Speaking it into existence...
The Media Review
and Messages to Political Leaders
Thoughts & Comments

First, I want to stress again how I am uncomfortable I am about using stories about me to illustrate what I'm speaking about.  It's just an effective way to create a baseline for the conversation, a relative comparator. The concept that it isn't about me is essential to everything I say.  And, I say, it's essential to your success.

You might think that I'm someone out here with a website stirring up people's emotions and making trouble.. as McCain puts it, being a thug. You might easily get the impression that I'm one of those people who thinks they have all the answers.  But just the opposite is true. What gives me the ability to succeed is the knowledge that I don't know.

What I mean by that is that I really don't believe in original thought.  Original thought occurs, but it is rare.   And even it is not original.  It's a next logical conclusion.  A reconfiguration of information and thought and concept and technology in such a way that it meets current needs, and allows for seamless integration of new technology and concept as the evolution of concept and process demand.

That, by the way, is the essence of the Constitution, and what has been lost in legislation and creative areas for quite some time.  It's like polls.. they certainly can tell you what people will most immediately respond to.  What their hot buttons are.  But, what you do in response to the polls is the at the heart of it.  You can advertise and make speeches all day long about those things, and still perform no service to the public, or your cause.  Or, you can use them as a challenge to understand what people don't know, and what there is to inform them about in ways they will listen to.  Without the shock and emotional charge that lead people to irrational responses and denial, but causing a different sort of response... the key is causing... being informed and making decisions based on fact, actual occurence, and not speculation or the perpetuation of fads. People as a whole make intelligent, rational, compassionate and adult decisions when they are informed.  The fact that the government as a whole withholds information or disinforms the public because they don't think the public can understand is the truest example of a government that doesn't trust the people, and, thusly, is no longer representative of the people.  Not because the government is full of evil people.  But because one person gets off track, does something they shouldn't and then the next thing you know, everybody does a stupid thing or two, and before you know it, we're all walking around with stupid little things to hide and use against other people... the evil is in participating in the facade.  What protects you from the facade is public acknowledgement.  Public acknowledgement is generated by informed constituents.

It's like the balance of nature... to believe that  we can ignore what's occurring, and then continually depend on technology to magically fix everything at some point is inviting natural forces to keep testing us until we finally make that one, fatal, mistake.  That's not paranoia or cynicism, it's a rational, obvious conclusion to circumstances and natural events.  Biology and chemistry.  But, for some reason, the public doesn't get informed about the truth. They become informed about someone's spin, to support a political agenda, to force conformity and compliance in one way or another.  And those of us who claim we know the difference sit around and talk about it, dis-associated from the results of what we foresee, and wait for someone to save the day. We all do that.

This is the last time I'll put things in a context of rationalizing myself and my activities. Go ahead, say "Thank God". :} But I think what's most important for me to say, and for you to get about yourselves, is that there was a reason deep inside you, when you first began doing the work you decided on, that was the "true expression of who you are as a person"... there was something that inspired you and moved you.  And if you can find ways to constantly remind yourself of those things, and look at it all in the context of what you sought to accomplish - not for yourself, but what you believed you could cause and offer to the world- then you can reclaim the drive and vigor and creativity and integrity for what you do, because the transformation that will begin to occur, based on your ability and desire to be a contribution to other people...  what will begin is a restoration of your own faith in yourself, your self-respect and esteem, and the willingness to do what you believe is right... instead of complying with boundaries and limitations that only truly exist in your interpretaions of what you've been told.

The ability to remove yourself, the constant drive to do things with a constant eye on what will be your material and social rewards, is the most difficult thing we can do as people.  To once again acknowledge the legitimacy of the value of virtue and causing good, instead of advantage, power and wealth, will cause a fundamental shift in the consciousness of people, it will cause excellence merely by the zeal generated by enganging once again in the possibility of what you've given up on, all those dreams and thoughts about the way it's all supposed to be... it all begins with 1 individual at a time, having respect for and an appreciation for the gifts and tools and responsibilities and privileges provided, along with the philosophical challenges of realizing it's not about you, it's about who you are being, and what it is causing, what ripples it creates in the world.

I was talking to someone today about how the Bible says things about being judged based upon works done in the world.  And I am nagged by the thought that the misinterpretation of it all is that we will not be judged by the results of those acts, but by their accurate living illustration of who we are being, and what we are committed to... like making a decision at some point that you will behave in a certain way because you believe it is the right way to be.. and have that be reflected in the world by your acts.  A discipline.  A way of being.  Living a commitment.  And there's only one person in the world who can judge whether you are being true to yourself (as opposed to getting away with inside the rules of what society says is important or right). That person is you.

See, I believe, that if everyone held themselves to their own standards, everything would work out fine.  I know it's a simple answer inside a complex question, but it's the truth.  My only real request is that you consider your truth, and then live it.

And if I'm really wrong about what I believe the people of the world are asking for, and the evil of certain power structures that exist and leach the life out of liberty and justice, then I'll be glad to go live in the hills. But I don't believe I'm wrong.   And you don't either. And as much as you may cringe at me writing things like this, and my constant challenges to your identity, I know you think about it.

I'm not trying to manipulate anyone.  I'm attempting to cause people to take on who they really are, in their hearts.  We have the same goals.  But we are ruled by different fears.  I am ruled by the fear of a downward spiral that will cause us to destroy ourselves.  And the fear that I will fail myself if I do not do everything I believe I am capable of doing to "change the future".  That is my commitment, the part that makes me part of a community, inter-connected, and living my own truth inside of my personal discipline.

Just something to think about. :}

PS: I really miss all the Wachovia Spots.  They had a special significance to me. :}

10/24/2002 - Part I   -  A little message music

I was just sitting here thinking how odd it is to have these littlle chats with people and consider how long it takes until they see 'em, what actual meaning they give to what I say, and if they actually get the advice given or if they only hear it/see it as criticism.  It's all a part of transformational thinking that requires the ability to dis-associate the ego from the identity and the conscience so that one can observe themselves without emotional attachment.  For me, that's why it seems so easy to laugh at myself.   It's also a part of re-integration of those parts in order to be a human with feelings and emotions, and, like a human being, do silly things, but still be able to gain from each experience without losing the sense of personal power and possibility. Sometimes,  I may feel sad for awhile, but each time, I just come out more determined. 

In many ways, I have lived my life in a laboratory, where I was constantly testing people's ability to make use of input/coaching delivered in an inoffensive or innocuous way and cause them to inquire about things they didn't realize they need to think about.  That might be called coaching without permission. And it's done in such a gentle way, that they don't even notice.  Unless they actually ask for coaching or advice, and that would be coaching with permission. And then there's this web site... and it would be more like, take it or leave it coaching.  As George Harrison would sing, "It's what you value..."

What's even more odd to me is laughing about and understanding the comment made by a particular announcer in regard to their knowledge that God watched their tv show... that and a tiny creativity issue... this may only make sense to that person... and maybe God... I understand he reads this web site as well as watch your show. :}

So, here's the deal... everytime I put the real gems online, or send them to you, you don't do them anyway.  And the ones I put online are used by the people I don't want to help.  Ya'll are a funny bunch, but what's even more odd than all of it is that despite whatever else is going on,  you're here reading my website. And I watch your show. Separate the ego from the identity. As you well know, I tried to go in every front door I could, I tried to go through back doors... and when noone would give me the time of day, I decided to use everything I've ever learned in order to accomplish a single goal... a big goal... whatever.  At this point, I'm indignant, I'm determined, I'm amused and disgusted, in that order... but mostly I'm committed to one goal and ideal... and that is the one having to do with the justice and integrity of America... call me corny or old fashioned... really, I'm okay with that. The heritage of the rat-catchers will not have been passed down in vain:}

The funny thing is, you're one of the few people out there who most of the time seems to understand, or who attempts to actually understand what I'm getting at, whether you're in the position to do it or not.  All I really have to say is, you know my name, you got my number.  I personally have nothing to hide or be ashamed of. And I'm not half as obnoxious or crasse as I seem. Well, maybe half.   And, from my point of view, I have achieved the first task on my list of tasks, and in 2 weeks, I'll be moving on with the next 2 or 3.  And, of course, I'll deal with any other personal issues I need to attend to.  The way I figure it, I have 2 books to write, about 20 songs to write and record, and numerous speaking engagements to get done by May 2003.  Then the world will really begin to change.  Til then, I suppose only those people who are willing to be polite and are in the clique and have prettier websites are legitimate enough to actually talk to. We'll change that too.  It's one of the symptoms I was talking about yesterday.  I've got a few new websites coming out soon.. you won't want to miss them.  And then, maybe you'll learn.  Til then, remember, whatever you think your job is, it's really to be a teacher, and you've got to disrupt the illusions by surprising people with serious Socratic inquiry that honors their intelligence and wisdom and causes them to think, not deliver offhanded remarks that cause people to laugh at a very serious thing, and  lets them off the hook for allowing it... the problem is, people are already in denial. Don't assume they know what you're talking about.   The off -handed remarks minimize the (available) profound effect it has had on their psyche, and they see no commitment, no leadership to follow that would make them believe that anything will change... citizens feel powerless, robbed, violated... if noone will lead to change that, to right wrong, defend justice and human rights, then they must cope, if only to maintain their sense of dignity and self-respect.  Just asking a question causes people to automatically consider your remarks. If you can actually apply that, you've got something. And you owe me 1000 bucks   It just occurred to me that maybe no one thought it useful to play this for you.   I didn't go to much trouble to write and record it, but.... Just another silly idea.  Course, I wouldn't expect you to actually value what I say. Maybe we'll get cartoons someday. :} Goodnight.

And for everyone else... next week's soap opera really heats up as we approach the elections.   Don't forget to cover the peace marches, now. Ashcroft will get over it.

PS: 2:30am pt and I feel the urge to write.  In a couple of days, I'll take off on the book on the union site, and what what happens.

It occurred to me to mention, especially those who have watched as the focus and free-flow  of thought have occurred over the last 2 months.  It has been interesting, and I'm glad to say I'm finally beginning to make some sense of it all.   Of course, probably not the way you might think.  Consider the source, after all. The "epiphanies and transformations"... I'm glad other people on the tube have been having their share :} It's an interesting time, these days are.

Right now, I'm reading 7 long, intense books with a variety of philosophies and religions and superstitions and strategies... I enjoy separating the themes and plots and keeping them distinct, and at the same time, keeping them distinct from my own observations that I intend to write about.  It's fascinating to look at what the conditions, experiences and circumstances were that molded individuals/leaders in the history of humans... what caused them to be who they are, their true character,  to understand the passions and convictions which compelled them to "take the reigns"  if you will, the personal struggles they had with honoring and defining themselves as beings (internally) and leaders (externally), how the disparities were reconciled and finally, the true underlying reasons why they took the actions they did and why it was successful. For me, in many ways, it has caused me to understand myself a great deal more. And why I am so compelled to take action in the future of this country, and the world. James Joyce is a kick.

One of my favorite phrases from a communications course/intensive I took once is "Every communication is a commitment".  I remember not too long ago I told someone I was going to shift the focus of my site in certain ways and employ different techniques in order to continue to represent my position but working with them on what I could commit to.  But, I was clear that I was not at all willing to alter the message of my site.  Part of that was to inform and "give people permission to be real" Americans again.  Part of it was analyze the news. Part of it was to test my theories and thoughts regarding the future political climate, the real underlying issues that will be dealt with within the next 5 years, one way or another. I'm happy to say that I believe I was about 90% correct, and have learned a great deal more.   Further, that I believe the generation gaps that have occurred are quite bridgeable.  And I'm not going to publish the gaps or the answers... that's my little secret... and it is somewhat empowering to know that many people agree with my own philosophies and ideals.  That's what's so great about communication... and people.

What I'm actually inspired by, this week, is another movie about Robert Kennedy.   His Life and Times or something like that.

What constantly impresses me about Bobby Kennedy is how he struggled with his own human doubts and fears as a person, how he dealt with living in the shadow of his brother President John Kennedy, as well as channeling his passion in ways that caused him, CAUSED him to learn to understand and develop "policy" that actually positively impacted the lives of Americans... even if it could be perceived as dissident or contrary to previous statements.  That was the courage to do what one is called to.  For whatever reasons. And to be willing to speak out and encourage others to speak out from the bottoms of their hearts, with all the passion of their humanity, and take a chance, and dare to dream.

I know of many people who worked on his presidential campaign who gave up, gave in to the idea that the dream, the vision, could ever be accomplished.  I remember the night Senator Edward Kennedy addressed the Democratic Convention after his own unsuccessful bid for the Presidential Nomination, and a tear welled up in my eyes just a bit as he declared "the dream goes on".

We do not have to be Kennedy's or replicas of any paradigm or style to be passionate people about those things we care about.  In the movie The Contender, 2 phrases struck me.  "We are not elected because we are objective", and "it is not whether one is great, but whether one has the possibility of greatness".   And I'm certainly not talking about grandiose schemes and promises. I'm talking about sharing that defining piece of yourself, possibly that person or circumstance in history that you can relate to, and sharing that moment or piece with someone else so that they understand why it made a difference in your life... then you will be passing along some heritage that will give them character, the character of the future.  Then, you will be empowered to cause that future.

Peace. Out.

   A message to leaders and the media:  I Draw The Line  
   10/15/2002 -  Audio Version   19 minutes -  Music du Jour  

10/8/2002 - There's an incredible amount of good, informative programming available to all on a variety of channels. I must say, though, that Fox does appear to be making a bit of a statement about its alliances, again, in its coverage of George Bush, especially in its news and editorial coverage.  Just be carfeul about what you believe.  There's a reason for everything said on this site, and it's because of research.  Do your research on the media reports as well.  Don't ever believe anything you're told carte blanche... that's why God gave you a mind. :}

To the media: Remember that you have the power to control the message deliverd to the people.  Whatever you speak into existence will occur. Be sure that your phrasing and the ideas you express reflect the vision you have for the future.

Be a NEW PATRIOT.   Do it for America.  Do it for yourself.  Click here for more!

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