is. I tend to think that the economic situation is a metaphor for social-emotional development and maybe more cooperation as in the liberal model.
What on earth???
meatophrist?
I meant meatophorist!
LOL!!!!
I wondered what that word was... :o)
"I meant meatophorist!"
Erm...You did?!? Meat-o-phorist. :-)
"I tend to think that the economic situation is a metaphor for social-emotional development and maybe more cooperation as in the liberal model."
I think that's very likely, and seems to be what a previous conversation was hinting.
In an Eastern model of chakra psychology, the 1st major chakra deals with survival and fear issues, its element is Earth, its coloration is reddish, and the planetary actor, the agent of action, is Mars the ruler of Aries. I think one of its simplest forms is the nomadic hunter.
The 2nd major chakra begins to evolve a basic level of emotions and relationships. Its element is Water, its color correspondence is orange, and the planet is Mercury the ruler of Gemini. With two-ness, it makes possible the beginnings of communication, relationship, society and commerce. Mercury or Hermes has ancient associations with barter, commerce, water and writing. (The older associations can seem unexpected to moderns: Apollo was once the name for Mercury as morning star, Hermes was the name for Mercury as an evening star.)
Basically, I interpret the system to imply that the 1st chakra must defer to the relational imperatives of the 2nd chakra if it is to advance beyond the lone survivalist or prey/predator mode.
The 3rd major is the solar plexus, and its psychology has to do with self-confidence and worldly identity. It is associated with the Sun the ruler of Leo, and the color yellow.
The 2nd chakra relates to the psychology of a basic level of one-to-one relationships, and the 3rd seems more hierarchical, perhaps status-oriented.
It seems that when the frequencies of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd major chakras function harmonically with each other, then the 3rd chakra has the foundation needed to actualize its true potential, and is able to guide the levels below it to serve higher evolutionary purposes and perspectives. Otherwise, an over-emphasis on the 1st and the 2nd could distort the chakras above them to more limited ends, or starve the upward current of energy. The 3rd chakra, too, operates best when informed by the perspectives and powers of the chakras above it, and supported by the levels below it.
I'm under the impression that there was a strong streak of Gemini in the democratic presidential ticket of 2004; perhaps that was an attempt to counteract the martial consciousness. So it's a different mix being offered this time around. Beyond looking at elections, it might become very interesting the day that more astrologers have the training, background or inclination to explore the psychological development of societies.
The 2nd major chakra may relate well to simple anarchistic societies.
At the 3rd major chakra, consciousness becomes aware of complex order. Rational, Apollonian, intellect begins to shine. There is more awareness of embedded structures and systems, although this can sometimes be simplistically conceived. I place the beginnings of hierarchical forms of government here.
So, to rehabilitate American standing in the world, and to recover economic and military effectiveness, the psychological priorities must be restored to proper proportions.
It has not been the case that the go-it-alone, mighty hero stance was justified. It may have been perceived that way by some, but much of the past decade has been a hard lesson otherwise.
With the priorities, ends and means sorted out, society can begin afresh to reach for the 4th chakra consciousness of Venus in its Libran aspect, rather than falling back into excesses spurred by currents of greed and fear.
That's it!! "Meat-o-phorist".
I get so confused with my Mercury-Neptune!
It seems that when the frequencies of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd major chakras function harmonically with each other, then the 3rd chakra has the foundation needed to actualize its true potential
That could be the problem now as the martial consciousness moves. We'll see how serious the people are as they deal with the savagery and fear right now in transition. The latest explosion of the 1st.
I'm under the impression that there was a strong streak of Gemini in the democratic presidential ticket of 2004; perhaps that was an attempt to counteract the martial consciousness
It absolutely was. Primarily Gemini and he wanted specifically to get the country out of Iraq. He evolved from a warrior into an anti-warrior, but got caught in the Iraq situation against his better judgement probably. So he wasn't ready. Nor was the time right. He seemed to be a link, which speaks of Gemini.
Beyond looking at elections, it might become very interesting the day that more astrologers have the training, background or inclination to explore the psychological development of societies.
Dream come true.
Now is a good time because there is such a marked transition. It's as if the 3rd chakra is getting a new chance. The exit from the war is settled and the new phase can start to come in, maybe focusing on the 2nd for a bit. If the extreme fear and defensiveness of the 1st is relieved then maybe the astrologers will feel that too, and then would feel more relaxed about the future leaving energy for this kind of study. Also, the confidence of the 3rd would help.
The psychological development of societies is fascinating. It does take a detached perspective, and although astrology theoretically provides that, the users have to be prepared. Getting out of the 1st helps.
It's interesting that talk of socialism and sharing has surfaced. One says "share the wealth". The other says "hoard the wealth" because someone is trying to steal it from you. So the socially developed one is painted as a terrorist by the 1st chakra representative in a little bit of projection. It's such a basic thing in the psyche. Satisfaction around possession versus threat.
Some primitive societies are based on reciprocity but their survival depends on it. I love anthropology and a would like to study what factors make a society fearful and so terribly defensive around wealth. One of the South Pacific island cultures rewards giving in the same way that ours rewards taking. Something to do with the 1st/2nd lessons harmonizing.
It seems to me that the 3rd lesson of hierarchy should not be based on wealth if the first two have been well integrated. It should be based on merit, I would think.
Yes, so maybe we should consider the Leonine qualities of Obama as symbolically restorative to the nations' solar consciousness, the American identity and standing in the world.
Maybe the argument between capitalism and "socialism" doesn't really rise above the limited perspectives of the 1st and 2nd major chakras.
The chakras repeatedly alternate in polarity, shifting emphasis back and forth between the individualistic and the relational, as the energy ascends. Might be a clue.
It has not been the case that the go-it-alone, mighty hero stance was justified. It may have been perceived that way by some, but much of the past decade has been a hard lesson otherwise.
That one's over. It was out of character, I thought. Mighty hero seems right, but there's too much Libra and 7th house in the wheel for the solo conquistador.
society can begin afresh to reach for the 4th chakra consciousness of Venus in its Libran aspect, rather than falling back into excesses spurred by currents of greed and fear.
Out of necessity since the gargantuan greed is no longer feasible. I think cyberspace is here partly for that reason. More communication, less consumption. It feeds the US Mars in Gemini.
The contraction will be easier if there are mental pursuits to replace the commodities. That's why I was so intrigued by the Tribune's mention of a move away from savagery toward civility. It really struck me as a sign of things to come and an honest plea from a traditionally frozen place, as if they conquered their own fear.
"I love anthropology and a would like to study what factors make a society fearful and so terribly defensive around wealth. One of the South Pacific island cultures rewards giving in the same way that ours rewards taking. Something to do with the 1st/2nd lessons harmonizing."
Well, I always remember an anthropology teacher telling of an African tribal society being introduced to Western goods. The village had always been composed of a circle of homes built with their entrances facing the communal center. After Western goods were introduced -- possessions that people could not possibly replicate on their own -- a new pattern of building appeared. No longer did the entrances offer a direct glimpse inside the homes -- entrances were built to avoid directly facing the center. Eventually, the circle was broken, as people began to build homes some distance away from the traditional circle.
"It seems to me that the 3rd lesson of hierarchy should not be based on wealth if the first two have been well integrated. It should be based on merit, I would think."
Aha. That's a logical conclusion. The meritocracy. In reality, things are evolving at different rates, so it's quite a mix at times. Nevertheless, I believe the most futuristic human potential is where the individual and the collective are reasonably complementary.
Yes, so maybe we should consider the Leonine qualities of Obama as symbolically restorative to the nations' solar consciousness, the American identity and standing in the world.
Absofrippinlutely. It's inevitable with the NN in Leo in both the leader and the country. We need that much more than the lunar at this point.
Maybe the argument between capitalism and "socialism" doesn't really rise above the limited perspectives of the 1st and 2nd major chakras.
I think the argument has risen as a path to a blend. The understanding will eventually have to come that it's not one against the other. It's a matter of time and circumstance. the inflexibility of each side has to be addressed.
After Western goods were introduced -- possessions that people could not possibly replicate on their own -- a new pattern of building appeared.
Very interesting. This is useful in some work I'm doing on the Silk Road. The absence of creativity here. The path from desire to acquisition being shortchanged. The people created shipping companies to bridge that gap, then began hating the very vessels they depended on in the absence of creating products themselves and missing that basic satisfaction.
"I think the argument has risen as a path to a blend. The understanding will eventually have to come that it's not one against the other. It's a matter of time and circumstance. the inflexibility of each side has to be addressed."
That makes sense. In reality, developed industrialized societies typically mix approaches. Really extreme societies are ultimately unrealistic in the face of today's real world challenges. People should be intrigued whether a new infusion of pragmatism can defuse the ideological argument and move society through the space in the middle ground.
"This is useful in some work I'm doing on the Silk Road. The absence of creativity here. The path from desire to acquisition being shortchanged."
Ah, brilliant. Short-circuited creativity, imbalanced esteem, the rise of envy: The dragon's hoard of ill-gotten gold laden with a corrupting curse. The golden light of the Sun eclipsed by the desire for hidden ways and cold metallic gold.
Absolutely! "The rise of envy".
"Imbalanced esteem". Added to this is the esteem associated with creativity which lends itself to giving as further validation of pride.
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