In today’s complex world, the language used to describe political and social phenomena can often be as convoluted as the issues themselves. Terms like “catch-22,” “gaslighting,” “sanewashing,” “sportswashing,” and “greenwashing” have emerged to encapsulate intricate concepts of deception and incoherence. Simplifying these terms into Basic English can provide clarity, making it easier for the public to grasp their significance. This approach is particularly relevant when examining the current political climate in the United States and how journalists cover these issues.

Simplifying Complex Concepts

At its core, Basic English aims to reduce language to its essentials, offering straightforward explanations for otherwise complex terms. For instance, a “catch-22” can be described as a “no-win situation,” while “gaslighting” becomes “making someone feel confused about what is real.” Such simplifications allow for broader understanding and accessibility, especially for those unfamiliar with nuanced language. They cut through the noise, offering direct insights into situations where deception and incoherence prevail.

Application in the U.S. Political Climate

The current political landscape in the United States is rife with examples where these simplified terms are relevant. Political discourse often involves convoluted narratives that can leave the public feeling confused or misled. In a world where misinformation is rampant, the need for clear and direct communication has never been more critical.

The Role of Journalists

Journalists play a pivotal role in navigating this landscape of deception and incoherence. Their responsibility is to convey factual truth with clarity and precision, translating complex political maneuvers into language that the average citizen can comprehend. By adopting a style akin to Basic English, journalists can demystify political jargon, providing the public with the tools needed to engage critically with the issues at hand.

However, the challenge lies in balancing simplicity with depth. While Basic English can make information more accessible, it risks oversimplifying issues, stripping them of necessary context and nuance. Journalists must therefore tread carefully, ensuring that their reporting remains comprehensive while still understandable.

Impact on Public Understanding and Discourse

The impact of using clear language to describe political deception and incoherence is profound. It empowers citizens, enabling them to engage in informed discourse and make decisions based on a true understanding of the issues. In an era where public trust in institutions is waning, transparency and clarity can help rebuild confidence in the democratic process.

Moreover, as media consumption becomes increasingly global, the use of simplified language can foster inclusivity, allowing non-native English speakers to participate in the conversation. This not only enriches the discourse but also promotes a more diverse exchange of ideas.

Employing Basic English to describe complex concepts of deception and incoherence can serve as a powerful tool in today’s political climate. It challenges the status quo, calling for transparency and accountability. As journalists continue to cover these issues, their commitment to clear and accessible language will be crucial in shaping an informed and engaged public.

• Sportswashing refers to the practice of using sports events or associations to improve a tarnished reputation or distract from negative attention, often related to human rights abuses, corruption, or other unethical practices. Governments or organizations may invest in hosting major sporting events, sponsoring teams, or acquiring sports clubs to project a positive image and divert attention from their controversial activities. This tactic leverages the popularity and positive associations of sports to cleanse or enhance the public perception of the entity involved.
• Greenwashing is a deceptive practice where a company or organization exaggerates or falsely claims its products, services, or policies are environmentally friendly. This is often done to capitalize on the growing consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products. Companies may use misleading labels, advertising, or public relations campaigns to create an impression of environmental responsibility without making significant efforts to reduce their environmental impact. Essentially, it’s a way to appear “green” without actually implementing substantial environmental practices.
• Sanewashing is a term coined by Rebecca Solnit referring to the tendency of mainstream media to present irrational or incoherent behavior, particularly from political figures like Donald Trump, in a way that makes it appear more rational or coherent. This involves selectively quoting or summarizing statements to emphasize coherence, thereby masking the true nature of the rhetoric. Solnit argues that this practice hides the incoherence from the public unless they are directly listening or reading alternative media sources. Moreover, sanitizing Trump’s incoherence while highlighting Joe Biden’s lapses in coherence as a sign of aging and cognitive dysfunction would amount to journalistic malpractice.

Sanewashing, akin to “greenwashing” or “sportswashing,” makes incoherent speech appear more acceptable or normal. In journalism, this can lead to a form of gaslighting, where the audience is misled into believing that the behavior or statements are more sensible than they actually are. This can result in a distorted perception of reality, as the media sanitizes cognitive dissonance instead of reporting it accurately.

The term “gaslighting” originates from the 1938 play “Gas Light” by Patrick Hamilton, which was later adapted into films in the 1940s. In the story, a husband manipulates his wife into believing she is going insane by subtly altering their environment and insisting that she is mistaken or imagining things. One of his tactics involves dimming the gas lights in their home and then denying any change when his wife notices it.

The term “gaslighting” has since evolved to describe a form of psychological manipulation where the manipulator seeks to make the victim doubt their perceptions, memories, or sanity. The connection to “gas light” in the play is metaphorical, as the dimming of the lights symbolizes the deceptive tactics used to make someone question their reality. Thus, “gaslighting” has come to mean a deliberate act of deception intended to make someone doubt their own understanding or perception of events.

Critics of the sanewashing practice in journalism argue that it poses a threat to democracy by failing to hold public figures accountable for their incoherent or misleading statements. The media’s role in making sense of the world can inadvertently lead to this bias towards coherence, where journalists attempt to impose order on chaotic or nonsensical rhetoric. This can result in a misleading portrayal that fails to capture the true nature of the statements being made.

Cultural nuances for deception and sanitizing

Terms like “sanewashing,” “greenwashing,” and “sportswashing” add nuance to the concept of deception and sanitizing by highlighting specific contexts and mechanisms through which they occur.

1. Targeted Meaning: Each term specifies the type of deception and the context in which it occurs. For example, “greenwashing” specifically refers to environmental claims, while “sportswashing” relates to using sports to improve an image. This specificity helps convey the exact nature of the deception.
2. Cultural and Social Awareness: These terms often arise from cultural or social movements and reflect a collective awareness of certain deceptive practices. They resonate with audiences who are familiar with the issues and can quickly grasp the implications.

Added Value of Neologisms

1. Memorable and Catchy: Neologisms are often more memorable and can capture public attention more effectively than generic terms. They can become part of the cultural lexicon, making it easier to discuss complex issues.
2. Conveying Complexity: These terms often encapsulate complex ideas or practices in a single word, making it easier to communicate and discuss them without lengthy explanations.
3. Encouraging Discourse: By introducing new terms, these neologisms can spark discussions and debates, encouraging people to think critically about the issues they represent.

Similar to “Catch-22,” which conveys a specific type of dilemma with no escape, these terms provide a shorthand for complex situations. While not everyone may be familiar with the origin of “Catch-22,” those who are understand the depth of the predicament it describes.

“Catch-22” is a term that originates from Joseph Heller’s novel of the same name, published in 1961. The novel is set during World War II and follows the story of Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. Army Air Forces B-25 bombardier. The term “Catch-22” has since entered the English language to describe a specific type of dilemma or paradoxical situation where an individual cannot avoid a problem because of contradictory constraints or rules.

In the novel, “Catch-22” refers to a military rule that presents a no-win situation for airmen. The rule states that a pilot is considered insane if they willingly continue to fly dangerous combat missions, but if they make a formal request to be removed from duty, it demonstrates their sanity and thus makes them ineligible to be relieved from duty. This creates a paradox where pilots cannot escape their dangerous assignments, a bureaucratic bind highlighting the absurdity and futility of their situation.

Potential Downsides

1. Cultural Exclusivity: Neologisms that arise from specific cultural contexts, like Hollywood or Western media, can indeed be exclusionary. They may not be immediately understood by non-native speakers or those outside the cultural sphere where the term originated.
2. Barrier to Understanding: For global audiences, these terms can create a barrier to understanding, requiring additional explanation or context that might not be readily available.
3. Cultural Imperialism: There’s a risk that such terms can contribute to cultural imperialism, where one culture’s language and concepts dominate and overshadow others, potentially marginalizing diverse perspectives.

Balancing Act

While these terms can be exclusionary, they also serve important functions in language:

1. Precision and Nuance: They provide precise language for discussing specific phenomena, which can be valuable in academic, media, and public discourse.
2. Cultural Exchange: Over time, as these terms are adopted and adapted by different cultures, they can facilitate cultural exchange and understanding, enriching the global lexicon.
3. Awareness and Advocacy: They often emerge from social movements and can help raise awareness about important issues, encouraging global conversations.

To balance these aspects, it’s important to:

• Provide Context: When using such terms, offering explanations or translations can help bridge cultural gaps.
• Encourage Inclusivity: Being mindful of diverse audiences and striving for language that is accessible to all can foster inclusivity.
• Adapt and Evolve: Language is dynamic, and as these terms spread, they can evolve to reflect broader, more inclusive meanings.

Ultimately, while culture-specific neologisms can be challenging, they also offer opportunities for richer, more nuanced communication when used thoughtfully.

Basic English Facilitates DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)

Basic English is a simplified version of the English language, developed by Charles Kay Ogden in the 1920s. It consists of a basic vocabulary of around 850 words, designed to cover everyday communication needs. The idea was to make English easier to learn and use, especially for non-native speakers, by focusing on essential words and simple grammar.

1. Accessibility: By reducing the complexity of the language, Basic English makes it more accessible to a wider range of people, including those with limited educational backgrounds or those learning English as a second language.
2. Inclusivity: Simplified language can help break down communication barriers, allowing more people to participate in global conversations and access information. This inclusivity is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging among diverse groups.
3. Equity: Basic English can level the playing field by providing a common linguistic foundation. It reduces the advantage that native speakers might have in international settings, promoting more equitable communication.
4. Cultural Exchange: By facilitating easier communication, Basic English can encourage cultural exchange and understanding, helping people from different backgrounds connect and collaborate.
5. Global Communication: In a world where English is often used as a lingua franca, a simplified version can enhance mutual understanding and cooperation among world citizens, supporting global initiatives and problem-solving.

While Basic English has its limitations, such as lacking the nuance and richness of full English, its adoption in certain contexts supports DEI efforts by making communication more straightforward and inclusive.

Translating these terms into Basic English involves simplifying their meanings to convey the core concepts without using complex vocabulary:

1. Catch-22: A situation where you can’t win because of conflicting rules or conditions. You might say “no-win situation” or “stuck because of rules.”
2. Gaslighting: Making someone doubt their own thoughts or feelings. In Basic English, you could say “making someone feel confused about what is real.”
3. Sanewashing: Making something that is not sensible seem normal. You might describe it as “making nonsense look normal.”
4. Sportswashing: Using sports to make a bad image look good. In simpler terms, “using sports to hide corruption.”
5. Greenwashing: Pretending to be good for the environment when not really. You could say “pretending to be eco-friendly.”

Simplified explanations capture the essence of each term using straightforward language and may help to bridge the divide between rural and urban America, as well as avoid cultural exclusivity.

Just as clean air and water are essential for life, politics free of misinformation — and outright lies — is crucial for preserving democracy. Accountability mechanisms must ensure that political figures are answerable for deceit, with independent oversight by subject matter experts. Civic education is vital in cultivating an informed electorate capable of discerning truth from falsehood. Active citizen engagement is crucial for challenging deception and fostering truthfulness in politics.

While this argument may sound utopian, resignation to deceit is far worse. We must advocate for a political environment where truth guides governance. Striving for truth is essential for maintaining a vibrant and healthy democratic future.

A New Ecology of Democracy

One of the merits of Jedediah Purdy’s “Two Cheers for Politics” is that he does not take democracy for granted. He knows it needs new forms of defense, and he challenges the political structures we once thought were working just fine.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/2022/09/23/refreshing-argument-that-democracy-can-be-repaired-by-us/

Jedediah Purdy presents several key arguments about democracy in the United States:

1. Introduction to Democracy’s Challenges: Discusses the current state of democracy, its perceived fragility, and the need for renewed understanding and defense.
2. Critique of Political Structures: Analyzes the flaws in existing political systems, focusing on the Senate, electoral college, and Supreme Court, and how they hinder true democratic representation.
3. Proposals for Constitutional Change: Explores the need for easier constitutional amendments and regular revisions to align governance with contemporary public will.
4. The Role of Social Solidarity: Emphasizes the importance of social trust and equality in sustaining democracy, critiquing economic inequality and concentrated power.
5. Historical and Philosophical Context: Provides a tour through political philosophy, highlighting thinkers like Hobbes, Rousseau, and others, to frame democracy as both a historical and evolving concept.
6. Vision for Democratic Revival: Concludes with a hopeful vision for democracy, advocating for collective action and social reconstruction as means to shape a better future.

Purdy presents a compelling case for enhancing democracy through social solidarity and constitutional revisions. A critical element that would further strengthen his argument is the integration of a meritocratic approach (wise subject matter experts) within democratic systems. This addition could address the tension between informed and uninformed opinions, ensuring that democratic consensus is both equitable and informed.

Democracy thrives on the principle of equality, granting every citizen a voice. Yet, this egalitarian approach often overlooks the disparity in knowledge and expertise among individuals. By incorporating meritocracy, we could ensure that policy decisions are guided by those with the necessary expertise, balancing the weight of opinions so that well-informed voices are heard alongside popular sentiment.

The potential benefits of a meritocratic democracy include more efficient governance and informed decision-making. Experts in relevant fields could provide insights that lead to policies reflecting both public will and practical considerations. This could help prevent the pitfalls of populism, where emotionally charged but potentially uninformed decisions gain traction.

However, integrating meritocracy into democracy is not without challenges. The primary concern is maintaining the democratic ethos of equal representation while acknowledging expertise. This can be overcome by creating advisory bodies composed of experts whose role is to inform legislative processes. These bodies would work alongside elected officials to draft and refine policy proposals, ensuring they are both scientifically sound and publicly accountable.

Moreover, education plays a vital role in this model, as an informed electorate is essential for discerning the value of expert advice. Investing in education systems that promote critical thinking and civic knowledge can empower citizens to engage more meaningfully in democratic processes.

In conclusion, adding a meritocratic dimension to democracy would enhance its effectiveness, aligning decision-making with both wise expertise and public interest. By carefully balancing the input of wise experts with broad-based democratic participation, we can create a system that is both fair and functional, paving the way for a more robust democratic future.

Those who would reject Purdy’s radical proposal still need to grapple with the crisis of representation that our Constitution creates for democracy. To look only at our presidential election system, a flip of about 32,000 votes in three states and one congressional district would have given victory in the electoral college to the candidate who lost the popular vote by more than 7 million ballots. That problem is not going away.

–https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/2022/09/23/refreshing-argument-that-democracy-can-be-repaired-by-us/

Dear Scientific American friends,

Hot takes are everywhere these days, but informed perspectives, backed by expertise and evidence, seem harder than ever to sift out of the modern cacophony. We’re here to help. Instead of pundits pushing their personal politics, Scientific American’s Opinion page provides you with informed views on the major questions of the day.

With the presidential election bearing down on the U.S., for example, a little science-based perspective on the political moment seems in order. Scientific American’s editors offered readers a thorough look at the dangers to science posed by Project 2025, the right-wing blueprint for former president Donald Trump’s potential second administration. Across federal agencies, the plan “would sabotage science-based policies that address climate change, the environment, abortion, health care access, technology and education,” they found. Along those lines, a historian of concentration camps looked at the frightening implications of the mass deportations promised at July’s Republican National Convention. And when President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race, an expert on aging and culture told our readers that age was now the youngest form of identity politics, one that will drive the next generation’s voting decisions.

The Supreme Court’s politics also drew our attention. Our editors criticized the Roberts Court’s decisions on everything from abortion to homelessness to water for sidelining science in favor of partisan outcomes. Additionally, a legal sociologist found the Court had engaged in “whitewashing American racial history” in a decision on affirmative action in university admissions that equated students in a highly educated demographic with people harmed by the history of enslavement and Jim Crow.

We’re about more than politics, of course; see below for some other recent big stories. And this e-mail is just the start of what Scientific American’s Opinion section offers you in your inbox: smart and thoughtful commentary from experts in a range of scientific fields.

If you have any suggestions or questions, feel free to contact me anytime at feedback@sciam.com. And check back on Scientific American for more informed opinions on everything and everywhere, from the voting booth to the edges of our imagination.

Dan Vergano
Senior Opinion Editor
Scientific American

News over Nonsense

At Scientific American, we’re dedicated to delivering the facts—thoughtful analysis, expert perspectives, and the stories behind today’s most important scientific breakthroughs.

We feel a responsibility to deliver information you can trust about the science impacting our world. Our Opinion page takes on the critical issues of our time, from the powerful effects of civic engagement on a local level to the lasting impact of Supreme Court decisions on science and society.

When Reagan quipped in 1986, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help,’ ” he was signaling the escalation of the conservative antigovernment movement.

The Republican Party signed on and hasn’t let go. Over the following decades, that message has become ever more entrenched. Trump and his MAGA movement have been occupied since 2015 not only with spreading incessant lies but also with disbursing a corrosive loss of faith, leaving advances in modern science as one of many casualties.

–https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/11/opinion/republicans-science-denial.html

The world of men today can be divided into two major groups. They are those who are fighting for some political party, some form of national government, some religious, [Page 675] social or economic attitude. They are against all that is not of their inclination. There are those who are opposed to them, and who are ranged against them. Partisanship, fighting for or against, and party spirit distinguish the modern world of men. With these activities, which lead to separation and division and strife, the New Group of World Servers have no time or interest. They stand for those attitudes which will eventually produce a third party, free from political and religious hatreds. As yet they are unknown, unrealised, and relatively powerless to make a definite impression on world thought. If, however, there is skill in action and an adherence to the principles of harmonious cooperation, they can, in a very few years, demonstrate real power and influence.

-The Tibetan Master, Esoteric Psychology, Vol. 2, by Alice A. Bailey (written in 1935).

THE REPUBLICAN PARTY IS NO LONGER CONSERVATIVE. IT HAS SWITCHED ITS ALLEGIANCE FROM THE PRINCIPLES THAT GAVE IT PURPOSE, TO A MAN WHOSE ONLY PURPOSE IS HIMSELF… DONALD TRUMP HAS SUFFOCATED THE SOUL OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY… SOME HAVE QUESTIONED WHY I HAVE TAKEN THE STAND I HAVE. THE ANSWER IS REALLY SIMPLE, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE MUST PUT COUNTRY FIRST. AND TONIGHT, AS A REPUBLICAN SPEAKING BEFORE YOU, I AM PUTTING OUR COUNTRY FIRST… WHATEVER POLICIES WE DISAGREE ON PALE IN COMPARISON TO THE FUNDAMENTAL MATTERS OF PRINCIPLE OF DECENCY AND A FIDELITY TO THIS NATION. LISTEN, TO MY FELLOW REPUBLICANS, IF YOU STILL PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THOSE PRINCIPLES, I SUSPECT YOU BELONG HERE TOO, BECAUSE DEMOCRACY KNOWS NO PARTY. IT’S A LIVING, BREATHING IDEAL THAT DEFINES US AS A NATION. IT’S THE BEDROCK THAT SEPARATES US FROM TYRANNY, AND WHEN THAT FOUNDATION IS FRACTURED, WE MUST ALL STAND TOGETHER, UNITED TO STRENGTHEN IT. IF YOU THINK THOSE PRINCIPLES ARE WORTH DEFENDING, THEN I URGE YOU, MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE. VOTE FOR OUR BEDROCK VALUES AND VOTE FOR KAMALA HARRIS. 

https://www.c-span.org/video/?c5129575/republican-rep-adam-kinzinger

SO, ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE , ON BEHALF OF EVERY AMERICAN, REGARDLESS OF PARTY, RACE, GENDER, OR THE LANGUAGE YOUR GRANDMOTHER SPEAKS, ON BEHALF OF MY MOTHER, AND EVERYONE WHO HAS EVER SET OUT ON THEIR OWN UNLIKELY JOURNEY. ON BEHALF OF AMERICANS LIKE THE PEOPLE I GREW UP WITH, PEOPLE WHO WORK HARD, CHASE THEIR DREAMS, AND LOOK OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER. ON BEHALF OF EVERYONE WHOSE STORY COULD ONLY BE WRITTEN IN THE GREATEST NATION ON EARTH, I ACCEPT YOUR NOMINATION TO BE THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

WITH THIS ELECTION OUR NATION HAS A PRECIOUS, FLEETING OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE PAST THE BITTERNESS, CYNICISM, AND DIVISIVE BATTLES OF THE PAST, A CHANCE TO CHART A NEW WAY FORWARD. NOT AS MEMBERS OF ANY ONE PARTY OR FACTION, BUT AS AMERICANS. AND LET ME SAY, I KNOW THERE ARE PEOPLE OF VARIOUS POLITICAL VIEWS WATCHING TONIGHT, AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW, I PROMISE TO BE A PRESIDENT FOR ALL AMERICANS. YOU CAN ALWAYS TRUST ME TO PUT COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY AND SELF. TO HOLD SACRED AMERICA’S FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES, FROM THE RULE OF LAW TO FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS, TO THE PEACEFUL TRANSFER OF POWER.

–https://www.c-span.org/video/?c5129680/vp-harris-formal-acceptance-nomination

I WILL ALWAYS STAND UP FOR ISRAEL’S RIGHT TO DEFEND ITSELF, AND I WILL ALWAYS ENSURE ISRAEL AS THE ABILITY TO DEFEND ITSELF, BECAUSE OF THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL MUST NEVER AGAIN FACE THE HORROR THAT A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION CALLED HAMAS CAUSED ON OCTOBER 7. INCLUDING UNSPEAKABLE SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND THE MASSACRE OF YOUNG PEOPLE AT A MUSIC FESTIVAL

AT THE SAME TIME, WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN GAZA OVER THE PAST 10 MONTHS IS DEVASTATING. SO MANY INNOCENT LIVES LOST. DESPERATE, HUNGRY PEOPLE FLEEING FOR SAFETY OVER AND OVER AGAIN. THE SCALE OF SUFFERING IS HEARTBREAKING. PRESIDENT BIDEN AND I ARE WORKING TO END THIS WAR SUCH THAT ISRAEL IS SECURE, THE HOSTAGES ARE RELEASED, THE SUFFERING IN GAZA ENDS, AND THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE COULD REALIZE THEIR RIGHT TO DIGNITY, SECURITY, FREEDOM AND SELF-DETERMINATION.

https://www.c-span.org/video/?c5129585/kamala-harris-accepts-democratic-presidential-nomination

There is no dharma higher than TRUTH.

Dharma is a complex and multifaceted concept found in Indian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. It generally refers to the moral law, duty, or righteousness that governs individual conduct and societal order. Some key aspects of dharma are:

1. Moral Duty: Dharma represents the ethical obligations and duties that individuals must follow to live a righteous life.
2. Universal Law: It is often seen as the cosmic law that maintains order and harmony in the universe.
3. Path of Righteousness: Dharma guides individuals on the path of truth, justice, and moral integrity.
4. Social Responsibility: It encompasses the responsibilities and roles individuals have within their family, community, and society.

Dharma is considered essential for personal growth and societal well-being, encouraging individuals to act in ways that uphold truth and justice. And truth is inherently nonpartisan. Yet, like a magnet, truth has the power to polarize—it can draw in or push away opposing perspectives. This duality reflects its profound ability to challenge entrenched beliefs and provoke reflection, compelling each of us to evaluate our positions with clarity and openness.

This November, America faces a decision that rises above partisanship. It is not a transactional choice driven by individual self-interests but a call to awaken the nation’s soul, guided by the light of truth. This truth will liberate us from the confines of regressive ideologies. Leading this journey is the Feminine Principle—WOMAN—ushering us into a future of wisdom and enlightenment. So may be it!

• https://www.c-span.org/video/?c5129028/michelle-obama
• https://www.c-span.org/video/?c5129017/ana-navarro
• https://www.c-span.org/video/?c5128764/rep-alexandria-ocasio-cortez

[KAMALA HARRIS] KNOWS THE TYRANTS WHEN SHE SEES ONE, AND OUR ALLIES KNOW A LEADER WHEN THEY SEE ONE. ON THE SENATE INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE AND AS VICE PRESIDENT SHE WORKED WITH MORE THAN 150 WORLD LEADERS. SHE HAS LOOKED OUR ALLIES IN THE EYES AND SAID AMERICA HAS YOUR BACK. TRUMP WOULD ABANDON OUR ALLIES AND ISOLATE AMERICA. WE TRIED THAT IN THE 1930’S. IT WAS FOOLISH AND DANGEROUS THEN, AND IT IS FOOLISH AND DANGEROUS NOW… WHEN SHE TAKES HER OATH OF OFFICE, AS SHE WILL THIS JANUARY, OUR ALLIES WILL CHEER, OUR ENEMIES ENEMIES WILL FEAR, AND WE CAN HAVE A COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF THAT WE TRUST.

–https://www.c-span.org/video/?c5129630/secretary-leon-panetta

“The Hierarchy is a great fighting body today, fighting for the souls of men, fighting all that blocks the expansion of the human consciousness, fighting all that limits human freedom (I said not license) and fighting to remove those factors and barriers which militate against the return of [Page 551] the Christ and the emergence of the Hierarchy as a fully functioning body on earth. There is nothing weak, vacillating, sentimental or neutral in the attitude of the Hierarchy; this must be grasped by humanity, and the strength and insight as well as the love of the Hierarchy must be counted upon.”

-The Externalization of the Hierarchy by the Tibetan Master through Alice A. Bailey (April-May 1946).

Q: What is freedom?

A: Freedom is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. It encompasses various dimensions, including:

1. Personal Freedom: The ability to make choices about one’s own life and actions without external coercion.
2. Political Freedom: The right to participate in political processes, express opinions, and have a say in governance.
3. Economic Freedom: The ability to control one’s own economic resources and make decisions about work, consumption, and investment.
4. Social Freedom: The right to live in a society without discrimination or oppression based on race, gender, religion, or other characteristics.

Freedom is often seen as a fundamental human right and is essential for individual development and societal progress.

Q: Why has freedom stuck as a keynote in the 2024 US presidential campaign?

A: Group meditation (invocation) during the Full Moon in Leo may have triggered a more forceful response (evocation) from Sirius. Our solar system relays the Law of Freedom from Sirius.

August, which is ruled by Leo, is the month of the Dog-star, or of Sirius, which thus brings Sirius into close relation to Leo. Leo, in the cosmic sense (and apart from our solar system altogether) is ruled by Sirius. Sirius is the home of that greater Lodge to which our fifth initiation admits a man and to which it brings him, as a humble disciple. Later, when the new world religion is founded and is working, we shall find that the major, monthly festival in August, held at the time of the full moon, will be dedicated to the task of making contact, via the Hierarchy, with Sirian force. Each of the months of the year will later be dedicated (through accurate astrological and astronomical knowledge) to whichever constellation in the heavens governs a particular month, as Sirius governs Leo. This I shall later elaborate in the papers to be written anent the new “Approaches” to spiritual reality.

… the significant connection between our unimportant little planet and that vast expression of divinity, the Life which is manifesting through Sirius; it is an expression which is organised and vital beyond anything man can vision and which is free to a completely unlimited extent, again beyond the power of man to comprehend. The principle of freedom is a leavening energy which can permeate substance in a unique manner; this divine principle represents an aspect of the influence which Sirius exerts on our solar system and particularly on our planet. This principle of freedom is one of the attributes of Deity (like will, love and mind) of which humanity knows as yet little. The freedom for which men fight is one of the lowest aspects of this cosmic freedom, which is related to certain great evolutionary developments that enable the life or spirit aspect to free itself from the impact, the contact and the influence of substance.

The Tibetan Master, The Rays and the Initiations by Alice A. Bailey, p. 416

Q: What would be the fundamental responsibility associated with the fundamental right of freedom?

A: With freedom as a fundamental human right comes the fundamental responsibility to respect the freedom and rights of others. This includes:

1. Respect for Others: Acknowledging and honoring the rights and freedoms of others, ensuring that one’s actions do not infringe upon their ability to exercise their own rights.
2. Civic Responsibility: Participating in democratic processes, such as voting and engaging in community activities, to support and uphold the structures that protect freedom.
3. Accountability: Taking responsibility for one’s actions and understanding the impact they may have on others and society as a whole.
4. Tolerance and Understanding: Embracing diversity and being open to different perspectives, fostering an environment where freedom can thrive for everyone.

Balancing freedom with these responsibilities helps create a harmonious and equitable society.

Leo belongs to the Fixed signs of the Zodiac (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius). The US presidential elections are held in the sign of Scorpio (November), carrying the energies of Leo (and the Foxed Cross). Scorpio is the sign of the Warriors of Light beaming with JOY as they proclaim:

Warrior I am and from the battle I emerge triumphant!

… the concepts of death, of substitution, of the vicarious at-one-ment and of sacrifice, will—in the New Age—be superseded by the concepts of resurrection or of livingness, of spiritual unity, of transference and of service, so that a new note will enter into human life, bringing hope and joy and power and freedom.

-The Tibetan Master, Esoteric Psychology, Vol 2, by Alice A. Bailey, p.437

Cosmic Weather Report for the Democratic National Convention
August 19-22, 2024

A convergence of significant astronomical cycles, each potentially contributing to a profound shift in societal structures and collective consciousness, is upon us.

1. 200-Year Air Cycle: The Jupiter-Saturn conjunction in 2020 initiated a 200-year cycle that could symbolize a shift from traditional, earth-based structures to more dynamic, innovative, and intellectual frameworks. This transition has historically marked the decline of old empires and the rise of new societal paradigms.
   
2. Outer Planet Cycles:
   • Neptune-Pluto Cycle: Began in 1891-92, now reaching its first sextile, may indicate a period of spiritual and philosophical transformation. Nikola Tesla invented the Tesla coil in 1891.
   • Uranus-Pluto Cycle: Started in 1965-66, now at its first trine, may foster revolutionary changes and technological advancements.
   • Uranus-Neptune Cycle: Initiated in 1993, now at its first sextile, may promote cultural renaissance and visionary thinking.
     
3. Sign Changes: The outer planets are transitioning from earth and water signs to air and fire signs. This could symbolize a shift from nurturing and stabilizing energies to more active and dynamic influences.
   
4. Saturn-Neptune Conjunction: Occurring at 0° Aries, this conjunction at the vernal equinox may mark a powerful new beginning, emphasizing global change and the potential for a fresh start in how we perceive and organize the world.

Together, these cycles and configurations may create a potent cosmic archetypal environment for transformation, heralding a new era of innovation, change, and reimagined societal structures.

Between 2024 and 2028, the celestial dance of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto forms a powerful trio of alignments, each promising profound changes across various dimensions of life:

1. Uranus-Neptune Sextile: This alignment may herald a cultural renaissance, where visionary thinking and imaginative ideals take center stage. It may foster a time of artistic and cultural blossoming, inviting society to redefine its values and embrace new ways of expressing creativity. As this sextile becomes exact in August 2025, it may stand as a catalyst for reimagining societal norms, encouraging innovation and the exploration of avant-garde ideas.
   
2. Uranus-Pluto Trine: Known for its revolutionary spirit, this trine may signify a period of sweeping cultural and technological advancements. It may support radical change and transformation, enabling breakthroughs that reshape industries and social structures. The first exact alignment in July 2026, with degrees aligning in 2025, may mark a fertile ground for pioneering developments that challenge the status quo and introduce new paradigms.
   
3. Neptune-Pluto Sextile: This longstanding aspect underscores deep transformations in spiritual and philosophical beliefs. It invites a re-examination of how these beliefs influence societal frameworks, potentially leading to significant shifts in how communities structure themselves and integrate spiritual insights into daily life. As exact aspects unfold in 2025 and 2026, they may highlight pivotal moments for growth in collective consciousness and the evolution of societal ideals.

Key dates for the exact mini triangles are:

1. First Triangle (1 degree): August 20 – September 14, 2025, featuring the Saturn-Neptune conjunction.
2. Second Triangle (4 degrees): July 7 – 31, 2026, includes a Cradle configuration with Jupiter in Leo opposite Pluto.
3. Third Triangle (6 degrees): June 5 – 17, 2027, as Saturn moves towards Taurus.

This rare mini triangle configuration, also known as a transiting midpoint, is an unusual astronomical event. With either Uranus or Pluto typically at the midpoint, these configurations occur only two or three times each century, while Neptune midpoints are even rarer, happening once every 500 years—the last being in 1504.

The current configuration is exceptional not only for its rarity but also for its duration, spanning nearly a decade from 2022 to 2029, with the most intense period from 2025 to 2027. This extended timeframe may allow for a profound and lasting impact, marking a pivotal turning point in how we perceive reality and organize society.

As this alignment unfolds, it may herald the birth of a new zeitgeist (spirit of the time), bringing about a massive shift in perspective. According to archetypal cosmology principles, this period is characterized by great potential for innovation and transformation, but it also presents challenges and crises as old structures and beliefs are dismantled. It’s a time of both opportunity and upheaval, inviting us to embrace change and redefine our collective future.

Cosmic Clock Heartbeat: 1890 – 2030

The current Full Moon in Leo marks the beginning of an exceptional astronomical configuration involving Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, which will fully unfold from 2025 to 2029. Recent astronomical configurations have coincided with upheavals in US politics, influenced by the challenging aspects (angles) of Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. These alignments may herald a new era for women in government, as indicated by the Venus cycles. They may hold the potential to heal the cultural divide between urban and rural America, setting the stage for a healthier American democracy. More generally, these astronomical configurations may also herald a new era of free energy envisioned by Nikolas Tesla in 1891.

Full Moon in the sign of Leo on Monday August 19, 2024

The mini triangle and other astrological alignments may encourage a collective move towards a new path, emphasizing the need for individual and societal transformation. While these energies provide the impetus for change, resistance is natural, and the journey will vary for each person.

Ultimately, navigating this period successfully requires conscious engagement with these energies, fostering personal growth and a willingness to embrace new perspectives. By doing so, individuals can align with the transformative potential of this time, contributing to a more harmonious and evolved future.

References:

• The Uranus Neptune Pluto Triangle of 2024–2028 – Jessica Davidson
• The Planets – Richard Tarnas (Archetypal Cosmology)
• Historical Ephemeris – Palden Jenkins