The choice you've made within the circumstances
Citizen kane, you are like stormy weather
Electric heads and fashion t-shirts
No acts of innocence
Your face is on the television
Look what you've done

The blame's on everyone...

Here it goes again
Isn't it time to change the government?
Here it goes again
Isn't it time to find our innocence?

The money's gone, the money's gone
You better switch off the lights
Look out, you'll never make it
Using only escalators, private aeroplanes
A twisted life of contridictions
It's suicide

the blame's on everyone...

Here it goes again
Isn't it time to change the government?
Here it goes again
Isn't it time to find our innocence?

Automatic information
Fast communications turning right
Pornographic windows
Hell, you are approaching fast to second twenty-one

Here it goes again
Isn't it time to change the government?
Here it goes again
Isn't it time to find our innocence?

- Rock Four
(Does sound better with the music, imagine jangly psydelic power pop. )

(And before I go on, just let it be said that I am not talking about specific countures or groups of people or world leaders. I am talking in general about Power and Control in the world, and every organization that I can think of use the following tactics in some way or another! And if anyone can tell me of a group that doesn't that I would be happy happy happy to hear about it!!!)

So having thought and thought I have come to the conclusion that in the main those would would control us seek to do so by fear, or by appealling to our 'lower selves', though lust, greed, ego etc.

The main question is, how do we become immune?

Love,
Terri

I'm not sure we can ever truly become "immune" to these influences as long as we are embodied, as their roots are "hard-wired" into our reptilian brain-stems and bodies. But I suspect it is possible to strengthen our identification with Love to the point that our broader "spirit-interest" is stronger than our ego's "self-interest" -- and the key is surely strengthening our compassion and love for all living things. When we can see ourselves as expressions of a larger whole, there is far less temptation to gratify one part at the expense of others.

Easier said than done, for sure.

I suppose this is the goal of all spiritual contemplative paths.

Love,
Greg

Just my two cents..

Love,
Terri

The Effect of the Energy of Harmony through Conflict upon Humanity (from Esoteric Astrology, Vol. 3 -- A.A. Bailey)

"It might be said that the effect of the Principle of Conflict, operating under Ray IV and controlled by Ray II, will be—as far as humanity is concerned—to bring about right human relations and the growth of the universal spirit of goodwill among men. Only the most benighted and uncouth of thinkers would fail to see that these two results of the conflict, engendered at this time, are the two most desirable factors for which all men of goodwill should work. The inflow of energy into humanity at this time is all in favour of such efforts, and the Principle of Conflict has worked so effectively that all men are desiring harmony, peace, equilibrium, right adjustment to life and circumstances, and right and balanced human relations.

In every country and among all types of men—sincerely or insincerely—the talk of the newspapers, on the radio and upon the lecture platforms is on behalf of harmony and a widespread recognition of the needed adjustments. Even the evil forces which still remain active hide their greedy purposes behind a spurious desire for world unity, world harmony and right human relations. The masses of the people in all lands have been convinced by the evidence made available by the Principle of Conflict that basic changes in man's attitude and goals must be brought about if humanity is to survive; they are, in their own ways (wisely or unwisely), seeking a solution.

The war has produced much good—in spite of the destruction of forms. The causes of war are better understood; the issues involved are slowly being clarified; information about all nations—even when incorrectly presented—has awakened mankind to the fact of the One World; the community of pain, sorrow, anxiety, starvation and despair have brought all men closer together, and this relation is a far greater breeder of harmony than man realises; the world of men today is more closely knit subjectively (in spite of all outer cleavages and conflicts) than ever before in human history; there is a firmer determination to establish right human relations and a clearer perception of the factors involved; the new Principle of Sharing, inherent in the second Ray of Love-Wisdom which is concerned so fundamentally with relationships, is gaining ground, and its potency is being released by the activity of the fourth Ray of Harmony through Conflict. This Principle of Sharing, though still divorced from any official sanctions, is under consideration and will some day be the governing factor in the economic life of the world, regulated and controlled by those men who are alert to human need upon the physical plane.

This Principle of Conflict is also active in all institutions, groups and organisations in all lands and in every department of human thought. Its results are, first, the awakening of humanity to certain major human developments and possibilities, and secondly, it will lead to certain basic renunciations, once the issues are clearly seen and the cleavage which exists in reality between the desirable spiritual values and the undesirable material values has been made clear. In politics, for instance, the two-party system is based upon a correct premise, but it is not at present a satisfactory system because of human stupidity. It stands in truth for the reactionary groups in any land and also for the progressive party who are alert to the new possibilities; one party aims at the holding back of the life of the spirit, at clarifying by obstruction and at holding back or preventing the too rapid rushing forward of the impatient and the immature; the progressive party should be composed of those who are aware of the unneeded and old issues, and who pioneer all the time, even though frequently without much still in action. Such a clear line of demarcation between the two basic world parties is not yet possible, nor are the spiritual values of either group appreciated by the unthinking masses. Today, party politics are as selfish, and therefore as reactionary, as are the mass of men; the real good of humanity is not the goal of the average politician in either group, for usually only his own selfish ambition and the desire to preserve a certain political ideology which has put him into power are the goal of his efforts.

The Principle of Conflict is working also in the churches, but more slowly, unfortunately, owing to the corruption and soporific effect of theological churchianity; I would have you note my choice of words; I said not "of Christianity," for true Christianity, as Christ taught it, is free from theological abuses and must and will be restored or—perhaps more accurately—reach its first stage of expression.

Everywhere the fourth Ray of Harmony through Conflict is active in the human family and is dominating human affairs; everywhere in the life of the individual, in the lives of groups, organisations and churches, in the life of nations and in the life of mankind as a whole, the issues are being clarified, and humanity is being led from one renunciation to another, until some day the human kingdom will unitedly take the fourth initiation and the Great Renunciation will be accepted; this step, lying far ahead as yet in the future, will affiliate humanity with the Hierarchy and release millions of men from the thralldom of materialism. This moment in human history will inevitably come. The first indication that the distant vision has been glimpsed might perhaps be noted in the prevalent instinct to share, motivated at present by the instinct to self-preservation, but definitely developing as a possible mode of action upon the far horizon of man's thinking. True sharing definitely involves many little renunciations, and it is upon these small renunciations that the capacity for freedom is slowly being generated and the habit of renunciation can eventually be stabilised; this capacity and these habits, these unselfish activities and these spiritual habitual attitudes are the preparatory stages for the Initiation of Renunciation, just as the effort to serve one's fellowmen is preparatory to the taking of the third Initiation, of the Transfiguration."

Is that anything like hitting yourself in the head with a hammer because it feels so good when you stop?

Love,
Greg

Hehehe

I've been giggling and trying to be serious all at once here. Not gonna work tonight, maybe tomorrow. I suppose I could go back and edit all the extra words, but then the message might be mangled, or people who are totally unfamiliar with the topic might be . Anyway, I'll go get out the hammer and see what I can come up with

Love,
Terri

Luv,
Rainbow~

Love,
Greg

...but know what??? you're absolutely right!!!....it does take one...to know one...and the shining link who calls himself Gregory, is the link who holds this chain of good energy and love, together...

Luv,
Rainbow~