*** RANDOM ANGRY RANT ALERT! ***
And ANOTHER THING!
America did not fall because of an increase of "Moral Decrepitude" but instead by a constant bombardment and loss of civil liberties and freedoms. For decades I have been 'held accountable' and paid for the 'criminal acts' of people who I never met. People who held slaves, not all of whom were black. But, I still pay my taxes a part of which goes to such generous and equal entities as the National Negro College Fund. A mind IS a terrible thing to waste. So is a strong work ethic. Where is MY National Whitey College Fund? See how long the ACLU and the NAACP would let THAT one exist!
... and while I'm on a roll ...
The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) was right in their decision on Heller vs. DC. The 2nd Amendment is for the individual NOT a state to maintain arms. People, don't forget WHEN the 2nd Amendment was written. It was written right after Washington and the boys kicked the British right in the soft spot. If there had been a ban on firearm ownership THEN, would we be Free, NOW? Hell no! So why the hell should I be expected to give up the same tools THEY used set themselves Free? The tool is not evil. The tool does not kill people. PEOPLE KILL PEOPLE! If you want to stop thugs from killing thugs on the streets (the same thugs the Brady Bunch call "kids", by the way) then ban being a thug, not the tool they used!
If you take away guns from the gernal populace only the government and the criminals will have guns. I should use a strikeout font on the word 'government' in that sentence. To take away an American's right to self defense is a criminal act. Read the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and your Bill of Rights. These documents define and protect the freedoms that we, as Americans enjoy.
"A people should not fear their government, the government should fear the people."
... and STILL rolling ...
Would someone start telling the Main Stream Media (MSM) that THEY helped create this mess? They wanted the kudos and the history limelight of covering such a monumental event of a black man being elected to the highest office of the land, they did not CARE who it was, or if he was QUALIFIED, just that he was charismatic and black. Mr. Obama certainly meets their low requirements. I don't blame the masses that voted for Tovarisch Obama, they were only following along where their sheppard, the MSM, was leading them. Oh, and Fox News! Good try, nice to see how you dropped the ball, the DAY AFTER THE ELECTION! Go ahead and fall in lock step, why don't you!
For the last week I have been fighting a flu bug, or a really bad cold. It does not matter which it was, I was ill. Now, I am sick. I am terrified of where this nation is going. I am terrified of the precipice we are running towards, at full steam. Lady Liberty is toppling, the republic is falling.
I am thankful I have no children. That is my contribution to the future. Fewer people to carry the burden of the errors of this administration's follies.
Mister Obama promised change, and he is delivering it. In great large buckets. All of which are labeled 'Hope'.
30.1.09
The Obama Stimulus Plan
The Obama Stimulus Plan a.k.a Democratic Party Stimulus Act
Nearly $1 Trillion to 'save' our economy.
$1 billion for Amtrak, the federal railroad that hasn’t turned a profit in 40 years
$2 billion for child-care subsidies
$50 million for that great engine of job creation, the National Endowment for the Arts
$400 million for global-warming research (damn you Gore!)
$2.4 billion for carbon-capture demonstration projects
$650 million on top of the billions already doled out to pay for digital TV conversion coupons
$20 billion for business tax cuts
$600 million on new cars for federal agencies
$54 billion will go to federal programs that the Office of Management and Budget or the Government Accountability Office have already criticized as “ineffective” or unable to pass basic financial audits. These include the Economic Development Administration, the Small Business Administration, the 10 federal job training programs, and many more.
$66 billion Department of Education
$6 billion for colleges/universities – many which have billion dollar endowments.
$44 million for repairs to U.S. Department of Agriculture headquarters.
$136+ billion for 32 more government agencies. That means more than a third of this plan’s spending provisions are dedicated to creating new government programs
The House Democrats’ bill will cost each and every household $6,700 in additional debt, paid for by our children and grandchildren
$30 billion of the bill – or three percent – is for road and highway spending
$1 billion for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) – a program that already has $16 billion on hand
2.7 percent, or $22.3 billion of the overall package, is dedicated to small business tax relief
$90 billion out of the $825 billion, or about 12 cents of every $1, is for something that can plausibly be considered a growth stimulus.
Plus interst! Roughly another $300 billion between 2009 and 2019 to pay for it all!
Final vote: 244-188. It was 242-190 moments before they gaveled it — with every last Republican voting no
"Great Nations fall becasue of the greed of the leaders, elected by the 'bought majority', and the apathy of the taxed." -- P.B.
"Meet the Main Stream Media, the P.R. firm of the Obama Administration."
Maybe it is time to 'defect' back into the hills of Kentucky, the land of my roots. Come out again in a few years and see how the nation and the world are doing. Decide then if the lunacy is over or not. Definitely somethign to think about.
P.Blacksmith
Nearly $1 Trillion to 'save' our economy.
$1 billion for Amtrak, the federal railroad that hasn’t turned a profit in 40 years
$2 billion for child-care subsidies
$50 million for that great engine of job creation, the National Endowment for the Arts
$400 million for global-warming research (damn you Gore!)
$2.4 billion for carbon-capture demonstration projects
$650 million on top of the billions already doled out to pay for digital TV conversion coupons
$20 billion for business tax cuts
$600 million on new cars for federal agencies
$54 billion will go to federal programs that the Office of Management and Budget or the Government Accountability Office have already criticized as “ineffective” or unable to pass basic financial audits. These include the Economic Development Administration, the Small Business Administration, the 10 federal job training programs, and many more.
$66 billion Department of Education
$6 billion for colleges/universities – many which have billion dollar endowments.
$44 million for repairs to U.S. Department of Agriculture headquarters.
$136+ billion for 32 more government agencies. That means more than a third of this plan’s spending provisions are dedicated to creating new government programs
The House Democrats’ bill will cost each and every household $6,700 in additional debt, paid for by our children and grandchildren
$30 billion of the bill – or three percent – is for road and highway spending
$1 billion for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) – a program that already has $16 billion on hand
2.7 percent, or $22.3 billion of the overall package, is dedicated to small business tax relief
$90 billion out of the $825 billion, or about 12 cents of every $1, is for something that can plausibly be considered a growth stimulus.
Plus interst! Roughly another $300 billion between 2009 and 2019 to pay for it all!
Final vote: 244-188. It was 242-190 moments before they gaveled it — with every last Republican voting no
"Great Nations fall becasue of the greed of the leaders, elected by the 'bought majority', and the apathy of the taxed." -- P.B.
"Meet the Main Stream Media, the P.R. firm of the Obama Administration."
Maybe it is time to 'defect' back into the hills of Kentucky, the land of my roots. Come out again in a few years and see how the nation and the world are doing. Decide then if the lunacy is over or not. Definitely somethign to think about.
P.Blacksmith
15.12.08
WooHoo, it's official, I am now Incorporated
Or at least I will be, come early January.
MyCorporation.com has been sending me spam the last several weeks. They have been waiving their usual $149.00 processing fee for new incorporations. That is actually pretty cool. That means to incorporate, as an LLC, I only have to pay them $29.00 for some S&H and the fees the state requires. Grand total: $129.00.
It is actually, a pretty sweet deal. Now, as a corporation, I can enjoy certain benefits and protections when I do any 'outside' consulting work. Granted, I have not done any this year, but with the economy as it is and my tendancy to screw up in mind, it is best to be prepared.
More to come on the LLC paper work and such.
P.Blacksmith
MyCorporation.com has been sending me spam the last several weeks. They have been waiving their usual $149.00 processing fee for new incorporations. That is actually pretty cool. That means to incorporate, as an LLC, I only have to pay them $29.00 for some S&H and the fees the state requires. Grand total: $129.00.
It is actually, a pretty sweet deal. Now, as a corporation, I can enjoy certain benefits and protections when I do any 'outside' consulting work. Granted, I have not done any this year, but with the economy as it is and my tendancy to screw up in mind, it is best to be prepared.
More to come on the LLC paper work and such.
P.Blacksmith
Rights of a Customer conflicting with being an Employee
The drama is coming to a close.
I spoke with my supervisor, or should I say I was spoken to by my supervisor. There were many comments regarding ethics and integrity. Fortunately, neither my ethics nor integrity were being questioned, but the appearances of the opportunities for impropriety were the topics of discussion for the day. Evidently, those that were actually at work last Monday received a much harsher discussion than I did. I actually was in a discussion. They were, well, the received something MUCH different.
Long shorty shorted to a simple blog entry, don't do this type of thing, again. Do not put people's jobs at risk.
Then it was my turn to speak, and I chickened out. I just wanted to let it all slide a way. There was no trouble, or punishments coming down. As far as the Super' knew, upper management was not aware of the situation. Because of 3rd shift being invisible so much of the time, the only thing others hear of us is when we mess up. They only hear the negative, because that is what they have to address on the day shifts. There is no need for them to make contact with a happy customer. Hence the continual issues of perception.
But this all still leaves me wondering. When did I sign away my rights as a customer, just because I'm an employee? We have employee purchase programs, so the employer encourages us to purchase the products. If I purchase a laptop or one of our newer TV's at $1000.00 or more, do I not have access to support on those, as well, because I can identify the policies or contact the agent assisting with the support?
Or is this only for equipment from the 'Enterprise' divisions? Things like servers and high-end workstations? Maybe some other day I will find the answers to this, but not this week. Not right now. Reviews are in March, which means the managers are gathering their information, now. The evaluation process has already started and is continuing. So, sit back, keep quiet, don't be seen and stay clear of other issues.
In other words, return to the epitome of the perfect IT worker. Put out fires, before they are noticed. Become invisible. Fix it, before it is broken.
P.Blacksmith
I spoke with my supervisor, or should I say I was spoken to by my supervisor. There were many comments regarding ethics and integrity. Fortunately, neither my ethics nor integrity were being questioned, but the appearances of the opportunities for impropriety were the topics of discussion for the day. Evidently, those that were actually at work last Monday received a much harsher discussion than I did. I actually was in a discussion. They were, well, the received something MUCH different.
Long shorty shorted to a simple blog entry, don't do this type of thing, again. Do not put people's jobs at risk.
Then it was my turn to speak, and I chickened out. I just wanted to let it all slide a way. There was no trouble, or punishments coming down. As far as the Super' knew, upper management was not aware of the situation. Because of 3rd shift being invisible so much of the time, the only thing others hear of us is when we mess up. They only hear the negative, because that is what they have to address on the day shifts. There is no need for them to make contact with a happy customer. Hence the continual issues of perception.
But this all still leaves me wondering. When did I sign away my rights as a customer, just because I'm an employee? We have employee purchase programs, so the employer encourages us to purchase the products. If I purchase a laptop or one of our newer TV's at $1000.00 or more, do I not have access to support on those, as well, because I can identify the policies or contact the agent assisting with the support?
Or is this only for equipment from the 'Enterprise' divisions? Things like servers and high-end workstations? Maybe some other day I will find the answers to this, but not this week. Not right now. Reviews are in March, which means the managers are gathering their information, now. The evaluation process has already started and is continuing. So, sit back, keep quiet, don't be seen and stay clear of other issues.
In other words, return to the epitome of the perfect IT worker. Put out fires, before they are noticed. Become invisible. Fix it, before it is broken.
P.Blacksmith
9.12.08
It is impractical to be both an employee and a customer
Well, now I've gone and done it. At the beginning of what is being called the worst recession since the Great Depression of the 1930's I have put my job in jeopardy.
My employer sells a product. I purchased said product used, and out of warranty. The company also has a policy regarding a product being dangerous, outside of it's warranty. My purchase developed a problem that fit within the policies of the organization. If I was not employed at the company, I would not know of this policy or how it is managed.
Yes, you guessed it, I called into the support line. I got the very team I support. But that was to be expected, because I was calling in when I was awake, the middle of my 'day'. I work 3rd shift, so calling in the early hours of the morning I was put in touch with my own team.
Surprisingly enough, upon reflection, that was not my most grievous mistake.
The greater mistake was in thinking I could be both a customer and an employee. This is not practical, because I know how things work on the inside. I know what the policies are.
The impractical component is that my interests are not in line with the interests of my employer, when I am calling in, as a customer. The customer wants the get the most value out of whatever they have purchased. The company (also the employer) wants to make the most profit it can off of a sale.
It is because of this conflict of interest, I should not have called in for support. If a member of my team had processed the issue per policy, it probably would have been seen as undue or inappropriate pressure, therefore that would put me in the light of being unethical. Any member of a team would naturally feel some level of pressure (as is human nature) to want to do the most they can to help their colleague. This could put the co-worker into a position of apparent complicity, though innocent.
On tomorrow's shift, I will learn my fate for this stupid error in judgement. This is in no way the fault of my employer or of my colleagues, but mine and mine alone. Because of my own greed and wants I have jeopardized one of the best jobs I have ever had. This could have gotten much worse, and jeopardized not only the employ of my team mate and colleague, but also of our managers.
As I see it, there are three options. The lowest being an informal 'write-up', or a basic slap on the wrist and being on 'high alert' for other stupidity. Next would be a serious level write-up, involving HR. This one is considerably more serious. It is much like being out of jail on probation. If you screw up while on probation, you go back to jail. If I am formally written up with HR, then I can not afford to make even the most human of mistakes. Not that HR is that severe, but because one should not tempt fate. And lastly is termination. I certainly hope to not be terminated, but that is an option I must recognize as being possible.
No matter the decision of the managers involved, I will respect it, and quietly accept it as righteous.
Everything in life has the opportunity of being a learning experience. I will certainly be chalking this one up as such an experience.
P. Blacksmith
My employer sells a product. I purchased said product used, and out of warranty. The company also has a policy regarding a product being dangerous, outside of it's warranty. My purchase developed a problem that fit within the policies of the organization. If I was not employed at the company, I would not know of this policy or how it is managed.
Yes, you guessed it, I called into the support line. I got the very team I support. But that was to be expected, because I was calling in when I was awake, the middle of my 'day'. I work 3rd shift, so calling in the early hours of the morning I was put in touch with my own team.
Surprisingly enough, upon reflection, that was not my most grievous mistake.
The greater mistake was in thinking I could be both a customer and an employee. This is not practical, because I know how things work on the inside. I know what the policies are.
The impractical component is that my interests are not in line with the interests of my employer, when I am calling in, as a customer. The customer wants the get the most value out of whatever they have purchased. The company (also the employer) wants to make the most profit it can off of a sale.
It is because of this conflict of interest, I should not have called in for support. If a member of my team had processed the issue per policy, it probably would have been seen as undue or inappropriate pressure, therefore that would put me in the light of being unethical. Any member of a team would naturally feel some level of pressure (as is human nature) to want to do the most they can to help their colleague. This could put the co-worker into a position of apparent complicity, though innocent.
On tomorrow's shift, I will learn my fate for this stupid error in judgement. This is in no way the fault of my employer or of my colleagues, but mine and mine alone. Because of my own greed and wants I have jeopardized one of the best jobs I have ever had. This could have gotten much worse, and jeopardized not only the employ of my team mate and colleague, but also of our managers.
As I see it, there are three options. The lowest being an informal 'write-up', or a basic slap on the wrist and being on 'high alert' for other stupidity. Next would be a serious level write-up, involving HR. This one is considerably more serious. It is much like being out of jail on probation. If you screw up while on probation, you go back to jail. If I am formally written up with HR, then I can not afford to make even the most human of mistakes. Not that HR is that severe, but because one should not tempt fate. And lastly is termination. I certainly hope to not be terminated, but that is an option I must recognize as being possible.
No matter the decision of the managers involved, I will respect it, and quietly accept it as righteous.
Everything in life has the opportunity of being a learning experience. I will certainly be chalking this one up as such an experience.
P. Blacksmith
19.11.08
The end of 'White Guilt'
I don't know how this man is, but I certainly do applaud his way with words. Tom Adkins, let me know if you are ever running for public office. You would have MY vote!
WHITE GUILT IS DEAD
By Tom Adkins
Look at my fellow conservatives! There they go, glumly shuffling along,
depressed by the election aftermath. Not me. I'm virtually euphoric. Don't
get me wrong. I'm not thrilled with America's flirtation with neo socialism.
But there's a massive silver lining in those magical clouds that lofted
Barak Obama to the Presidency. For today, without a shred of
intellectually legitimate opposition, I can loudly proclaim to
America: The Era of White Guilt is over.
This seemingly impossible event occurred because the vast
majority of white Americans didn't give a fluff about skin
color, and enthusiastically pulled the voting lever for a black
man. Not just any black man. A very liberal black man who spent
his early career race-hustling banks, praying in a racist church
for 20 years, and actively worked with America-hating domestic
terrorists. Wow! Some resume! Yet they made Barak Obama their
leader. Therefore, as of Nov 4th, 2008, white guilt is dead.
For over a century, the millstone of white guilt hung around our necks,
retribution for slave-owning predecessors. In the 60s, American liberals
began yanking that millstone while sticking a fork in the eye of black
Americans, exacerbating the racial divide to extort a socialist solution.
But if a black man can become President, exactly what
significant barrier is left? The election of Barak Obama
absolutely destroys the entire validation of liberal white
guilt. The dragon is hereby slain.
So today, I'm feeling a little "uppity," if you will. From this day forward,
my tolerance level for having my skin color hustled is now
exactly ZERO. And it's time to clean house. No more Reverend
Wright's "God Damn America," Al Sharpton's Church of Perpetual
Victimization, or Jesse Jackson's rainbow racism. Cornell West?
You're a fraud. Go home. All those "black studies" programs that
taught kids to hate whitey? You must now thank Whitey. And I
want that on the final.
Congressional Black Caucus? Irrelevant. Maxine Waters? Shut up.
ACORN? Outlawed. Black Panthers? Go home and pet your kitty.
Black separatists? Find another nation that offers better
dreams. Go ahead. I'm waiting.
Gangsta rappers? Start praising America. Begin with the Pledge of
Allegiance. And please.no more ebonics. Speak English, and who
knows where you might end up? Oh, yeah.pull up your pants. Your
underwear is showing. You look stupid.
To those Eurosnots who forged entire careers hating America? I'm still
waiting for the first black French President.
And let me offer an equal opportunity whupping. I've always
despised lazy white people. Now, I can talk smack about lazy
black people. You're poor because you quit school, did drugs,
had three kids with three different fathers, and refuse to work.
So when you plop your Colt 45-swilling, Oprah watchin' butt on
the couch and complain "Da Man is keepin' me down," allow me to
inform you: Da Man is now black. You have no excuses.
No more quotas. No more handouts. No more stealing my money because
someone's great-great-great-great grandparents suffered actual pain and
misery at the hands of people I have no relation to, and personally revile.
It's time to toss that massive, obsolete race-hustle machine upon the heap
of the other stupid 60s ideas. Drag it over there, by wife
swapping, next to dope-smoking. Plenty of room right between
free love and cop-killing.
Careful.don't trip on streaking. There ya go, don't be gentle.
Just dump it.
Wash your hands. It's filthy.
In fact, Obama's ascension created a gargantuan irony. How can you sell
class envy and American unfairness when you and your black wife
went to Ivy League schools, got high-paying jobs, became
millionaires, bought a mansion, and got elected President? How
unfair is that??? Now, Like a delicious O'Henry tale, Obama's
spread-the-wealth campaign rendered itself moot by it's own
victory! America is officially a meritocracy. Obama's election
has validated American conservatism!
So, listen carefully.Wham!!!
That's the sound of my foot kicking the door shut on the era of white guilt.
The rites have been muttered, the carcass lowered, dirt shoveled, and
tombstone erected. White guilt is dead and buried.
However, despite my glee, there's apparently one small, rabid bastion of
American racism remaining. Black Americans voted 96% for Barak Obama. Hmmm.
In a color-blind world, shouldn't that be 50-50? Tonight, every
black person should ask forgiveness for their apparent racism
and prejudice towards white people. Maybe it's time to start
spreading the guilt around.
I may have made the 'mistake' of showing this to a co-worker. His first response was to call me a racist and suggest only racists would take or support such views as this. As a retort, I suggested he start the "White College Fund" and see how long it is before he gets slapped with a variety of lawsuits for discrimination. "If that is too frontal for you, have your college going son apply for aid from that other fair and reasonable group, The Negro College Fund, and see what they have to say about his application.
Obama won the election. He may not be 'my' president, but is 'our' president. As such, it is up to him to actively destroy the age long uses and abuses that have created a society which would permit such an environment that Mr. Adkin's comments were generated from.
Now, let's all hold our breaths as we wait for that to happen!
WHITE GUILT IS DEAD
By Tom Adkins
Look at my fellow conservatives! There they go, glumly shuffling along,
depressed by the election aftermath. Not me. I'm virtually euphoric. Don't
get me wrong. I'm not thrilled with America's flirtation with neo socialism.
But there's a massive silver lining in those magical clouds that lofted
Barak Obama to the Presidency. For today, without a shred of
intellectually legitimate opposition, I can loudly proclaim to
America: The Era of White Guilt is over.
This seemingly impossible event occurred because the vast
majority of white Americans didn't give a fluff about skin
color, and enthusiastically pulled the voting lever for a black
man. Not just any black man. A very liberal black man who spent
his early career race-hustling banks, praying in a racist church
for 20 years, and actively worked with America-hating domestic
terrorists. Wow! Some resume! Yet they made Barak Obama their
leader. Therefore, as of Nov 4th, 2008, white guilt is dead.
For over a century, the millstone of white guilt hung around our necks,
retribution for slave-owning predecessors. In the 60s, American liberals
began yanking that millstone while sticking a fork in the eye of black
Americans, exacerbating the racial divide to extort a socialist solution.
But if a black man can become President, exactly what
significant barrier is left? The election of Barak Obama
absolutely destroys the entire validation of liberal white
guilt. The dragon is hereby slain.
So today, I'm feeling a little "uppity," if you will. From this day forward,
my tolerance level for having my skin color hustled is now
exactly ZERO. And it's time to clean house. No more Reverend
Wright's "God Damn America," Al Sharpton's Church of Perpetual
Victimization, or Jesse Jackson's rainbow racism. Cornell West?
You're a fraud. Go home. All those "black studies" programs that
taught kids to hate whitey? You must now thank Whitey. And I
want that on the final.
Congressional Black Caucus? Irrelevant. Maxine Waters? Shut up.
ACORN? Outlawed. Black Panthers? Go home and pet your kitty.
Black separatists? Find another nation that offers better
dreams. Go ahead. I'm waiting.
Gangsta rappers? Start praising America. Begin with the Pledge of
Allegiance. And please.no more ebonics. Speak English, and who
knows where you might end up? Oh, yeah.pull up your pants. Your
underwear is showing. You look stupid.
To those Eurosnots who forged entire careers hating America? I'm still
waiting for the first black French President.
And let me offer an equal opportunity whupping. I've always
despised lazy white people. Now, I can talk smack about lazy
black people. You're poor because you quit school, did drugs,
had three kids with three different fathers, and refuse to work.
So when you plop your Colt 45-swilling, Oprah watchin' butt on
the couch and complain "Da Man is keepin' me down," allow me to
inform you: Da Man is now black. You have no excuses.
No more quotas. No more handouts. No more stealing my money because
someone's great-great-great-great grandparents suffered actual pain and
misery at the hands of people I have no relation to, and personally revile.
It's time to toss that massive, obsolete race-hustle machine upon the heap
of the other stupid 60s ideas. Drag it over there, by wife
swapping, next to dope-smoking. Plenty of room right between
free love and cop-killing.
Careful.don't trip on streaking. There ya go, don't be gentle.
Just dump it.
Wash your hands. It's filthy.
In fact, Obama's ascension created a gargantuan irony. How can you sell
class envy and American unfairness when you and your black wife
went to Ivy League schools, got high-paying jobs, became
millionaires, bought a mansion, and got elected President? How
unfair is that??? Now, Like a delicious O'Henry tale, Obama's
spread-the-wealth campaign rendered itself moot by it's own
victory! America is officially a meritocracy. Obama's election
has validated American conservatism!
So, listen carefully.Wham!!!
That's the sound of my foot kicking the door shut on the era of white guilt.
The rites have been muttered, the carcass lowered, dirt shoveled, and
tombstone erected. White guilt is dead and buried.
However, despite my glee, there's apparently one small, rabid bastion of
American racism remaining. Black Americans voted 96% for Barak Obama. Hmmm.
In a color-blind world, shouldn't that be 50-50? Tonight, every
black person should ask forgiveness for their apparent racism
and prejudice towards white people. Maybe it's time to start
spreading the guilt around.
I may have made the 'mistake' of showing this to a co-worker. His first response was to call me a racist and suggest only racists would take or support such views as this. As a retort, I suggested he start the "White College Fund" and see how long it is before he gets slapped with a variety of lawsuits for discrimination. "If that is too frontal for you, have your college going son apply for aid from that other fair and reasonable group, The Negro College Fund, and see what they have to say about his application.
Obama won the election. He may not be 'my' president, but is 'our' president. As such, it is up to him to actively destroy the age long uses and abuses that have created a society which would permit such an environment that Mr. Adkin's comments were generated from.
Now, let's all hold our breaths as we wait for that to happen!
11.11.08
Answering Questions on my Ideals to help someone with a homework assignment
A colleague's wife is attending college and studying to be a counselor. Here are some of her questions, and my answers regarding a pagan/wiccan/witch meetup she went to.
Do you, as a Universalist , believe that gemstones and crystals have healing or magical properties?
1) As a Universalist, I not believe that gemstones or crystals have magical properties. I do, however, think that if a person believes, and truly believes, that a specific crystal or gemstone will help them in some way, then it will. Placebos are a strong and scientifically proven example of this idea. Another example would be that I carry a silver dollar coin with me, most everywhere I go. It is a personal ‘talisman’ (wrong word, but closest idea), that could be considered parallel to ‘worry stones’ our forebears may have carried with them. When I’m highly stressed about something, I find the anchor of that silver dollar and the memories of the grandfather that gave it to me, comforting. Does the coin, itself, have any magickal properties? No, of course not, but the memories attached to it, represent strength and calm within the tempest.
There was discussion of what could be labeled as cleansing of demonic spirits with crystal wands. My understanding is that there are no purely evil or good entities in the Pagan, Witch world. Maybe Wiccan? I guess I am not understanding then the black and white issue of positive and negative energies? Why is it not just energy that you can do with as you will?
1) Energy is Energy. It is the intended use of that energy that colors it. That is the ideal I follow. Generally speaking, energy is neutral and has no color. However, I also strong disagree about their comments on truly evil persons or intents. There are ‘Black Witches’ the same as there are ‘White Witches’. Neither need be a follower of Satan to have earned the title of Witch. The Black and White comes from different elements of their ideologies. The Wiccan Rede we have discussed, previously. Not all Wiccans, Witches or Pagans follow such creeds to govern behavior.
There was much discussion of psychic energy and the ability to do astral flying and scrying with mirrors. There was much comment that half of the group was fearful of some of these practices. What are your thoughts? Also half confirmed that these are often used in their craft.
1) Astral Projection or Mirror Scrying are things I have not personally experienced. I ‘like’ the idea of the projection. And Knowing where a person or thing is, would be handy to have, as well. But beyond that, I would have to consider the source and wonder if they were ‘dreaming’ of the Astral Projection and their subconscious took them where they wanted to go. I also have the idea that for either of those to be ‘practiced’ with any kind of reliable, repeatable frequency would take an extremely disciplined mind and body.
a. Now imagine if you will, that while having this out of body experience, that the body got up and went sleep walking into another room. As an astral projection, could us use a mirror to locate your body?
b. Yes, a poor attempt at humor, but still a valid question to ask oneself.
c. There once was a time when I sincerely wanted such ability as astral projection. I was in prison, at the time. The limitations and confines of the prison environment were brutal and disturbing. Instead of projection, I dreamed and imagined my way out of those walls. I took to reading sci fi and fantasy books with a fervor I did not have, previously. Were those mental fantasies projections? I don’t know. I do not consider them as such.
It was lectured that if you take something from the earth, then you absolutely should give something back … even in the form of blood or spit. I am curious about this. How is spitting a benefit to the earth?
1) OK, I find part of that annoying, not because you asked it, but because people claim to be both, Christian and Pagan. To follow the Christian faith is to denounce the availability of magic to persons. "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." (Exo. 22:18) puts it rather clearly what the Christian ideology is supposed to be. At this time, the only way I know of ‘working through this hurt’ is to continue doing what we do. Personally, I tend to keep my ideals away from my family. Because of their beliefs, I am wrong and a sinner and … and … and so on. This is the ‘persecution’ that keeps me only half open with others.
A Magical Counselor could mean two things to me:
1) Groups like that only work when there are three things present
a. A strong, fair leader who does not lead the group for their own sake, but for the growth of the group.
b. Members who are there to learn and to share, but are willing to accept that others have differing opinions and will walk different paths.
c. And everyone needs to keep in mind that a difference of opinion or practice or methods is part of what makes the group dynamic. To share such differences is NOT a personal attack.
There was much talk of magical items and that the items chooses you. What is your take on this?
1) In the first Harry Potter movie, Harry was taken to a store to get a wand. The same idea was made there. The wands just were not working for Harry. Then a ‘special’ wand given to him to try and all was right with the world after that. Do I believe this is the case? No. But others do. That is their right to believe as they will. I do know that there are certain ‘things’ that just don’t work well, together. Many, if not most, of the ‘tools’ used should be in parallel with the path a person walks or the tradition they have chosen to follow. Some churches do communion with grape juice. Other do it more traditionally with wine. Christ gave communion with wine as a symbol of his blood. That is all those tools are, symbols. There are a few, such as the candles that I use, that are tools. For me the burning candle is just a focus for my concentration during meditation
Regarding magical names, what is the reason some members have a magical name and many do not?
1) Magical names have often been used for witches to hide their mundane identities from others. Much the same as the old recipe and spell books had ‘eye of newt’ and other ingredients listed by odd names. For others it is a childish and immature way of seeking attention and being different. For others the magickal name is a real thing that identifies their personality. To some, like the Native American Indians, a name is an identifier of who you are, based upon your actions, your presence, or your attitude/personality. “Walking Bear” is the name of an Indian I know. This name was given to him by his grand father at a rite of passage into manhood. The name was given to him, because of his size, his strength and his presence. Whenever he came into a room, it sometimes felt as if the very light changed. But, for me, I am also known as Pagan Blacksmith. There are many Daniels in this world. Pagan Blacksmith is a handle I use online much more than in person. I will identify myself as such, when introductions are being made, just so persons can connect online interactions with the physical person.
As a Pagan of likely different views than many of the members, what would make you feel comfortable in this setting?
1) Adults. As I listed above, and wanted to warn you about, many of the people in these groups are childish and immature. The group is their own little dominion over others. This bastardizes the very reason for having or leading such a group. Then there are twerps like the druid that kissed you and then would not leave you alone. I would like to meet with a group of others, informally, to share and discuss. Not ridiculed and taught.
I want to say again that I have connected with many different kinds of communities and populations. While I always disagree with some philosophy said by any community or group, I also always respect it. Not only this, but I always find I am better off for having the experience. The experience last night was one I am glad to have had ….. It was unique, interesting, and allowed me to see Pagan and Witches in a refreshing way.
I like the fact that you have a simple philosophy when it comes to differences. Learn, respect, absorb what is relevant for you, and not cast judgment on the rest. Above, it may seem that I am passing judgment, particularly in regards to the presence of children at events. It is not that I wish to pass judgment, but I know that the people around us will. DHS could be very interested in the actions of persons at these events. All it takes is one complaint, and children can and have been taken from homes where parents were deemed unfit because of differences of beliefs and an unwillingness to be flexible.
On another note, there are some persons with the community that are kind of vampyric on ‘energies’. To explain, let me ask this: Have you ever met someone that made you feel tired or depressed? And you don’t really know them? Or you shake hands during an introduction only to feel the hairs on your arm and the back of your neck raise in alarm, yet you have no reason for such? I have heard this explained in different ways. Keep in mind, it is not what you or I believe, it is what the other person believes that will determine their behavior.
1) Some people will feed off of your energies, your ‘good vibes’. They may come in just sorta blah, and by the time they leave, YOU are blah, and they are bouncing off the walls. Some do this intentionally, and many will try to continue this with physical touch. There are only two ways I know of to keep this from happening. The first is to not let it happen. Refuse to become engaged with the person. Secondly, trust your instincts. Some people in these groups call instincts an insight or a craft given skill to foretell the future.
2) Avoid personal contact that is not welcomed or invited. The offering of a hand during introductions, or greetings is considered welcome or invited. The idea being, that when meeting someone new, a person tends to ‘put up shields’. This should be sufficient to keep non-sympathetic personal energies from colliding and ‘infecting’ the other. Much the same as when you go to a party only to find it is more like a funeral. You don’t let the dark mood effect you, yet, you may try to lighten the over all mood, by starting a game, or a light hearted conversation. And above all else, do NOT let a person invade your personal space without at least a warning or request they keep their distance. An absence of rebuke is a granting of permission and invitation to repeat.
These are my opinions, only. So don't go getting your bonnet filled with bees. Everyone is welcome to their own opinions and thoughts. At least it is that way, today. 6 months from now, well, we will just have to wait and see.
Do you, as a Universalist , believe that gemstones and crystals have healing or magical properties?
1) As a Universalist, I not believe that gemstones or crystals have magical properties. I do, however, think that if a person believes, and truly believes, that a specific crystal or gemstone will help them in some way, then it will. Placebos are a strong and scientifically proven example of this idea. Another example would be that I carry a silver dollar coin with me, most everywhere I go. It is a personal ‘talisman’ (wrong word, but closest idea), that could be considered parallel to ‘worry stones’ our forebears may have carried with them. When I’m highly stressed about something, I find the anchor of that silver dollar and the memories of the grandfather that gave it to me, comforting. Does the coin, itself, have any magickal properties? No, of course not, but the memories attached to it, represent strength and calm within the tempest.
There was discussion of what could be labeled as cleansing of demonic spirits with crystal wands. My understanding is that there are no purely evil or good entities in the Pagan, Witch world. Maybe Wiccan? I guess I am not understanding then the black and white issue of positive and negative energies? Why is it not just energy that you can do with as you will?
1) Energy is Energy. It is the intended use of that energy that colors it. That is the ideal I follow. Generally speaking, energy is neutral and has no color. However, I also strong disagree about their comments on truly evil persons or intents. There are ‘Black Witches’ the same as there are ‘White Witches’. Neither need be a follower of Satan to have earned the title of Witch. The Black and White comes from different elements of their ideologies. The Wiccan Rede we have discussed, previously. Not all Wiccans, Witches or Pagans follow such creeds to govern behavior.
There was much discussion of psychic energy and the ability to do astral flying and scrying with mirrors. There was much comment that half of the group was fearful of some of these practices. What are your thoughts? Also half confirmed that these are often used in their craft.
1) Astral Projection or Mirror Scrying are things I have not personally experienced. I ‘like’ the idea of the projection. And Knowing where a person or thing is, would be handy to have, as well. But beyond that, I would have to consider the source and wonder if they were ‘dreaming’ of the Astral Projection and their subconscious took them where they wanted to go. I also have the idea that for either of those to be ‘practiced’ with any kind of reliable, repeatable frequency would take an extremely disciplined mind and body.
a. Now imagine if you will, that while having this out of body experience, that the body got up and went sleep walking into another room. As an astral projection, could us use a mirror to locate your body?
b. Yes, a poor attempt at humor, but still a valid question to ask oneself.
c. There once was a time when I sincerely wanted such ability as astral projection. I was in prison, at the time. The limitations and confines of the prison environment were brutal and disturbing. Instead of projection, I dreamed and imagined my way out of those walls. I took to reading sci fi and fantasy books with a fervor I did not have, previously. Were those mental fantasies projections? I don’t know. I do not consider them as such.
It was lectured that if you take something from the earth, then you absolutely should give something back … even in the form of blood or spit. I am curious about this. How is spitting a benefit to the earth?
1) OK, I find part of that annoying, not because you asked it, but because people claim to be both, Christian and Pagan. To follow the Christian faith is to denounce the availability of magic to persons. "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." (Exo. 22:18) puts it rather clearly what the Christian ideology is supposed to be. At this time, the only way I know of ‘working through this hurt’ is to continue doing what we do. Personally, I tend to keep my ideals away from my family. Because of their beliefs, I am wrong and a sinner and … and … and so on. This is the ‘persecution’ that keeps me only half open with others.
A Magical Counselor could mean two things to me:
- A counselor/psychologist (or similar) that is a practitioner or at least sympathetic supporter.
- A person with more ‘magickal’ experience who aids a person on their path. An acolyte to adept.
1) Groups like that only work when there are three things present
a. A strong, fair leader who does not lead the group for their own sake, but for the growth of the group.
b. Members who are there to learn and to share, but are willing to accept that others have differing opinions and will walk different paths.
c. And everyone needs to keep in mind that a difference of opinion or practice or methods is part of what makes the group dynamic. To share such differences is NOT a personal attack.
There was much talk of magical items and that the items chooses you. What is your take on this?
1) In the first Harry Potter movie, Harry was taken to a store to get a wand. The same idea was made there. The wands just were not working for Harry. Then a ‘special’ wand given to him to try and all was right with the world after that. Do I believe this is the case? No. But others do. That is their right to believe as they will. I do know that there are certain ‘things’ that just don’t work well, together. Many, if not most, of the ‘tools’ used should be in parallel with the path a person walks or the tradition they have chosen to follow. Some churches do communion with grape juice. Other do it more traditionally with wine. Christ gave communion with wine as a symbol of his blood. That is all those tools are, symbols. There are a few, such as the candles that I use, that are tools. For me the burning candle is just a focus for my concentration during meditation
Regarding magical names, what is the reason some members have a magical name and many do not?
1) Magical names have often been used for witches to hide their mundane identities from others. Much the same as the old recipe and spell books had ‘eye of newt’ and other ingredients listed by odd names. For others it is a childish and immature way of seeking attention and being different. For others the magickal name is a real thing that identifies their personality. To some, like the Native American Indians, a name is an identifier of who you are, based upon your actions, your presence, or your attitude/personality. “Walking Bear” is the name of an Indian I know. This name was given to him by his grand father at a rite of passage into manhood. The name was given to him, because of his size, his strength and his presence. Whenever he came into a room, it sometimes felt as if the very light changed. But, for me, I am also known as Pagan Blacksmith. There are many Daniels in this world. Pagan Blacksmith is a handle I use online much more than in person. I will identify myself as such, when introductions are being made, just so persons can connect online interactions with the physical person.
As a Pagan of likely different views than many of the members, what would make you feel comfortable in this setting?
1) Adults. As I listed above, and wanted to warn you about, many of the people in these groups are childish and immature. The group is their own little dominion over others. This bastardizes the very reason for having or leading such a group. Then there are twerps like the druid that kissed you and then would not leave you alone. I would like to meet with a group of others, informally, to share and discuss. Not ridiculed and taught.
I want to say again that I have connected with many different kinds of communities and populations. While I always disagree with some philosophy said by any community or group, I also always respect it. Not only this, but I always find I am better off for having the experience. The experience last night was one I am glad to have had ….. It was unique, interesting, and allowed me to see Pagan and Witches in a refreshing way.
I like the fact that you have a simple philosophy when it comes to differences. Learn, respect, absorb what is relevant for you, and not cast judgment on the rest. Above, it may seem that I am passing judgment, particularly in regards to the presence of children at events. It is not that I wish to pass judgment, but I know that the people around us will. DHS could be very interested in the actions of persons at these events. All it takes is one complaint, and children can and have been taken from homes where parents were deemed unfit because of differences of beliefs and an unwillingness to be flexible.
On another note, there are some persons with the community that are kind of vampyric on ‘energies’. To explain, let me ask this: Have you ever met someone that made you feel tired or depressed? And you don’t really know them? Or you shake hands during an introduction only to feel the hairs on your arm and the back of your neck raise in alarm, yet you have no reason for such? I have heard this explained in different ways. Keep in mind, it is not what you or I believe, it is what the other person believes that will determine their behavior.
1) Some people will feed off of your energies, your ‘good vibes’. They may come in just sorta blah, and by the time they leave, YOU are blah, and they are bouncing off the walls. Some do this intentionally, and many will try to continue this with physical touch. There are only two ways I know of to keep this from happening. The first is to not let it happen. Refuse to become engaged with the person. Secondly, trust your instincts. Some people in these groups call instincts an insight or a craft given skill to foretell the future.
2) Avoid personal contact that is not welcomed or invited. The offering of a hand during introductions, or greetings is considered welcome or invited. The idea being, that when meeting someone new, a person tends to ‘put up shields’. This should be sufficient to keep non-sympathetic personal energies from colliding and ‘infecting’ the other. Much the same as when you go to a party only to find it is more like a funeral. You don’t let the dark mood effect you, yet, you may try to lighten the over all mood, by starting a game, or a light hearted conversation. And above all else, do NOT let a person invade your personal space without at least a warning or request they keep their distance. An absence of rebuke is a granting of permission and invitation to repeat.
These are my opinions, only. So don't go getting your bonnet filled with bees. Everyone is welcome to their own opinions and thoughts. At least it is that way, today. 6 months from now, well, we will just have to wait and see.
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