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Forum Post: Friends Have Asked Me Back And So, With Your Indulgence, I Will Have My Say

Posted 12 years ago on Feb. 7, 2012, 5:53 a.m. EST by GypsyKing (8708)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement

I would like to thank those friends who asked me to remain a contributer here; you know who you are, and so again I say thank you.

I have been going through a period of soul-searching and have found that all I really have to further contribute here is a bit of what I have learned in a precarious half-century on this strange, spinning earth.

There is a passage in The Bible which says: "I returned and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all."

This seems most clearly to reflect my expierence of life, and I believe it accounts for much of human conflict. We live very different lives here based, no matter what many people may say, mostly upon fate - upon random chance. The things we often take most pride in are the result of nothing more than simple fate: our looks, our intelligence, our social position and so forth, and yet these are among the primary things that come to make up our identity.

We see the world from our own particular point of view, and with time this vantage point hardens until it becomes difficult to impossible to see the world from the perspective of others, and this essential myopia gives us the impression that our unique point of view is right. This sense of disconnection, and untimately of alienation is mostly, I think, responsible for conflict.

Yet there is a deeper truth here, a deeper reality that sees all life as interconnected and mutually responsible. That was the understanding Einstein was pointing towards when he said . . . "nuclear weapons have changed everything but the way people think."

I believe it is no longer possible for us to see life primarily from the viewpoint of the single individual: that is, that to live in a way that brings any real happiness and satisfaction, or to even simply save ourselves and life on this planet from destruction, given the terribly perilous state we are now in, what is called for is nothing less than a change in our perspective regarding the fundamental meaning, the essential nature, and the value of the life expierence.

One of the contributors here whom I most respect told me he thought I was fixated on non-violence, and that in a grass roots, bottom-up, rather than top-down structure, with no leaders, who is there to "enforce" such a commitment anyway?

Of course he is right. There is no one but us. But in the final anaysis you see, there is no one but us. That is the fundamental truth that we must at last face. No one will save us, but us. It starts and ends with us - each of us as individuals must become aware of and act on the collective good.

That represents nothing less than a sea change of consciousness, but it is our only hope.

And so when I said that I will only remain part of this movement if it is commited to non-violence, what I am really saying is that I will only be committed to this movement as long as it represents hope - our only hope being a recognition of transcendent being as a basis for wisdom and moral behavior, and a recongnition of the interconnectedness of life.

In other words, for this revolution to work, it cannot be like the revolutions of the past, and so the squabbles of those revolutionaries are no longer relevent.

The truth is that there is now an accumulation of thought through the ages that really can begin to answer the questions worth asking: questions like "What is the meaning of life?" Questions like, "Is there a transcendent soul?"

Humanity is on the cusp of vast spiritual realization, but first we must answer the question of whether we care enough about existance, under present circumstances, to go forward and grasp those answers.

Living each waking day under the pain and uncertainty of mass self-dellusion we may very well answer that question in the negative. But if we shift our perception just a fraction, say to the left, suddenly an entirely new vista opens before us, and we realize that we were never lost in the first place, that in fact we are found. Yet to do this we must allow our egos to fall away, and the ego is nothing less than the identity we have founded through dillusion.

This is not metaphysical speculation. It is hard reality. It is the ancient choice, and we all know it. It was what Jesus asked of us, and we answered him by nailing him to the cross. We can no longer run from the question, there is nowhere left to run.

Well, I have had my say, and I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to say it. I wish all of you the best in this journey be the outcome what it may, and I feel I have made friends here whom I may someday get to know if real life, even a few of the "trolls" who are also just struggling through this perilous valley with the rest of us, the best that they know how.

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100 Comments


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[-] 6 points by Underdog (2971) from Clermont, FL 12 years ago

That is one of the most beautiful, elegantly-worded, and thoughtful expressions of intelligence I have had the pleasure of reading in a very, very long time. I so much wish you would continue the sojourn, but also realize that a person must follow their conscience in life. It is the only rudder we have to steer our ship of Truth through the perilous waters of life.

Take care and good luck.

[-] 2 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

Thank you, and the same to you:)

[-] 1 points by shadz66 (19985) 12 years ago

GK : Very Nice 'forum-post, mate.

You appear to me to be a 'spiritually shifted up' person and I find your forum-post rather moving. Thus, for you and others & in celebration of The Human Spirit, a tune : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUzLQ8xOa9Q ;-)

pax, amor et lux ...

[-] 2 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

We need more like you here, shadz! When I talk about non-violence , I don't mean we shouldn't be angry; we should be angry - very angry! It's called riteous-indignation, and there hasn't been enough of that lately, not nearly enough!!!

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[-] 5 points by therising (6643) 12 years ago

Great post. Beautifully said. The line "But if we shift our perception just a fraction, say to the left, suddenly an entirely new vista opens before us" is a great reminder that hope is very much alive. It is always darkest before the dawn and it is always possible for us to shift our perception in an instant. Like tumblers in a lock clicking into place, all of the chaos can give way to understanding as soon as we enter the flow. Fear drops, the ego drops and all that is left is awareness, kindness and wisdom. Here's to that and here's to you for helping to stoke that fire, that spirit of understanding in us. Your reminders make a difference and awaken that dormant wisdom that is thankfully our birthright.

Cheers and welcome back!

"Connect. Only connect." - Henry James

"They saw the light in the eyes, the only light there is in this world. And it is always there waiting to be found." - James Baldwin

"As it was in the beginning. Totally real. One love. One heart. Let's get together and feel alright." - Bob Marley

[-] 5 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

Thanks. This is what I believe, and so I am still holding out for a commitall to non-violence. But as my friend shadz66 said to me, "Who is there to enforce such a commitment anyway?"

Well, that got me to thinking. I guess it's up to all of us.

[-] 3 points by therising (6643) 12 years ago

I think you're exactly right.

[-] 2 points by LetsGetReal (1420) from Grants, NM 12 years ago

I copied this from a commenter on Chris Hedges article about the Black Bloc cancer. It is one of the few specific ideas I've heard:

"By IMTreble, February 6 at 10:46 pm Link to this comment (Unregistered commenter)

Oh please! I live in San Francisco and have been involved in, or organized, many protests and demonstrations in the city since the 80’s. These “black bloc” anarchists have been showing up at nearly every protest and demonstration for years now. I call them anarchists because that is what THEY call themselves, or they always have. SFPD got wise to their shenanigans and started marginalizing them by forming a ring around them. I saw this at one demonstration and at first I started to protest the police limiting protestors, then I saw who they had surrounded. I then heard a cop tell the Black Bloc punks “you can protest all you want, from within this circle”. After a good bit of time two of these punks start pleading with the cop in charge to let them go because they have an important test they have to study for. Whining like the weak little brats they are. They managed to destroy many protests and demonstrations on very important issues because, of course, the media focused on the broken windows and crap leaving the real message unreported. Now they are trying to destroy Occupy. I say we do as the cops did and marginalize them! When you see them show up surround them and make it clear they are welcome to join Occupy but the violence and stupid ignorant behavior is not going to be tollerated. I’m tempted to bring some of my real biker felon buddies to show these children what violence for the sake of violence truly is. Just for lulz….."

[-] 1 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

This is purely juvenile. Letting the air out of police vans? Come on, this is simply an embarassment to us. These guys need to grow up. We need to face global problems here with the best minds and the best solutions we can find.

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[-] 0 points by LetsGetReal (1420) from Grants, NM 12 years ago

We could take spray bottles filled with water so we can put out the flames if anyone tries to burn a flag.

[-] 3 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

This whole burning the flag thing I am POSITIVE is the action of a paid provocatur. This movement has bent over backwards to show it's patriotic stance, and to carry the flag proudly, not to burn it. This is just standard opperating procedure for the establishment, to charactorize any left-wing movement as unpatriotic, while it is they who spit on the real values of our democracy.

[-] 2 points by therising (6643) 12 years ago

Well said

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[-] 4 points by GirlFriday (17435) 12 years ago

GYPSY!!! Welcome back!!!

Of course he is right. There is no one but us. But in the final anaysis you see, there is no one but us. That is the fundamental truth that we must at last face. No one will save us, but us. It starts and ends with us - each of us as individuals must become aware of and act on the collective good.


That shadz66 cat is very alright. :D

[-] 6 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

What can I say? Your tenacity is an inspiration! Ditto for therising, beautifulworld, shaz66, tiouise, ARod, shooz, Zendog and so many other stalwarts here. I really must think that all our efforts are having a real effect in raising consciousness.

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[-] 4 points by JesseHeffran (3903) 12 years ago

Your words are inspirational and give me a lot to think about. I hope to be as enlightened as you are when I reach my fifth decade on the spinning rock. Hope to hear more from you in the future. peace to you!

[-] 5 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

It is not so unrealistic to think that we can live together as one human family. Families are, of course, crazy, but they do often hang together! Thanks.

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[-] 3 points by epa1nter (4650) from Rutherford, NJ 12 years ago

Welcome back, GK!

Your post is not only wonderful - clear sighted, comprehensive, heart felt, and beautifully articulated - it is also a stark warning about what is at stake.

I really hope the GAs around the country read it and take it to heart. Not only is OWS in peril, if it is not heeded, but the momentum for all positive change can evaporate. I became truly excited by OWS from the beginning, not because of OWS, but because it was the first time in a long, long time I saw real issues gaining traction in the national dialogue, real change becoming possible again.

I don't care one whit about OWS per se. But I care deeply about the need for this nation - for all of us, as you said - and the system itself to change. And that makes OWS critically important, since is has become the de facto torch-bearer of change. If discredited, not only will it go down, but the possibility of change for everyone else - systemic change - will diminish. I doubt OWS foresaw itself at the outset as the carrier of such an enormous responsibility. But it has become just that, and must, for the sake of everyone, not simply the movement, step up to that responsibility.

Although the violence has so far been extremely minimal, and exaggerated out of all proportion by those factions of the media intent to destroy it, or simply get ratings,, an iron discipline must be adopted by the movement and strongly, publicly, unequivocally renounce ALL violence once and for all.

Again, welcome back GK.. Please feel better.

[-] 3 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

Great comment! I agree that OWS probably never really saw itself as the carrier of this responsibility. But now we have it, whether we like it or not. The hopes of humanity are now pinned on this movement. This is truely the case. Think of that. What has ever been more important than what we are trying to do here?

We must rise to the occasion, even though we all know we are flawed, that we are only human.

But the really amazing thing is, when you think about it, that humanity is in the uniquely position to shape our own reality; that the simple effort to change can, literally, shape our world. That is a fascinating existential phenomenon, filled with as many possibilities of hope as despair. We have risen to great heights before. So let us raise that tattered old banner of freedom and spiritual aspiration from the dust and hold it high once again. It is the only thing in life worth doing, because it elevates us to be the noble being that at heart we are, and that we want to be; the being worthy of self-respect. That is the only thing in life that matters, because without self-respect life is not worth living.

[-] 1 points by Listof40 (233) 12 years ago

Yes, it is very important that ows is a non-violent movement...

It can be frustrating when those trying to make a difference are pushed around and mistreated as well... and that frustration and resulting confusion can cause problems...

It is also important for our discussion to help them by showing clear support and positive engagement... this should not be appeasement toward questionable negativity however... is unfair to not call a spade a spade, which can be frustrating and disheartening too... there are many disruptive and unhelpful elements that we should recognize and somehow engage, but with positive methods... and if we can pull together, we can set an example... to move past and overcome this...

Sometimes forum subjects can be better addressed if there was a way we focus on just one or a few at a time... then it is not so much a mad scramble... not sure how this would work though...

But you are right that non-violence is where we want society to be, and should be the focus, healthy expression and interaction, even with those we disagree with...

I think some of the methods being used to disrupt the movement should not be overlooked... attempts by the media to paint it negatively, negativity on forums... how protest is organized can also affect things as well...

Each of us is important in this, and working together is what can make the biggest difference...

[-] 1 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

Agreed with all of this! Thanks!

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[-] 0 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

Who would have thought that something so grand could have been started by a bunch of kids sleeping in a park? They will always have my undying respect and appreciation.

[-] 2 points by Phanya2011 (908) from Tucson, AZ 12 years ago

Are you familiar with Eckhard Tolle? A New Earth is worth reading, as is the Power of Now. Once we recognize our ego-driven behavior, we can change it; once we understand that the only time we can actually do anything is in the present moment, we can stop wasting our precious, powerful personal energy on the past or the future (regret/worry) and start making changes right now. All of the posters on this stream are names I have seen and all of you seem to be willing to accept what we cannot change and focus on things we can. Do any of you have a group that is working together on specific plans?

[-] 2 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

No, I think this is something that must just "happen." An idea, or understanding that opens our minds collectively to new possibilities. Of course, eventually, we need enlightened leadership, and leaders, being most vested in the current paradigm, are the the last people to seek change. They will though, if we do because we, collectively, can make them irrelevent.

[-] 2 points by Phanya2011 (908) from Tucson, AZ 12 years ago

I highly recommend reading A New Earth and A Power of Now because each of them helps us understand how we behave, why we behave that way, and ways to change for the better. Everything starts with the individual, as does Eckhard.

[-] 2 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

Thank you! Marianne Williamson is also very worth reading

[-] 2 points by Phanya2011 (908) from Tucson, AZ 12 years ago

I checked her website, thanks. It is promising to realize how much more is being taught about enlightenment, spirituality and love than just 30 years ago. Different spokes on a wheel, all leading to the center from a different perspective. As recently as 2000, I was talking to a friend, and when I talked about living from a place of love, I actually dropped my voice for fear of being overheard using the word "love" ... I realized what I had done immediately and expressed my chagrin at being ashamed of using the word love! Now it's everywhere ... yea!

[-] 1 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

Yea!

[-] 0 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

...as GK pointed out, this is about HOPE too.

[-] 2 points by JadedGem (895) 12 years ago

I just stopped in to say hi, good to see you back. There is so much people could be doing right from home with the limited resources they have to encourage change. You don't need violence, just educated shoppers. To the .01% the people are just little consumers that have basic needs to exploit and profit off of. OWS is loosing the support of people who are so caught up in ownership and protecting their right to be taxed on the supposed ownership that they can't even comprehend the needs for public lands and resources. The general public needs to learn how to fight corporate greed in every way they possibly can with every dollar that passes threw their hands. Creative ways to survive and give the rich the finger as often as humanly possible need to be developed and marketed to the people. OWS is a movement, its loud and visible but I want to wage different kind of war all together. I may have similar goals and objectives and be angry about all the same things, but OWS's methods are not my methods. When I see the parks, I see consumers consuming even as they rally. I need to see someone capable of waging an economic war and making corporations bow and scrap to the people to survive instead of the other way around. There it is. That's why I haven't been around. I've been playing with Ubuntu and reading about Blender and free software. OWS is doing its own thing, I'm doing my own thing too.

[-] 4 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

I don't think we can really know what will be the tipping point - the catalist for a new enlightenment, as so it seems we must each just do whatever we can, in our own way, and keep the faith:)

[-] 3 points by Phanya2011 (908) from Tucson, AZ 12 years ago

This discussion is truly encouraging. You have nailed it on the head: as one individual changes his/her perception, the behavior also changes, which engenders change in the way others respond to him/her. A web of non-violent, caring people, spreading throughout the world and changing it. I like that picture. (We need a new pronoun)

[-] 2 points by therising (6643) 12 years ago

Yes, a virtuous cycle. I like that point of view. Thanks for helping us think about the world and progress in new terms.

[-] 1 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

This is exactly what is needed. This is what all of our great leaders throughout time have advocated. We must now, finally, hear them.

[-] 1 points by 666isMONEY (348) 12 years ago

Tipping point(s) will be Peak Oil, Global Warming, the funny-money scams. The Sheeple are woefully ignorant (ignorance is bliss), I have little hope for change until things get much worse. Many famous ppl believed in eliminating money but nearly everyone laughs at us: http://666ismoney.com/MoneyQuotes.html

[+] -4 points by skylar (-441) 12 years ago

how will the global warming scam be a tipping point?

[-] 3 points by 666isMONEY (348) 12 years ago

U, skylar are one of the reasons i'm so hopeless. http://666ismoney.com/NewFolder/GlobalWarming.html

[-] 2 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

Don't let it bother you. Nobodies really fooled by this stuff except the T.P. crowd.

[-] -3 points by skylar (-441) 12 years ago

your hopelessness is of your own making.

[-] 2 points by JesseHeffran (3903) 12 years ago

I believe that the right wing spin factory has been lying for so long that their constituency will never believe anything that the left or anyone other that their handlers tell them to believe. I believe that any layman who definitively believes one way or the other when it comes to Climate Change, is the biggest idiot on the face of the earth. What makes you king shit in knowing what is spin and what is truth? Did you take the time to research all the data? or did one of your drinking buddies convince you that anything that comes out of the mouth of a leftie is automatically a lie.

[+] -5 points by skylar (-441) 12 years ago

sorry dear, there is no man made global warming. it's a scam. if you buy into it, too bad for you.

[-] 2 points by JesseHeffran (3903) 12 years ago

Where is your proof? Did you have a vision? Did God come down from his plush cloud and prophisize to your benevolency? You ever hear about a frog that is put into the pot and the heat is turned up gradually. ribit ribit, froggie. I'd believe a panel of scientists over a silly twit any day of the week, but you could be right, but I'm not taking the chance.

[+] -4 points by skylar (-441) 12 years ago

the dems/ libs love a good mark. as P.T Barnum said "There's a sucker born every minute" You are ows, so perfect together.

[-] 2 points by JesseHeffran (3903) 12 years ago

I'd rather be a mark than a froggie after the fact. And I believe that Republicans love a good mark as well. Don't kid yourself. And if I recall, Barnum was a free market guy. Yeah, those entrepreneurs love the gullible, how else would they rape the federal coffers and keep the idiots rallying for more.

[-] -1 points by skylar (-441) 12 years ago

you decribed the democrats.

[-] 1 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

Why is it that about 20 of these supposedly separate trolls start their comments with the words, "sorry dear?" Are there suddenly a hoard of perverted grandmothers in America, or just one really weird employee of the Koch Brothers pretending to be 20 perverted granmothers?

[-] 2 points by BradB (2693) from Washington, DC 12 years ago

nice !!! ... ;)

[-] 2 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

Thanks:)

[-] 1 points by ComeTogetherNOW (650) 12 years ago

For those who never noticed we live in a world of duality. On one hand we hope for peace and save the planet, on the other, nothing really has changed and we are destroying our planet at a ever alarming rate. If you are not doing something about this accelerating decay of the planet that has sustained human life so far. What could your purpose here possibly be? Really?

Each one of us must face this reality and do something and never stop. Stopping, you MUST answer that QUESTION, why are you here, NOW, reading this, and what are doing to stop the annihilation of our planet.

Once we stop WAR, we may start saving this. But not until.

Good Luck, We doomed, Face Reality. It will be the only thing will save you, or us, or anyone.

PEACE, Love-Love-Love, and then Happiness

[-] 1 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

I have not stopped, I'm just "cogitating" the best way to go forward. There are things I must resolve in my mind now, concerning the great complexity of the task before us, and the best way to proceed.

I know we will finally prevail, but there are many things to be contemplated about how we will reach our goal, and we must all put our best foot forward now, in order to come to this understanding.

[-] 0 points by ComeTogetherNOW (650) 12 years ago

Totally Agree!!! I'm stepping up my own tactics to become more effective. We need to think creatively to keep our issues in the media and keep attention on how the rich will ultimately destroy America if we don't stop their lunacy.


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[-] 1 points by brightonsage (4494) 12 years ago

Not my place to welcome you back, but then it is my place, for me, because there is only us.

Everybody throws around the "the Founders", and "Founding Father's" and what they thought and what they wanted us to do and think etc. They weren't monolithic either, 13 left the convention without signing, 3 refused to sign, ever.

Is is remarkable that we don't all agree? Didn't they have disagreements with what was signed and ratified? Sure they did. Did they have interpretations of the document that were in complete disagreement before the ink was dry? Of course they did and the debate among them continued for months and years. They were human beings. They knew they had to get a document signed or the whole thing would fall apart and they would soon be back under England's thumb or the French.

So, I am not too discouraged by the disagreements. I am frustrated with those who are harassing us to try to prevent consensus from developing. I have seen several serious conversations lately. That gives me hope. We have had some good exchanges, you and I, in the past. I look forward to more. Ignore the trolls and give what time you can. I am listening.

[-] 1 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

Absulutely. We are all human, we are flawed, we will never reach total consensus, but we must do as they did, carry on in spite of all that, because the stakes are just too high to do otherwise.

I wish I had more time, more energy, more courage to devote to this movement, but it is enough, I think, that we all just do what we can, contribute what we are capable of when we are able. In this way ants can move mountains.

[-] 0 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

Thank You so much for all that you do. I know many of you put in long days. I also know that you are very determined, and you are a credit to not only your generation, but to all of us.

[-] 1 points by factsrfun (8310) from Phoenix, AZ 12 years ago

Welcome back gald you decided to return. In "The Phenomenon of Man" Pierre Teilhard de Chardin writes about a shift of consciousness, he refers to an Omega Point, I feel there is some evidence to support this theory.

[-] 2 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

Yes, I do believe it to, I really do, in spite of so much that has gone wrong, so many ways we have fallen short of our own aspirations. It is not entirely our own fault, this falling short of our aspirations. Life is reaaly tough! We have arisen out of the desperate struggle for survival, and our earthly needs push us in the direction of that competitive struggle. Only now, we have the means to change it, we just haven't realized that yet. We are still stuck in outdated ways of thinking.

I really do think we can do this, or I wouldn't be here..

[-] 1 points by factsrfun (8310) from Phoenix, AZ 12 years ago

I am hesitant to speak here in an open forum of all I believe I see in your words. Let me say that reading them gives me pleasure and hope. Life indeed is tough. If I may, and forgive me if I state the obvious, if one can become detached from the outcome you can see the reality more clearly. This may seem an odd position for a “cause” orientated forum. Ok so I don’t have all the answers, I do care about the outcome. This is where some people I guess would call it faith, but somehow I think I do see a path and we will get there, it’s more a question of how much pain along the way.

[-] 0 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

I'm struggling GK in trying to get out of the 'snowbank', and gradually I am getting more and more traction.

[-] 1 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

We are all struggling to get out of a snowbank, and I believe gradually getting more traction. It's still a slippery, dangerous road, but I think we are making headway:)

[-] 1 points by Neuwurldodr (744) 12 years ago

Hear, Hear!!

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23767) 12 years ago

Hey, GK, glad you're back. I'll keep it simple. I'm here for no other reason than the fact that my country is in trouble. The issues are much bigger than me or any of us. 22% of American children live in poverty. 42% of African-American children live in poverty. What other motivation do we need?

We can do much better but only if we put ourselves aside and remember why we are here. Hope you stay this time....

[-] 3 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

We need to understand why things are the way they are, on the deepest level, otherwise we won't be able to fix them. You see, you can give people facts and figures until you are blue in the face, but if you don't understand why people don't want to understand, than you can never change anything.

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23767) 12 years ago

That is why we're here digging into the issues, isn't it? The more good folks we have the better.

[-] 4 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

I agree. I have to admit that my circumstances in life, and my physical health are a hinderance at times to putting in as much effort here as I would like. That's sad to me, because the success of this movement is the most important thing any of us will ever contribute to. That is why I have so much appreciated your contribution here, and that of so many others.

My belief in non-violence is something I take very seriously, because I think it is simply inextricable from what we are trying to accomplish.

Finally, I have no dellusions that this movement cannot go on without my contribution.

[-] 1 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

Welcome back. Your contributions to this forum are invaluable. My physical health and my prognosis, while a lot worse three years ago, has improved greatly, mostly because of the efforts of my kids who convinced me finally to make the life-style changes I needed to make. They refused to let me give up on myself. It's called LOVE, although at the time, I called them 'pains in the butts'. My Scandinavian trait of being hard-headed just had to be redirected in the right direction, and it all began with baby steps.

So Gk, I am going to make you a deal....continue trying to steer the OWS ship in what I believe is in the right direction through your invaluable posts. In turn, I will continue to try to convince the people I have met in NYC to stay on the course of non-violent civil disobedience...and in my once a week trips to NYC in which I fully expect to get arrested for peaceful civil disobedience at some point....I will try my best to remember to sneak a little gk on my arrest warrant. Deal??

You stole my maritime metaphor, 'sea change'...not happy about that...what's next...groundswell...batten down...charting a new course...? ...heee

[-] 2 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

Thank you so much. Yes, we have a deal!

[-] 0 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

You said that right, "...the success of this movement is the most important thing that any of us will ever contribute to." It is the 'crown jewel' of anything that I have ever been involved in, and the determination of so many good people to see it succeed is very heartening to me.

[-] 2 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

Damned right! I really think we will win this time. I see the signs of change everywhere. I found a great bumpersticker at a coffee shop today, that summed it up perfectly for me: "The price of apathy is to be ruled by evil men." - Plato

[-] 0 points by beautifulworld (23767) 12 years ago

Just contribute where and when you can, GK! Any help with the cause is worthwhile. And, I'm sorry for your troubles.

[-] 1 points by otets (1) 12 years ago

Great piece. One must go a step further and caution that most of those in US GOVT who claim to be 'the left' are only hijacking 'good will' for the establishment of a BANKOCRACY.

Regan+Bush+Clinton+Bush+Obama = shepherds and guardians unregulated wall street theft from the 99%.

I would advise all to read the whole of Revelations 18 but this bible verse is NOW:

18:23 The light of a lamp will shine no more at all in you. The voice of the bridegroom and of the bride will be heard no more at all in you; for your merchants were the princes of the earth; for with your sorcery all the nations were deceived. In her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on the earth."*

[-] 1 points by otets (1) 12 years ago
  • You, as in Babylon aka 'the BEAST'
  • Merchants, as in politic-bankers peddling toxic financial instruments.
  • Sorcery, as in creating capital out of thin air to ponzi the people
  • Deceived, indeed as it is written "all nations".
  • Blood of prophets and saints NEEDS NO EXPLANATION!
[-] 0 points by Chugwunka (89) from Willows, CA 12 years ago

Shift it to the Left? That's it?

[-] 2 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

Shift it whatever way we need to shift it to see a way out of the blind alley we are in. I am not talking politics, I am talking enlightenment.

[-] 1 points by Chugwunka (89) from Willows, CA 12 years ago

I see. But true Enlightenment is not going to be found in a political movement.

[-] 3 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

I think we must stop comparmentalizing our thinking. Puting politics in one box, religion in another, etc. One problem we have is that our understanding is formed by making distinctions. This is necessary, but if carried too far can lead us into dillusion, because in the end all these distinctions are part of a whole.

[-] 1 points by Chugwunka (89) from Willows, CA 12 years ago

It is true that all delusions of opposites are much of the problem. But most people don't see it that way.

[-] 2 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

Strange quandry, isn't it? In order to understand the world, from the very earliest age we need to make distinctions - hot, cold, sharp, dull, bright, dark. It is how we learn to think. But in maturity we need to learn to see the whole, the interconnectedness of life. That is why the young need the old - and why the old need the young.

[-] 1 points by Chugwunka (89) from Willows, CA 12 years ago

Very true.

[-] 0 points by CampingatKalles (0) 12 years ago

Peace and NO violence. A carnival of love and celebration of the awakening of the human spirit while continuing to call attention to and work on changing the problems we all face. No violence and respect to our fellow humans in our actions and words. We attempt to lead no one just to organize something for everyone. our website will be up soon and you can follow us on twitter at @campingatkalles. Vancouver July and August 2012 exact dates will be decided. http://www.occupywallst.org/forum/camping-at-kalles-july-august-2012-vancouver-or-bu/

[-] 1 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

Hear Hear!!!

[-] 0 points by CampingatKalles (0) 12 years ago

the website will be up soon www.campingatkalles.org email is campingatkalles@gmail.com right now we are looking for photos for the website from all off the Occupy Groups. If you could spread the word we would appreciate any original photos people can send up to use on the site. they should also write that they give us their permission to use the photos for free and of their free will! This could be really important. Everyone is going to have to be on their best behavior as the world will be watching.

[-] 1 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

Will do. PS, you will need a lot of internal security.

[-] 0 points by CampingatKalles (0) 12 years ago

how so..you can email me the answer.

[-] 0 points by NPHshreddar (6) 12 years ago

Great stuff. A lot of people need to hear this.

[-] -3 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

I hear you GK.

There is no justice.

There is just us.

So we reach out and try to unite in common cause for the good of all.

Let us move past petty differences and move forward together,

This is our only hope of making a better world for all.

Health and prosperity for all.

[-] 2 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

Yes, what we need is a new enlightenment. Given the complexity of our problems nothing less will do. People say that's asking too much, but that critisism is irrelevent because nothing less will do.

[+] -4 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

This is the heart of the matter.

To put aside the inconsequential.

Address the real major obstacles to fair and guided government and to end corrupt business practice.

We must reach out in recognition of common cause with eachother to get past the spin machines of the status-quo.

[-] 1 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

We ARE all in this together. They can't confuse us on this point forever. They simply can't.

[+] -4 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

That's why we do our best to reach out with common sense.

It is really not all that common, but once it has been spoken it is easily understood.

We must stay positive.

[-] 1 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

I agree. We have come a long way since September!

[+] -4 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

Yes we have, with a long long road yet to travel. But I believe that we are picking up support and understanding.

[-] 1 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

I know we are! With each of us (and I mean you here), with each of us whot speaks calmly and resonably to the necessity and the nobility of our cause, more and more weill hear and believe that it is not only possible, but the only possible road to travel.

[+] -4 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

Well thanks for that.

I think we will pick up some more help.

I mean you seem to be pretty strong in reasoning, But I will at times need to recover before doing more heavy lifting. I welcome us finding more good believers who are strong in reasoning and communication.

Stay positive and take care not to burn. This can be fun and is very worthwhile but it can also be a load and a half of stress.

[-] 1 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

Words to heed! Thank You.

[+] -4 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

A man has just got-sta know his limitations. ( Dirty Harry )

Spread humor through-out your day can be helpful.

I'm weak in this area but intend to practice.

[-] 1 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

LOL! Me too!

[+] -4 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

Good night.

[-] 1 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

You to, my friend.

[-] 0 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

Just smile. It's amazing what happens after that.

[+] -4 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

True.

[-] -3 points by Thrassy (-3) 12 years ago

What about me?

Why is it always about you?