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One Planet
15 June 01
New pictures from space show that pollution travels around the globe. We believe this photo will change the paradigm: see new photo from NASA.
Zac Moore Plans to Buy Windmill with Savings
13 June 01
Zac Moore is rolling his own blackout from 21 May to 04 July 01, to generate funds to purchase and install a windmill. In a 12 June 01 letter circulated on the Internet he said, "As a society, we must take back our social power and the economic basis for our livelihood." Zac is asking for matching funds from people in his community to raise the $500 necessary to purchase and install the windmill. Click here to read his entire letter.
Advertisement: Green Gold the Tree of Life: Marijuana in Magic & Religion, by Chris Bennet. Amazon customer review: "A very valueable resource for anyone interested in the scholarly side of psychedelic history and the anthropological effects."
Roll Your Own: The Next Big Thing
12 June 01
Click here to find out why it's important to turn out the lights on roll your own night, 21 June 01. Be sure to unplug everything or turn off the breakers. Thanks to the miracle of modern science, our electronic devices tend to draw energy even when they are turned "off."
Europeans Critical of McVeigh Execution
11 June 01
Timothy McVeigh was executed in Terre Haute, Indiana, this morning, in the first federal execution since 1963. Europeans have denounced the killing. Lord Russel-Johnston, president of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, called it "sad, pathetic and wrong." He further stated that "It is high time the United States rethought its attitude to the death penalty and aligned its position with the great majority of the free and democratic world." Pope John Paul II appealed to W. Bush to spare McVeigh's life; Antonio Maria Pereira, president of the Portuguese human rights group Law and Justice said: "The death penalty is a barbarism inappropriate to our times." Michel Taube, president of Together Against the Death Penalty said, "I don't think the execution of Timothy McVeigh will change the problems of America." Leaders in France, Spain, Germany and Portugal also condemned the execution. European media have dubbed Bush the "Serial Executioner." According to CNN, the last person executed in the European Union was killed by guillotine in France in 1977.
Power to the People
11 June 01
Nowadays it's more important than ever to generate your own electricity. Why depend on the robber barons for power? We are investigating how to start a solar farm on our roof in Phoenix and will report our findings and progress in upcoming postings.
What are Our Values?
04 June 01
The more you think about it, the more you realize that political power is all about control. For example, one political party may want more control for pot, another party may want less. One party may want more control for guns, another less. Each person naturally has their own feelings about various issues, then we try to vote for candidates who share our same feelings. In America, candidates are generally categorized as Democrat, Republican, but there are a number of other parties. There's a simple test to take, to see which political party is closest to your views. Visit this website to find your most compatible political party: 3rd Party Central.
Most people reading this newsletter are probably Green, Liberatarian or Democrat. So the test at 3rd Party Central will probably tell you something you already know. But pay attention to the various issues on the test. Try to think about how a variety people might feel differently about the issues. It's a good opportunity to learn about tolerance of other people's views.
A note to people who 'hate' a political figure or political situation that is going on: as difficult as it may seem, this is a good time to learn about lowering the volume on hate. If you are working for peace, but you are consumed with hate, then your goal is slipping out of reach. The emotion "hate" is destructive to your subconscious, your lower brain, and all the cells in your body. If you harbor hate, your own health could suffer. Rather than hate your enemies, try to see the masks they hide behind. Maybe your highest possible karma with that person could have been to rescue them from falling into hell. If you instead curse them on their way down, it also reflects on your lack of compassion.
Another good reason to give up hate is explained in A Course in Miracles. When we condemn others we also condemn ourselves. We condemn the human race, of which we are a part. Our minds influence what we will see because often we are seeing a projection of what is inside ourselves. Some of us were abused or abandoned and have spent our lives angry. If this resonates, perhaps it's time to stop the cycle of violence. Quit projecting your feelings on strangers and take the time to work out your anger over the people and events that caused you pain.
Third, if we are to become warriors of peace, then we need to learn to lead in a dignified and conscious way. We must exercise compassion in our dealings with the conservatives, realizing that their fear makes them act the way they do. They're afraid that we will run out of gasoline, so their instinct is to think of hurting their mother to get more oil. It all makes sense if you think about it, but it's a poor answer that falls short of what the situation demands. Still, even though we hate their answers, in order to educate them and open them up to the alternative things like getting electricity from wind, solar, biomass, hemp oil, etc., they have to trust us. How can they trust us if some among us "hate" them? Hate, therefore, slows down our progress.
Part of the hypocricy of hate is that if we hate, then we are peaceniks who say one thing and practice another. Our movement will succeed the day that every protester and activist is grounded in utmost integrity. Rise to a higher level and add momentum to the cause of making this world a better place.
Book Review: Seeing the Light
04 June 01
Surf to this URL: http://www.newrules.org/electricity/stl.html and check out this book. Following is quoted from the New Rules page:
"The California energy crisis is not simply about a lack of electricity it is about who owns the production and distribution of that electricity. As state after state agrees to deregulation, the utility industry is approaching a concentration not seen since the Power Trust of the 1930s. Seeing the Light urges us to change the rules now and create a future that includes affordable, locally-owned electricity. The book chronicles hopeful new developments and reminds us that the best way to prevent another crisis is to build a better system."
"Seeing the Light" is written by David Morris, author of "Be Your Own Power Company."
Mourning the Loss of Friends . . .
03 June 01
. . . prayers for the Kingdom of Nepal in this time of loss of their beloved King Birendra and Queen Aiswarya, and the king's brother and sister, Prince Nirajan and Princess Shruti, on 01 June 01.
The Katmandu Post said: "We have, in short, lost a visionary monarch who ably guided his nation through thick and thin. It will no doubt be difficult to replace such a leader who had won the people's heart and symbolized Nepal's move toward a modern era."
New Strategy to Legalize Marijuana
31 May 01
The Supreme Court has shown that it is against medical marijuana. Therefore, we propose a new strategy: legalize it. Would you vote for a proposition that would:
Legalize possession and use for anyone over 21? Legalize sale by licensed distributors to anyone over 21? Legalize growing plants for personal use by anyone over 21? We believe the time is right to get this kind of proposition on state ballots.
Biodiversity Teach-in Planned for June in San Diego
31 May 01
Get involved in the growing global movement to stop genetic engineering. Learn about the subject at a teach in 22 - 27 June. The teach-in is planned to coincide with the "Biotechnology Industry Conference (BIO)," a convention for multinational biotech and pharmaceutical corporations. Organizers of the convention believe it will be the largest ever in biotechnology industry history. To find out more, log on to http://www.biodev.org or read the invitation at this site: link here.
Online Marijuana Poll
30 May 01
Richmond.com conducted an online poll and here are the results (as of 30 May):
Supreme Court ruling against medical marijuana?
I agree. It's against the law, no matter what. 11.76%
Exceptions should be made for some illnesses. 23.53%
Marijuana should be legalized, period. 62.96%
Not sure what I think. 1.74%
Total votes: 459
Californians Protest Bush Visit
30 May 01
Everywhere Bush goes in our fair state, hundreds of protesters turn out. The demonstrations are well organized (thanks to the Internet), well attended and ongoing. However, the corporate-controlled media is vigorously ignoring and downplaying what is going on. Their reports reduce the number of protesters and diminish their status as citizens, calling them "wackos," "old hippies" or "wannabe hippies."
One organizer said in a email today:
"I could only take a few minutes of this [FYI radio 640] distorted account of the protest, and the protestors, before I turned the radio off. We are the citizens that work to increase our knowledge of issues and chose to participate in democracy. I must admit I was tired and feeling rather discouraged after listening to those comments. Then, I was reminded that is what Bush supporters want me to feel, so I promptly recovered. No doubt about it folks, there is much work to do and we are engaged in an uphill struggle." - H.C., Long Beach, CA
Associated Press issued several good pictures of the demonstrations.
Photo 1 | Photo 2 | Photo 3 | Photo 4 | Photo 5 | Photo 6
Greenspan Discusses Energy Woes
30 May 01
On 24 May Greenspan noted that energy prices are partly to blame for the U.S. economic downturn. CEOs and our political "leades" have instituted policies that will pollute the environment, take from the people and give billions to CEOs like Ken Lay of Enron. Log on to read Greenspan's speech at the Federal Reserve website.
Energy Problems / Energy Solutions
30 May 01
The following communications are from people on the protest organizing list server:
"Map out the Blue States, Gore, and than the Red States, Bush, and you will find energy prices are much much higher in the Blue States."
"Did you know that England and the EU are going wind power to meet CO2 emission goals? They have these giant wind mills that are off shore and hundreds of feet high and the size of 747s. Wow! I did a net search and found wind turbines from $6-20,000 installed and that when the wind is down you take off the grid and when it is up your meter will actually go backwards while you sell extra energy back thru the grid! Illinois will have 1,000,000 costumers on wind from Iowa in a couple of years. The country's wind generating capacity has already been mapped at it is a happening movement. Act locally and get your community off the grid with a wind farm!"
California to Sue over Energy Prices
Happy Memorial Day
28 May 01
Pray for Peace News commends Senator John McCain for telling the media today that he wants more dialogue within the Republican party. We agree. Instead of parroting whatever the leaders say, let each Republican make up their own opinions and ideas. PF's editorial comment: "It's a cult!"
A Call to Action
28 May 01
The following message is circulating on the Internet around Los Angeles for the demonstration to take place when Bush visits L.A. tomorrow. Here is a message from elbop, one of the coordinators:
"Our mission is to let Bush and the world know that we in California simply are not going to stand for the Corporate Energy Ripoff, the Bailouts at Taxpayer Expence for the Failures of Businesses and the Sacrifice of Our Mother Earth for profits...
"We won't stand for the return of Nuclear Waste Power, the Reckless Pursuit of More Oil, the spreading World Counter Indigenous War, the Militarization of Space, the Repression of Labor, The Rollback of Women's Rights, the Racist Drug War ...
"WE WILL STAND FOR JUSTICE, DEMOCRACY AND PEACE.
WE ARE NOT DIVIDED BY OUR DIFFERENCES.
WE ARE NOT GOING AWAY!"
Jeffords Bags GOP Cult and Tilts the Senate Toward the Dems
24 May 01
Praise the Lord! Jeffords deprogrammed himself and bailed from the abusive cult. Our hearty praise and congratulations to anyone who stands up for the highest good of all. Three cheers for Jeffords and all who follow their own hearts.
Think Globally - act locally in your checkbook
23 May 01
Along with Alaska, there are other sites that need protection. The L.A. Times recently noted an endangered monument area in Weatherman Draw, Montana. According to a front page story on 21 May, "Just 12 days after the inauguration of President Bush, federal authorities here granted an oil exploration permit to billionaire Philip F. Anschutz . . . who also donated more than $300,000 to Republican causes in the past four years."
During these times of political abuse, lend your support to environmental groups that protect wilderness areas. It's hard to follow all the issues, so join forces with benevolent people on the front lines. Send a check to Environmental Defense Fund, World Wildlife, Rainforest Action Network, Sierra Club, Green Peace or any other group doing good work. They're waiting to hear from you so send them a check along with a friendly note, your thoughts on the work they're doing.
How to Create an Energy Crisis
23 May 01
Following is an analysis by California Public Utilities Commission President Loretta Lynch, which she detailed for a California State Senate committee. This is a quote from the L.A. Times coverage 19 May 01, p. 1, Section B, "PUC Allegations Detailed":
Lynch displayed charts that track electricity prices and power generation at three plants on a single day last November. After the plants reduced production during the middle of the day, the graphs show, the state was forced to declare two separate power emergencies because electricity reserves had fallen seriously low. The shortfall in supply helped cause a spike in prices. With that, the companies operating the three plants suddenly increased their electricity production to almost full capacity, allowing them to capitalize on the much higher rates."
Protect Your Spirit
23 May 01
An ancient saying goes, "The glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time you fall." Pray for Peace News invites you to look forward to a better future. Please join us in visualizing the future. We contemplate the creation of a good world, where honesty and love prevail. Think of ways to subdue the Bushy government that we have somehow unfortunately manifested. We encourage you to get involved and get active: write letters to lawmakers and the media, give whatever you can to organizations that speak for you, and join in your local Fourth of July peace and independence demonstration. Make the event fun! Bring games for children, dress up, make music, dance. If you are unable to attend a public protest on Fourth of July, we suggest that you rent the movie "2001: A Space Odyssey." Learn from the metaphor and make plans for how you will disarm HAL, the computer that takes over the space ship. Have a party and invite a few friends over to watch the movie with you.
Energy Protest
Letters are circulating on the Internet to promote a massive public protest: create our own rolling blackout on 21 June 2001, the summer solstice. We will be unplugged how about you? Click here to read letter. Link here for the Blackout Brigade.
Write to President Gore
17 May 01
A letter is circulating on the Internet right now, in the "petition" format where you add your name to the bottom and forward it on. We've posted the letter at our site (click here).
We suggest you write your own letter to Gore and be sure to encourage him to speak up for the people and the ideals he supports. Maybe he doesn't want to interfere, but he's been entirely too kind and polite about everything up to now. Contact Gore and tell him what's on your mind: mail@dnc.democrats.org.
Robert Redford Speaks Out
17 May 01
Actor and activist Robert Redford has circulated a letter on the Internet that begins, "I've never circulated this kind of email before. But I am so appalled by President Bush's plan to open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to massive oil development that I feel I must do whatever I can to help stop it." Click here to read his letter.
Show Me The Way to the Next Demonstration
. . . And the American Dream
09 May 01
Mark your calendar and start organizing a peace gathering in your town for the Fourth of July 2001! Here are a few words from the organizers in Los Angeles.
"Celebrate the true spirit of the 4th of July! On that day we will re-declare American independence from tyranny while affirming and celebrating our diversity and interdependence. We call on all to join us in declaring independence from "King George" Bush and the corporate oligarchy that put him in power. We call on all to join us is opposing globalization without representation. We call on all to Imagine an America, where all the people achieve the American dream, where justice for all is real. We are looking forward to giving Independence Day the meaning it deserves." For info. on events in the L.A. area, link here. (For more links, go to PFPF's demonstration update Link Page) To add a link, write to the webmaster: click here for contact info.
Now let's digress for a minute to talk about the American Dream. I've heard people say lots of negative things about it lately. The first myth is that greed among our "leaders" exemplifies the American Dream. That's wrong. Our so-called leaders (like Bush and Cheney) are doing things now that will bring on bad karma down the road. In fact, they could kill the American Dream, because part of the dream is that we have social mobility and a big middle class, where everyone lives comfortably. If our "leaders" bring in their desired tax changes and destruction of the environment, they will morph our country into a system with an elite rich class ruling over mostly poor masses.
A more appropriate expression of the American dream is to simply live a good life. This means the ability to earn an honest living and the freedom to live the way you want, undisturbed, and in a place you enjoy.
I also hear that phrase "2.2 kids" too much. It's meant to show how plastic the American Dream supposedly is. Well, wanting kids is basic to many people and most couples will settle for kids of a whole number. "2.2" is just a quotable statistic from some study in the Sixties that everyone since then has brought up to criticize the establishment. However, part of the American Dream is to raise a family and pass along the things you have learned. Most baby boomers grew up and had kids just like their parents. Most Gen Xers will do the same. So let's drop the annoying statistic "2.2" and gratefully include kids as part of the American Dream.
One valid criticism is that it was hypocritical for the founding fathers to own slaves and proclaim "all men are created equal." They were obviously dreaming - or in some kind of heavy denial - when they wrote that. It's useless to defend those men, except to say they did the best they could considering how backward things were in 1776. They were also patriarchal and meant it literally when they said "men" because it took women another one and a half centuries to get the right to vote. However, the founders set the dream goals of freedom and equality for somebody to live up to someday. It's our America now and it's up to us to dream the future.
The last subject is nightmares. I believe that we learn and benefit from all types of dreams, whether they appear "good" or "bad" to our ego. Since we often get off center as we suffer through the bumps and bruises of life, the bad dreams come to nudge us back onto our highest path. Perhaps the current American nightmare will result in more consciousness and conscience in the future. While we must tolerate nightmares and other disturbing dreams, it's important to remember that we also have an obligation to dream of our highest possible reality. As the folks organizing in L.A. said in their announcement, let's give Independence Day the meaning it deserves. Another L.A. organizer (LH) said: "Here's to new & healthier dreams!"
Three Books to Dream the Future
09 May 01
Looking Backward by Edward Bellamy. Review by Brian Strader:
Written in the late 19th century, it describes a man who, like Rip Van Winkle, falls asleep in a sealed bunker only to awake in the year 2000. I thought it amusing when I bought it since we have just lived through 2000. He saw a much more ideal world than we have even now--quite a communistic model but still believable and inspiring. He predicted a world where there are transactions based on a personal account of credit which is GUARANTEED to every citizen--like a guaranteed annual income. Money is gone. The profit motive is gone. In the 2000 described by Bellamy, there are no oil barons or any oligarchs. The book is simple enough to read and understand. Every high school student should read it. [Ed. Note: If you missed it in high school civics class, read it immediately!]
Imagine: What America Could Be in the 21st Century by Marianne Williamson. Excerpt from Amazon review:
The writers in this optimistic anthology didn't want to buy into the typical doomsayer theories and gloomy forecasts when imagining the future of America. Instead, editor Marianne Williamson assembled a soul-stirring gospel choir to sing out vivid, uplifting songs of hope and imagination. When contributor John Robbins imagines the typical family meal in the year 2030, he serves organic food bought from the local farmer's market and lovingly prepared by enthusiastic family members--even teenagers.
Autobiography of Mark Twain by Mark Twain. Surrealist's review:
Find out what it was like when the calendar page turned over to 1900. Mark Twain is its most-loved spokesperson. He says in the preface: "In this Autobiography I shall keep in mind the fact that I am speaking from the grave. I am literally speaking from the grave because I shall be dead when the book issues from the press. I speak from the grave rather than with my living tongue for a good rason: I can speak thence freely." And he does. Read Mark Twain's fascinating description of his life and times. link here for more Twain. And remember, it was Mark Twain who said: "Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest."
Your PFPF Homework: Archetypes
09 May 01
Pray for Peace News has an assignment for you. Read this list of archetypes, think about each one, then take out your pencil and jot down the ones you feel play a big part in your life.
|
the hero magic initiation rites of passage death creation cosmology relationship sacred space sacrifice transformation inner alchemy androgyny the trickster sacred dance the child storytelling education music silence the shadow obstacles |
woman earth spirit the goddess progress the mask demons sleep dreams sin ceremonies holy war guilt animals mantras theft pilgrimage food wholeness exile the body the witness |
memory sadness mirrors the hermit addiction forgiveness sense of humor creativity renewal questions the mountain the disciple tradition tree of life triad time attention liberation hospitality money the hunter craft |
community solitude power energy crossroads the city calling twins clothing writing hidden treasure the stranger language Eros prophecy the soul peace play work ways of knowing conscience consciousness |
Think of a story to illustrate each archetype. Draw stories from your life history, the news, books, movies or dreams.
If you are unhappy about some aspect of your current reality, where you are in life right now; where society is right now, etc., then concentrate on this step. Go back to the list of archetypes and choose a new one. Pick one that particularly appeals to you and think about it. Write down a few sentences on why you like the archetype and what the highest manifestation of that archetype would be in your life right now.
Think of ways to integrate this new archetype and explore it in your everyday activities. This is your life, your world, and you are the author of your own life script. All the best to you in this quest called life. If you use archetypes to uplift your world, the positive changes will ripple out and make the wider world a better place too.
Does "Pray for Peace" Need a New Name?
09 May 01
The editors of Pray for Peace News are distressed at the current leadership in America. L.A. Times columnist Robert Scheer said it bluntly in his column this week:
"Put two Texas oil guys in the White House, and they are going to seize any opportunity to grease the palms of their big oil backers while raping the environment. Still, it is surprising that they are being so obscenely blatant about it."
With this in mind, we're seriously thinking about changing our name to "Pray for 2004."
A message to Governor Gray Davis:
eminent domain, the authority of a government to take private property for public use, with compensation to the owner
-Oxford American Dictionary
An announcement from PG&E:
In an effort to help out in the current energy crisis, the light at the end of the tunnel will be turned off until further notice. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. [circulated on the Internet]
30 May 01: California's Pacific Gas & Electric, mired in bankruptcy proceedings and struggling to keep power flowing to its customers, has put forward a plan to award some $17.5 million in bonuses to senior executives.
Letter from Richard Schiffman
08 May 01
I am an author of a just published book entitled "Mother of All" about my experiences with a remarkable holy woman of India, Anasuya Devi. I believe that her life-story is unique in the annals of world spirituality revealing a uniquely feminine approach to spiritual enlightenment. This book was very well recieved in India where it was published some years back, but we are having a little trouble getting word out here in the US about the American edition which was just released by the Blue Dove Press in San Diego. There are endorsements on the back by Wayne Dyer, Joseph Chilton Pearce and Publishers Weekly and the cover shows an arresting portrait of the Mother in a natural setting.
"Mother of All" is the account of the life and thought of one of the most unusual woman teachers of the twentieth century. Mother Anasuya Devi of Jillellamudi village South India was a renowned, if controversial, figure who shocked Hindu traditionalists by teaching that the world is real and not an illusion or maya as is commonly held. She insisted that the earth itself, and not some transcendent divinity, is the highest God. Mother's biography-- especially her early years which were marked by extraordinary visions, miracles and terse Zen-like teachings on the oneness of matter and spirit-- has been compared to the life of Christ.
Is this the type of book that you might be interested in carrying or reviewing? Kindly let me know if we can provide you with any more information.
Richard Schiffman (website)
Reply from webmaster: Absolutely! This sounds fascinating. We're going to start selling the book today. Thank you for your letter.
buy it now from Amazon.com
Independence Day 2001 Plans
08 May 01
Check out the plans for 04 July 2001 http://www.rokcircle.com/july4action.htm
Subscribe to a mail server discussion for activists: July4thAction-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Ed's Note: Finding this group and getting on the list was an extreme experience of kindred spirit synchronicity. I feel as if I was digging, tunneling, digging, and then -- I meet a group of people who were digging, tunneling, digging toward me. Our tunnels have converged. The underground is being built in cyberspace. Get active, find those people who have been tunneling toward you. Let's all work together!
Correction
07 May 01
In a previous story about high gas prices we said: "The basic idea is that if people just boycott the two largest gasoline stations (Exxon and Mobile), then these companies will feel the pinch and reduce their prices - and if they reduce their prices the other companies will too. See you at the next Arco, 76, Chevron or Shell station!"
But we now want to eat our words. "Shell" is one of the companies that made big contributions to the Bush campaign! Here are some others: AT&T, Coca Cola, PepsiCola, American Express, JC Penney, WalMart, Dell Computers, Florida citrus companies and Florida tourism companies.
Learn more about this and send a fax to your legislators to reject the Republican agenda: boycott_republicans fax site.
CounterCoup.Org
Energy Crisis
05 May 01
On 04 May 2001, Louis Rukeyser welcomed analysts from the utilities, natural gas and oil industries--to discuss the energy crisis. His guests were Steve Fleishman, Kurt Launer and Paul Ting.
Dear Louis,
You are my favorite TV god & I watch your show religiously. That said, let me tell you why last night's show made me angry.
First of all, you invited three major foxes into the henhouse. What about hearing from a solar energy expert? I'm sure they would tell you that if our country had invested money in solar research over the last few decades, we would have an abundant, clean, pollution-free source of energy right now.
Why is "California electricity" $400 a kw hour? Basically, California (except Los Angeles, Glendale and Burbank) sold all of its power plants off in the process of deregulation. This is not a simple case of "supply and demand" as your guests said. The big power companies are using our former power plants in California to make cheap electricity and sell back to us at falsely inflated prices. There is no justification for raising the prices so high, except that they can get away with it now that Bush and Cheney are in the W.House. As to California "not building" power plants. That only happend for a few years during the deregulation process. Nobody knew what was happening, so filing permits for new power plants stopped for a few years. It's certainly not because our lawmakers are environmentalists. Also, demand has not gone up that much in California as your guests suggested, and may have even gone down a little due to recent conservation efforts. The real lesson from the California deregulation debacle is that if you want to get gouged by big energy companies, sell them all your power plants, sit back and do nothing.
Sincerely,
nori
End the War on Drugs
"If the people lead, the leaders will follow."
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