Going Forward Sensibly
On Your Own Track
On a gorgeous evening early last summer, when the magical, inspiring Democratic Convention was in town, I went down to the railroad yard and climbed aboard an old steam engine. The crusty engineers were delighted to show us their baby, and in the far front of the train, one of the most sublime percussive sounds I'd ever heard met my music-loving ears -- deep, soft, and perfectly in rhythm. The heavy metal, moisture, and large size gave the sound the bottom I always crave. It was one of those moments that make me feel everything's going to be all right. I could then go on to ponder the realities facing my country with common sense and fortitude. Disappointment with the next president is likely to be immense. It has to be after the buildup selling hope as a commodity and promising change everyone knows is not coming right away. The ills run too deep. "Changing the world" is a rather tall order. The whole she-bang doesn't just suddenly leave the track. It will be nudged in new directions over time and following a sequence of events as yet unknown. There is a grand total of seven Uranus-Pluto squares ahead, quite a lump sum and a lot to work with if one is truly serious about motion and progress.
The dissatisfaction is actually a good thing. It can route the country to the source of its troubles, right on track and to be expected with Uranus in Aries. It's not too early to get ready, and if disgruntled, the energy of discontent can be utilized with skill.
The coming administration is not going to deliver you from evil nor give you what you want. It's not supposed to, since the people need to mature and take responsibility for their ills, themselves. Ultimately the common citizens work together with their government, but we are far from there.
I gave it some thought and have come to realize that the Mercury retrograde in the next administration's chart could indicate a return to something for educational purposes, rather than big forward movement for the time being. The planet falls right at the 0 degree between Aquarius and Capricorn, exactly on the Sun, contributing illumination. Saturn retrograde adds to my theory. People would like to dance into the meadow leaving the past behind but sometimes forging ahead requires a look at the past to see what went wrong. As Mercury is going backward, the confirmation of the repeat Clinton administration is underway, a good place to start when in search of decay. A bunch of crooks, and worse, as you are now finding out. Maybe we'll catch it this time.
The fact is, the big money criminal network is still in control of the government. No one in Obama's position gets there without it. That's where his loyalty is now, and how the decisions are being made. Pluto in Capricorn is meant to bring these entities to the surface for recognition and purge. Pluto is just beginning to unearth the corruption, and Obama is part of it, not the cure. The cure comes from a source outside of a sole human, and the transits ideally reveal that too. But first things first. Seeing it in realtime is a start, no matter who's in charge.
I will say a few things about the next president to keep in mind. He has some very hard lessons ahead with Pluto coming to his 12th house Saturn, and providing for his failures, which could be sizable, as well as his successes, is wise. The nation also has some difficult things to face as Pluto returns to its natal position. You know what Pluto transits are like. There are always harmonious aspects, too, which make it bearable, but the greatest gains don't come easily, I've found. Trying to shortchange the hardships leaves a deficit in the end. The seven squares are probably saying that this transition is not going to be a particularly soft one. Consolidated effort can help a great deal, facing things directly and honestly.
If Obama really wants the spiritual redemption promised by his 12th house Saturn, and he's indicated that he does proclaiming himself to be a devout Christian, then he's going to have to earn it, especially since it's retrograde in Capricorn. He will have to face his hypocrisy.
You can't extract money and young lives from the people of your country for purposes of domination and theft of others' resources under the guise of a fake moralistic War on Terror.
You can't promise to hunt down a man and murder him in the name of your country when it's never been proven that he committed a crime against said country.
You can't elevate a television huckster into a position as America's pastor, the face of the nation's morality, who openly hates, deceives, and excludes certain segments of the population as undeserving of God's grace, and then uses political moves to cover up his tracks.
You can't demand the people of your country give their service for free while the masters of war get richer, continuing their killing under your direction. Not if you want to be a spiritual master. And with Saturn in the 12th, and Jupiter there square Neptune in the 9th, a religious destiny does look desirable. Maybe Obama will have to leave politics to fulfill this moral destiny and maybe the country will find the change she hopes for later on, after his presidency. Progress is sure to be made along the way, there's no telling what Uranus-Pluto will leave in its wake, but lots of things and people have major adjustments ahead in creating the better society we want. In all fairness, I'm giving all parties plenty of time. And a tough time if need be. It just makes sense.
"No Drama Obama" is a fallacy. With three planets in Leo he is a drama king, the sorry scenes often acted out by others with his Leo 7th house and Pluto and Uranus situated therein. As the next chapter unfolds, the South Node in Leo in the inaugural chart shows more of this tiresome melodrama, which could prove to be a distraction. It's up to the people not to nourish the constant draining personal agony, a very very hard habit to break. Saturn in the 5th house of the administration's chart is cause for hope, however.
Today some signs of the coming squares appeared. The killing of a youth by a policeman in Oakland, California is continuing to cause unrest, and a decision by the Supreme Court to increase police power was quietly handed down. This, of course, does not automatically equal violence in the future, but the increase in tension between society and the authorities is possible, another reason why dissatisfaction with the government is a good thing, and the more it's expressed openly without violence, the better. It's healthy to resist, even within the parties. Especially within the parties.
This is a great moment in history, to be celebrated with joy, and also a good introduction to the many steps ahead needed for the nation to grow into a better one. Dissension fully expressed, a continual discerning look at all those in power, and stated satisfaction with leadership when it's there are essential, as the people of the country gradually learn to stand up for themselves, the mark of a real democracy.
posted by jm at 1:09 AM
44 Comments:
A leader can only point the way and give direction. It is up to us to us individually and collectively to either join in and support the vision or give dissent. We must join into this journey of ours as this world belongs to all of us and all of us have a responsibility to support our common destiny. To see each other as brothers and sisters not enemies and foes. We all have come from the one same source and we all will travel back there at the end.
I just hope he can end the wars and not start any new ones. He's already changed the tone of address, which irked me with Bush. I think it's enough for me already, although I'll support any other positive changes I can get. I don't expect government to change the world or provide much.
He's going to escalate in Afghanistan, but I'm waiting to see what happens when Uranus leaves Pisces and crosses the 29th degree, the Iraq war point. The problem is, we are as good as fighting the Palestinians with our support of Israel, a more hidden crime, along with continuing crimes in Latin America, all under the guise of the war on terror and the drug wars. He has no power. No one does in particular. It's a gigantic web created by the whole collective. No new bomb popping wars seem to be on the horizon, though.
I lurch inside when in all his major speeches he promises to kill other humans, and I pray he doesn't say that in the Inuagural address. I can't witness any more of it so I'm not watching.
It's not that killing can be prevented, obviously it can't. It's the hypocrisy of saying how Christian one is. One or the other. We all know we're not supposed to kill people. If we can't stop it, at least we can stop irrationally justifying it.
It's just not right to punish one leader for killing, but praise the other.
He's already changed the tone of address, which irked me with Bush.
They all do that. Job description. That's why I've never followed them. I've always protested lying and hypocrisy.
He did a great job during the campaign and I loved it, but reality always follows and he jumped to the snapping fingers way more than I thought he would. There is so much ahead with this Pluto transit.
I always feel hugely relieved when the truth is looking at me so confidently and without malice. Some of the Cheshire Cat Elena mentioned is in that look for me, even if the truth is hard. The more you see it, the less it hurts sometimes. I think of stark truth as an ally. As an entity with wisdom. I find it motivating.
I don't expect government to change the world or provide much.
Ideal.
The hard truths of Pluto in Capricorn are bringing this home. We have to provide for ourselves, the difference from the Roosevelt era when Pluto was in Cancer. In the end it will be empowering, invigorating, liberating, and "I knew I was right all along" for some.
The sooner we get off the back of the government the sooner we can forge ahead. No one is stopping anyone. We create these walls when we don't have courage or need time. But the time is close to get going and the realization of the truth about these politicians is a fantastic start. The truth about ourselves ... well, maybe next lifetime.
I was absolutely stunned, a gear stripping moment, when I saw the Clintons return? How can these people suddenly get it right en masse, the same ones who led us here? Who's leading whom? Or what? Crazy. After $700 million selling "change." Pay your back taxes tonight and you can steal more tomorrow. I've always thought the world I seem to have mistakenly entered is psychotic except when I look at traffic patterns and witness how carefully people follow order. It's an island of sanity, so there could be enough in the whole picture. Survival dictates.
The governmental failure indicates the truth - that they aren't leading us out. We're on our own. Fledglings on shaky feet.
I don't think they're a severe threat to us, but it might feel that way at times, especially after the incredibly insulting $3000 crumb is pissed away by American families. And at what cost? The thing is getting profoundly absurd. $14 million to Israel weekly, billions on these wars, trillions in bailouts in a sinking ship. Where is the money? What are we living on? I do feel like I'm in a futuristic dimension and maybe that's good. I have a sensible little bag of silver that reminds me of a reality somewhere sometime. A handful of nuts, one cup of coffee, and a silver coin to nowhere.
That's why I quit flying. Nowhere is preferable and cost effective.
Nodrama Obama a 'drama king'?
Hmm, I doubt it.
Based on the vibe he gives off, and the reports of all who've ever known him from Ponohou school onwards, through college and his political career and presidential campaign. Everyone seems to concur on this one - no drama to be seen.
It seems more like the detached judicious aquarius rising tend to activate or attract drama from others.
He just sits there, bears witness and lets them blow off steam. And the less he reacts, the crazier it gets, witness the Palin debacle.
I also doubt that the future will see the American populace 'growing up' any time soon. Why?
Because before you truely mature, you have to heal past trauma. In therapy, this is most effectively achieved by first going through some form of regression. This is the stage things are at.
First we had 'bad daddy', Bush, who succeeded in both terrorising and neglecting his 'children'. Now comes the 'good daddy', who gives the children psychological permission to scream, shout, make demands and generally freak out in an attempt to get his attention.
I really can't see the Pluto transit of the country's Cancer stellium failing to bring some maturity, however small the amount. Youngsters we remain, fundamentally. We might have to budget the allowance, though.
You could be right about some regression which is why the return of the past administration. The new daddy doesn't seem to know what he's doing so I hardly think he's the point. Probably the redeeming characteristic. He's a child as much as anyone. Everyone.
I don't think regression works particularly well and I also don't think we actually heal past trauma. Years later one small sensation can trigger a complete return of the pain. Many trillions have been spent in therapy trying, but here we all are. In the same canoe paddling furiously looking for rocks on the shore as directional signals.
Where are the grown-ups in the universe? I don't think they exist.
But the inner guide I mentioned in the last post appears periodically.
Here's what I see as the good part. All of us kids are coming to some vague realization that we could have a little bit of smarts and cyberspace magically appeared so we could all be experts, giving our varied opinions on what's actually going on. This could be the first step in weaning ourselves from those daddies that are too busy getting their own needs gratified.
One trauma begets another but the art of conversation seems to be one ancient remedy. It beats smoke signals, which are rapidly becoming illegal.
"I don't think regression works particularly well and I also don't think we actually heal past trauma."
It depends on how you do it. Western psychology is barely 100 years old and is very much still in it's infancy. The paucity of results points to it's inadequacy.
If you seek effective practices for the healing of past trauma, you have to look into the many ancient shamanic practises from around the world.
They work very convincingly and have done the job of healing individuals and whole communities for millenia.
The reason these methods work where modern techniques fail, is that they deal not solely with the emotional and mental aspects but also with the spiritual core that underly them. It's only really at this level, beyond the mind and the personality that true healing of the psyche is possible.
But what a task, Anon, in a society that dismisses anything not backed up by empirical data!
I think of stark truth as an ally. As an entity with wisdom. I find it motivating.
Me too. I don't need the sugar coating, although tactful delivery of the full payload is appreciated.
A society that dismisses god knows what. Most of it.
tactful delivery of the full payload is appreciated.
Great choice of words ... "full payload." I like the value placed on it. Very much.
I swing so many ways. Sometimes I like my Alice in Wonderland mode all dreamy and pretty (although her world had some perils), and other times truth is almost physical in its pleasure. I'm in truth mode lately, as much as a Neptunian like me can be, and I find it a relief after the 29 Sagittarius flip-out. I might try lower highs for awhile .. who knows?
As a matter of fact, my Libra friend gave it to me nonstop yesterday. One criticism after another. She was accurate and I didn't mind at all. She even gave me an order, which I almost didn't mind!
Thanks for being one of the few astrologers who has the sense to see reality. There's a lot of fawning going on despite the ugly facts staring us right in the face.
The truth is that ALL U.S. presidents (and top level leaders around the world) are bought and paid for by the criminal banking cartel you speak of, which is why I have to shake my head and laugh when people think Obama is the messiah that will save them all. He's in on the game, folks. There is no such thing as "Democrat" or Republican". If you look at almost every single prominent player in politics ANYWHERE over the Globe, you will find connections to the Bilderberg Group, Trilateral Commission, and the Council On Foreign Relations, whose various elite members pull the financial & political strings globally, and have done so for decades.
Pluto in Capricorn is already bringing this hideous but necessary truth to light. That is the gift of this transit. From this, we can wake up, from this, we can survive… if we only open our eyes and see.
Anon, it finally got to me. Yes, the fawning. I went along with it until the election, but after that, as soon as Pluto entered Capricorn, Obama's condescension struck a nerve that set the whole thing in motion along with the selection of his crowd. I think he was ordered to do it. I won't go along with it. Authority everywhere is going to be tested.
I'm not a global gov't conspiracy enthusiast, that irritates me just as much because such a thing is impossible to pull off whether there are those who want that or not. Consolidated power and abuse always finds a downfall.
I am concerned with our political parties, though, and I've had enough. I'm not going to wait for Obama and his cohorts to pretend to help this country and beg for money and votes. I'd rather we help ourselves while Pluto takes care of their cartels. I'm particularly incensed with the war profiteers and outraged at seeing the same crew back in power.
It does look like the breakup of consolidation is due, but not without struggle. Obama has some good traits and maybe he wants a better world, but he can't do it now. His self importance seems to be escalating quite fast. A flick of the magic stimulus wand ain't gonna cut it. He has no idea what the hell he's doing, especially with the transits he's under, and he's being led by the nose. I'm not sure if major transformation ever occurs without upheaval - when people reach a certain point, they always revolt. Either that or keep swallowing it in humiliation. Once the people are aroused they have exponential power.
I simply don't understand why people don't want to go through the necessary steps for a better society, expecting these leaders to take care of it and getting burned over and over. There's such a big payoff for abiding by principle and trying to do the right thing. It seems like they'd welcome the hardships knowing it would lead to a better situation. Transformation on the cheap won't do it. People seem to think you can go to a drive-thru and order it up.
It does take courage and that hasn't been called upon for awhile.
I'm still the optimist I always was but nothing is going to happen unless we do it. I'm not in the mood to "wait and see" anymore. I see plenty. I want action. I'll probably get it. Heavy cardinal times ahead.
I must say I agree. The intention to spend bazillions on the inauguration, not even including "security," strikes me as business as usual.
I haven't made up my mind as to whether I want to watch the damn thing. I didn't watch Bush's second coronation but I did see the first one. Do you remember the enraged citizens booing and jeering along the victory route? It got so ugly that the motorcade sped up and got out of there in jig time.
This time around, it may well be the fawning and the obsequiousness. And that's the word of that day. Too much obsequiousness in the populace these days.
I love that word. Obsequious. Far far too much. Sit and heel. Jump. Good boy.
The whole thing is turning into the usual sideshow and the money is obscene. The mockery of it all. I have entered the twilight zone. The heyoka is still here.
Something doesn't feel right. Maybe it's the south node in Leo.
It's just a party. No big deal. Take it or leave it. I wasn't invited so I'll leave it. The music lineup is terrible.
IMHO, re: the people around Obama, I never forget that the most important one is ...
Michelle.
I think she's his firewall.
True, Yeshe. Look at the quality of the souls around Obama. First rank. Shining apirits.
Here is an account of his visit to the Lincoln memorial with his wife and girls (Huffpo):
As the final preparations are made for his historic Inauguration on Tuesday, pressure is mounting for President-elect Barack Obama-- including from his own children. Speaking to the Washington Post, Obama gives an account of his family "field trip" to the Lincoln Memorial where there is an inscribed copy of the 16th President's famous Second Inaugural speech. At this point, Obama's 7 year-old daughter Sasha asked her father if he would be giving a similar speech. Obama describes the interaction to the Washington Post:
"And I said, 'Well, actually, that's a short version, but yeah, I will,' " Obama recalled. "And then Malia says, 'First African American president -- it better be good.' "So I just want you to know the pressures I'm under here from my children."
Malia rules.
There's a NYTimes photo essay online now, called "Obama's People." Posed shots of the Cabinet & Staff picks.
The best one is Rahm Emanuel -- he's so bored with the whole PR thing. (And I hadn't known he is missing 1/2 of his R middle finger - "rendering him almost mute," as I think PEBO said at some dinner.)
It's a way to check on who in the bunch is not so full of themselves. Axelrod is one. The Budget Director is a pure, textbook, pens-with-pocket-protector numbers geek with weird glasses and an awkward posture, so cute.
Samantha Power is the one who shocked me. Her map-of-Ireland facial structure mirrors Obama's Donegal DNA.
I am very disappointed with your change of heart over Mr. Obama. It was a refreshing treat to come to Raging Universe over the past few months and read your positive reports on the daily doings of Mr. Obama. But you have now made a complete turn around and I feel safe to say that you now hate him. I am curious, What brought about this change of heart?
Yes and why was my comment not posted
Good question anon.
It's no secret that I dislike politicians, but after the Iraq invasion I got upset about my government and got involved. At first I joined in the chorus against Bush but then I came to realize how much at fault we all are. We've been turning a blind eye to the war and drug profiteering forever, and value money over everything principled. Following conscience and defending principles have always attracted me. I don't find that in politicians. They lie too much. I particularly find that hard to swallow.
Anyway, I supported Kerry in hopes of seeing some improvement and in the last election, I wanted to see a change in the WH.
Here's my story with some honesty if I can muster it up.
I did not like Obama at first. I was unimpressed by his speech at the '04 convention and turned it off.
When he appeared in the primary I was also unimpressed and I bristled when he connected with Oprah Winfrey as a means to get votes. But the others appealed to me less.
Then his victory in Iowa came and it was stunning. The thought of having a black president made me euphoric. I started to like him after his speech in South Carolina. His New Hampshire speech was also wonderful. He ran a beautiful campaign free of the overt hatred that disturbed me so much and I loved him for that. He has a great voice, but I do have to admit that he copies a lot and uses too many platitudes as much as I liked him then.
His race speech was moving but he ruined it at the end with his artificially tacked on story about Ashley.
The worship was necessary to make this breakthrough and I don't regret any of it from my fellow countrypeople. I'm very glad he won. But now it's a different chapter and he's shapeshifted, easy to do with Sun square Neptune. I've changed too.
He was another person during the campaign, comfortable away from the establishment, and enjoying the people. It was lovely. But when he started making his first appointments I saw the light immediately. I was shocked and there was no reason to start second guessing. It got worse. He is completely inexperienced, in way over his head, so he had to depend on them. He's being controlled by others far too much. He's backtracking on so many promises I can't keep up with it, just like they all do. So while he once was unique and refreshing, he's now just like an ordinary politician. And I don't like him, true to my nature.
I certainly don't hate him, I'm adjusting to the disappointment. But, yes, I'm very irritated. The Rick Warren affair affected me deeply for personal reasons in my family history, very serious.
A short while ago, when Jupiter conjoined his Saturn he was locked into the prison of the system and for the moment there is no escape. I would love to help him out but I can't. So I must fight him as long as he's an agent of the system I don't like and needs to be transformed so they say. I've always been uncomfortable with society's behavior so I would like to be a part of reform and that means defying the current bosses, vigorously defending individual freedom, as I always have.
When Uranus comes to square his Saturn, he might find the beginnings of freedom, but I don't really see his confrontation with authority worked out until years ahead when Pluto comes to his Saturn.
So. In the meantime, I feel I must return to myself, after putting my heart and soul into his election, and do what needs to be done. If you love Obama, the best course is to disagree with him, as he's always suggested, and refrain from putting pressure on him to be great. No one knows what kind of leader he'll be, but I am very very uncomfortable with his course of action now and the people around him. He doesn't have the confidence he once did, and I think it will be awhile before he begins to shake the chains loose. If I could help him I would, but as I said, I can't. I have to do my own part as an iconoclast and revolutionary. I see those things in him and I identify, but time is the element. He's just a man, hopefully destined to do a good job. The adulation is always going to be a problem.
We have a big challenge ahead with the Pluto return and I feel that the most important thing in the world is to wean ourselves from dependency on these folks. I think they will continue to disappoint until we do. He can't magically change the ways of the world.
There's a chance if he's re-elected that he'll get there a bit, but I can't count on him. I have my own life to lead. I'm angry with him now because of the overall feeling of resistance that I think the people of this country need to get behind. It's not him personally. It's what he symbolizes. And now, he's a tool of the status quo. He's lying all over the place, despite some emotional honesty in his character. He's diminished. I have no choice.
He has potential and needs support so you should follow through if you like him and trust where you perceive he is taking you. I've never been a follower so my support was always destined to be temporary. Ideally I would like to leave him alone to do his job and move on to greater things, so bear with me as I untangle myself.:-)
It will work out. We are all completely different. Don't doubt yourself. But don't expect me to lavish praise on him any time too soon! He'll be all right. We really do have to get going, though, if we're serious about change. As a whole, people live through their celebrities' lives and that's the tragedy I'd like to see addressed. We wait for others to do it for us. We are so much more than that. It would be a dream come true if he were a link to breaking that habit. Then my efforts will not have been in vain.
I plan to go into why I did what I did in terms of relationships after the inauguration.
It's not Obama. There are so many issues at stake. As I've said before, I see the crowd like a school of fish following this and that chaotically, trying desperately to find a lifeline, a direction. But there is none. The initial loneliness and fear in following one's own road is daunting so we cluster together and keep ending up in these ditches. The leaders are just as lost as we are. Maybe moreso. They really don't have power. Thank god.
It looks like our economy, our lifeline, our bread, are in serious trouble. I welcome adversity if I can muscle against it and build strength and character. The hard paths to autonomy are opening up with the coming Uranus-Pluto squares and some will be taking them. It's so tempting to follow, but in order to find what you are looking for, you have to break from the crowd somehow, somewhere and think for yourself. We all have that capability. It comes in the chip. We also have a benevolent wish to help others but we can't do that successfully until we are free. I think that comes with effort.
I've done a lot of soul searching lately, and as soon as Pluto entered Capricorn and came to my Mars the shift was amazingly noticeable.
So naturally the sudden change was reflected in my attitude and writing. I'm painting a new picture of my world now. I'm a lover of fairy tales and all assorted fantasies, and my unbridled optimism has always been my trademark, but the focus of my optimism is changing.
The world I'm going forward in has a different tone, maybe a little less fiery, more subtle, subdued, and more than anything, I hope for more honesty with myself. More confidence and more eggs in my own basket. Or at least one.
I'm hoping less for things around me to be what I "hoped" for and thinking more about coming down to earth a bit, since I have no earth planets and Pluto in Cap is too good an opportunity to be missed. My idealism needs a container.
The world out there has been a little too ugly for me and I make as many excuses as possible to stay out of it. Then I recognized the fact that I have to go, so I tried to make it look better for a moment. But it is what it is. And I am what I am. I don't like it and it doesn't like me. But I do have some goodies to offer. And I trust that it does too.
So believe it or not, I'm attempting to be what they call "realistic" and that takes adjustment. I no longer want to hope for things to be good. They are good enough. Change is fine if it comes. It always does.
Freedom from demand is a good one. I'm getting close to independence now in my old age and I have to admit that I "hope" to achieve it before I die. So part of that plan is to release the future from my demands and even allow for an occasional bleak moment. My greed for spirit and fire is what I could control. My enthusiasm also needs a leash. So somewhere in between my former madness and future contentment with what is, is where I'll land soon. I'm not changing the world, that's for sure. I have complete confidence in that.
When push comes to shove, I've always been a live and let live type and I plan to keep that one going. They're all going to do it anyway. And they should. I'll work around it.
Change of heart?
Time to follow myself.
Oh and btw ... Obama could be great. You will see.
In the words of the ever-talented American icon, Fats Waller:
One never knows. Do one?
I love what you've said about your feelings towards Obama and the establishment, and to a great extent I concur.
Yes I do feel he's entrapped himself in this criminal edifice and for the present seems to be flailing.
However, I also think what he's done is very deliberate. He knows how rotten the structures are and how resistant they will be to any substantial change.
In one speech he even alluded to it when he said 'Never assume that power concedes'.
One man could never achieve the kind of transformation necessary. It's impossible within the system as it stands and any obvious attempt would be a death sentence.
But transpersonal forces leading the charge can and will. It's started already with the unravelling financial system and will continue. Somehow this man is attuned to all of this and seems to have an agenda at variance to the structures he's encased himself in.
I feel that he's awaiting the opportunities that WILL become available as the whole edifice collapses to wrest control from establishment forces and steer the ship in a new direction.
Patience is the name of the game.
Could very well be.
One man could never achieve the kind of transformation necessary. ... I feel that he's awaiting the opportunities that WILL become available as the whole edifice collapses to wrest control from establishment forces and steer the ship in a new direction.
What could be part of it is "Organizing America," the new program PEBO announced this AM, which will keep the campaign volunteers humming as community organizers in their locales. Al Giordano has the scoop at The Field, of course.
A commenter to that post has this link and remarks on another new PEBO initiative:
Submitted January 17, 2009 - 2:43 pm by Joel Wiens
The New York Times' [article] on Obama 2.0 - raises the interesting question about a kind of dual role playing that Obama will have to come to grips with. He is an organizer and a leader. Organizers enable, empower and set people in motion to make changes happen. Traditionally this has happened from the bottom up, with the organizer being part of "the bottom". The goal is sometimes to set events in motion that compel "the top" to some kind of action or decision in response. So, what happens when the organizer is actually at "the top"? How do you navigate that tightrope with integrity? The article here articulates the cognitive disonance involved, noting that legislators may not be very happy with this set up, getting squeezed from below and above by the same source in a way. And how will those who are being organized to take action take to this new setup, accustomed as they are to organizing as a challenge to the top - when now they are being challenged from the top. I find the whole thing very intriguing.
Slight correction -- the "Obama 2.0" described in the linked aritcle is actually "Organizing for America."
My take away from the comment and the article is that the game has indeed changed -- "Top" and "Bottom" have gained an equality by switching places.
And I think, dear jm, that you and your beautiful anger are actually right on the wave, not apart from the main at all ... it is simply that your anger will have its own unique and compelling artistic expression.
Yesh, you're linked!
My anger hasn't even started. I will say this. Hope is lovely. Very very nice. I've had a lifetime of it and I'm glad you all have it now. Just wait till the crash comes. I'll be here to catch you. Suddenly everyone thinks some Great Transformation is coming with deliverance into paradise. Was it the cockamamie astrologers that did that?:-) The new buzzword.
So they think they can continue to shop and overeat, playing with their computers while God and Obama deliver this thing postage paid. Their fat asses parked on the sofas. I've never seen such nonsense in my life. And I'm upset because I was hoping for something along those lines, fool that I am. But so far the sheep are not willing to brave the elements for the real thing. You don't do it by starting with lavish decadent inaugurations that cost more than Bush's. We're paying for the rich people's party where tons of disgusting food will be thrown away, while people are losing their jobs. But the suckers want it. Gorging and spending. Transformation?
So bottoms up!
It's not at all an auspicious start. The south node in Leo is against such overdone royal extravagance. Doesn't bode well. The lovely plane crash in the river is supposed to be the great sign from heaven, but I'd look at this expenditure with lousy overpaid so-called musicians, in a time of deep recession, as the real clue. Who's foolin' who? I wish someone would answer me.
And the beat goes on. No word of protest. The people follow and swallow it all. Pay for it all while the rich keep stealing living the high life in their tax shelters. Playing with your heads and throwing crumbs for re-election. It's impossible.
Transformation, reformation, change -- whatever you want to call it -- comes with struggle and recognition of power abuse. I don't know what it will take. You can forget the transformation if you want to, though. All options are available.
I'm glad you think my anger is art. I'll frame it and sell it as a novelty. I doubt that it's compelling but that's probably my safety net.
Anyway, catch me at the Jupiter-Neptune conjunction when I'll be as nice as I can be. Follow the leader and all, even. Kiss my ass and I'll kiss yours. I promise! May! I'll be good!
The only "top" and "bottom" they know about is the spring line at J.C Penney.
He's a man, not a God, and certainly not the person we were swooning over ---and I do mean, swooning--- for months on end. We were so yearning for things to be better...and then the bottom dropped out on the economy, and the government continues to implode..and he's picking Clinton cronies, and he's daring to reach out to neanderthals in the GOP and the Christian Right...and and and...
I share your anger. But I can't help but wonder if you aren't belittling people who still have a shred of hope that some good can come of this presidency, at a time when the world needs it. If the bottom crashes on my universe, I won't go running to folks who have an "I told you so" mentality.
The revolution's here. BE the change.
I think some good will come of it, anon, especially if we start to take things into our own hands now.
People have a lot of hope. And I think they will continue to feel that way. Nothing I say will change that and it shouldn't. I actually have hope, too, or I wouldn't even be expressing my outrage. I'm not sure it's wise for me to hold it in. I don't know.
How can we change? Everybody's hoping for it and expecting the government to do it. But they have trillions tied up in their international schemes. Could you walk away from that? What can we do exactly? We can't keep talking in slogans and platitudes about revolution and change. We'll probably know what to do when the Cardinal transits get going.
This is brand new for many. It's easy to hate George Bush, but it's really the whole system, and at some point I think that might have to be recognized. So how do we use the anger productively for change? I don't hate any of them, but I'm angry with all of us, and especially myself. I've turned my back on it all as the way out before. Maybe if the anger gets out it can be captured and used.
This is a different kind of anger than the last 8 years produced, but I think ultimately it can be the transformative energy that we need for the real reform we desire. Throughout history, revolution has come through rage, with not so perfect results, so maybe we can learn and do better this time. It's not the personalities. It's much deeper and broader.
I'd like to put it to work to avoid violence, but it can be frightening. I really don't think the government is going to do it without the people's input, and maybe if the people really mean business, the leaders will react and there can be a good outcome with this presidency. I don't think this great transformation is going to come easily. There are deep problems in the entire system and we are all responsible. We cannot just keep waiting to see what they'll do and then react with impotence.
I would have liked to use some of this $150 million for the inauguration, right on the heels of the 700+ million to elect the president, plus the 700 billion of the bailout, plus the continuing wars, possibly to feed a few people who need to eat or something like that. It's my money and yours.
I don't think the bottom will crash but I also think the parental attitude toward the government might need to change. The sooner people realize that it wasn't George Bush's fault the better.
There's a lot of hope. There always is. If one thing fails another succeeds. We find it.
I want to say one thing again about the Warren thing because of how little people understand the plight of gay children in this country. 10% of the population. A lot. They know it so very early, it's natural, and they are afraid. "How can I tell my parents?" they ask, many of them members of these churches who would like to excommunicate them and worse. You simply can't imagine what that's like. Then they have the problems with peers, always afraid and trying to hide who they are. Then they learn that their lives are in danger more than the other kids, something many don't comprehend. All on account of something totally right.
So to let a man like this be the representative of morality for the country is tragic, besides being fundamentally dangerous to the whole society's health. I think people should stand up for the children who grow up in this confusing world and speak out against religious leaders who want to harm them. This constant meekness is what gets to me so much. The horrible obedience that makes people so damned afraid. I can't remain silent anymore. I'm angry with this kind of irresponsible leadership and we need good leadership more than hope at this point. We must stand up for principle in no uncertain terms.
By far, one of the most important things to understand right now is that the beginning and end of everything do not rest on this presidency. Whether it succeeds or fails is irrelevant. What's happening is in the collective body and this president and his administration will react to the needs of the times. We're picking up just where we left off and there's a sizable journey ahead.
So my main position is that we can't predict what will happen nor should we. If he succeeds or fails, we will continue on our paths just as we want to. The less we "swoon" or hate them, and the more we see them as people doing specific jobs, the better our chances for having a decent government.
It logically will be awhile before we get there. Wouldn't you want to wait and go through the necessary steps to get a good one whenever it arrives? It will.
This is such a good time to mature as a society and make some real steps toward decent government, without the dependency on specific men we're so accustomed to.
Alas, I agree. And it is truly painful and rage-inducing when one realizes all the ways, big and small, that one has contributed to the mess that's all around us. For me personally, the rage is pointing me to more creativity, not less (that's a change for me) more involvement in the community, not less (that's a change for me).. the hardest part right now for me is to accept the scariness of the unknown. So much crisis.. where will it lead? I have no choice but to speak out, and listen (the listening part is my change) speak out, and listen.. no chioce but to hold a space for my own wildest aspirations for this country, my tribe, my loved ones, myself..and the "authority figures" who sometimes think and behave in ways I find so appalling. Trust me when I say, the political is playing out in my own life, and the results are both troubling and liberating.
Beautifully said, anon. Thank you. Perfect.
when one realizes all the ways, big and small, that one has contributed to the mess that's all around us.
One in a billion.
To hear just one person say this renews me.
We can do it.
I haven't stopped by much for awhile, but tonight it seemed right. What terrific and challenging thoughts to find here, for counterpoint to all the cheers and tears among the witnesses to the inaugural events. Thanks to all, especially jm.
With T Neptune in BHO's first house, of course his sense of who he is, even to himself, is impossible to discern. so much adulation, so much confusion, so much sacrifice
I find it quite intriguing that both BHO and GWB came to the presidency with Neptune transiting their horizons (on the descendant for Bush). Bush was gonna be the uniter, not a divider, remember? And Gore had labored under a similar Neptunian inundation, clueless about who he was as he heeded campaign advisers.
Thanks for the eloquent reminders to be true to ourselves, and to question.
Pd! I just thought about you today! Omg.
I find it quite intriguing that both BHO and GWB came to the presidency with Neptune transiting their horizons.
That is amazing pd. I just got it today. He's a continuation of Bush. This is perfect.
I watched none of it. Too manipulative and I'm not in the mood for that cheesy emotion. You know us Cancers. We don't always need it, we know it so well. Let them have it.
Another thing pd. The Neptune in his 1st means he's pretty much incapable of leading. Too lost. And it's going to be there awhile. I think that's a good thing at this point. I'm relieved. I don't need a leader, myself. Yeah, he's clueless and following advisors. Another puppet.
Thank you so much for stopping by with this insight. Excellent.
<< Home