Work on the libretto is proceeding by fits and starts. I must bear in mind the admonition of all great composers: Concision is key.
Category: politics
The Orobouros and the Alt Right
In the tradition, this unitary awareness is the beginning of the great work. But in Evola’s dark, elitist, and apocalyptic elaboration, this work is a cyclic process that, after ages of decline brought about by egalitarianism, multi-culturalism, and democratic “leveling,” heralds the triumphant return of the golden age. He views history as a cycle of degeneration and regeneration which turns in a series toward its ultimate realization in the re-establishment of a hyper-masculine, solar king which dawns only after violent revolution upsets the status quo. The losers swept up in this upheaval are expendable, and quaint notions like charity, love, and compassion are jettisoned for the profits of a corporate elite. Evola may have attained some degree of genuine insight into the spiritual truth expressed by the Orobouros, as well as to how that essential unity is not obstructed by its infinite manifestations (dharmas) in the field of space and time. Evola studied the Pali cannon of the Hinayana (lesser vehicle) Buddhism, which focuses on self liberation from the cycles of existence (Samsara.) In contrast, the Mahayana (greater vehicle) stressed the cultivation of loving kindness as not only ethical, but the means by which we awaken to the ultimate truth of essential unity even while working to aleviate suffering in the relative world of Samsara.
As long as we have not realized that the mode of being of our mind resides in the union of relative truth and absolute truth—a realization that corresponds to awakening—these two truths are seen as separate instead of being seen in their original unity.
—Bokar Rimpoche
Speculum Warfare
I reminded of the ancient, Chinese art of Feng Shui where, through practical as well as highly esoteric remedies, the built environment was altered in ways auspicious to health and prosperity. Mirrors were mounted on home fronts to counter the negative chi of neighbors. The neighbor then responded in kind, but with a larger mirror, and it soon escalated into all out, speculum warfare. I see something similar in the endless projections that one side of the political spectrum visits upon the other to manipulate public perception.
Milo Yiannopoulos’s ambiguous role is fabricated to appeal to opposite ends of conservative spectrum, so that both sides might then be swayed toward more extreme, alt-right views. He explained his role perfectly by saying his position with Breitbart countered the perception that the Alt Right is homophobic, and racist. He’s a shill to make their hateful rhetoric appeal to edgy progressives and third-party stooges in order to draw them into the alt-right fold. Also, since Yiannopoulos is gay, the alt-right can spin this to deflect accusations of intolerance.
The world was perplexed by 45’s recent, shrill warning about immigration when he said: “Look what’s happening in Sweden!” We are quick to cite this as just another example of his lies. Then, a few days later, riots break out in Rinkeby. The Alt Right News then posts an article proclaiming 45’s near mystical powers of prognostication.
The Russian Iago
Through the election until now, I’ve been struck by the propaganda, mendacity and maddening projection, whereby paid trolls exploit gullible viewers and draw them toward extreme positions on both the left and right.
This is not meant to cast aspersions on Thom Hartman, Bernie Sanders, Jill Stein, or the good intentions of their supporters. But I think it’s a lapse of judgement on Thom’s part. The trade-off isn’t worth it.
Trolling–deplorable tactics or Art?
The word “troll” needs qualification–there are many forms. Some are ornery cranks who, at least, honestly represent their true motives. Some are masters, who raise trolling to an art form–SNL’s Fatal Attraction satire is an example–while others are paid by the alt-right to pose as progressives who encourage us to speak against our own self-interest. Much troll activity is to get us to echo Alt-Right, talking points.
For instance, trolls–under the guise of progressives–encourage members of the resistance to gloat about the murder of a Klansman. This only validates the extreme, right wing propaganda that claims the left is the hateful, violent party. This image of the left as violent can be used as pretext to attack protesters. This is crucial. At this time of escalating tensions, we can practice a compassion and human decency that accords with sound strategy–to say nothing of protecting ourselves and loved ones who participate in peaceful protests.
We need to be wary of the propaganda campaign against the DNC which encourages progressives to smear Elizabeth Warren for her alleged, selling out to establishment Democrats. According to this line, it is not Russian interference, but she and Hillary who are ultimately responsible for # 45, as well as our current malaise. You see this echoed on the RT affiliated, Ring of Fire and Redacted Today videos. Since Putin doesn’t allow dissenting opinion–without an ulterior motive–are the rad hosts of R of F being exploited by Putin in his attempt at a global coup? Or are they willfully parroting his party line?
The ultimate form of control is to compel us to participate in our own subjugation. Putin, from his KGB experience, knows this well. We shouldn’t be stooges, drawn by trolls into dizzying webs of dissembling and projection. Don’t allow them to frame the dialogue in their own terms.
Actually, there is some truth to progressive intolerance–we are intolerant of the racist and treasonous policies of the 45 gang.