Applying Principles

2000-9-3 12:33:00

Peter made this interesting statement:

"One of the things that disturb me about the List is that we don't seem to apply our principles to our every day life."

After saying this, Peter gave us an interesting dissertation on the perils of our financial situation as a country and world.

It is indeed good to be aware of the dangers of the financial and political perils that face the nation and the world. I have been aware of them for many years, but the unfortunate thing is that as an individual there is very little one can do about any of these situations that are created by the many and affect the many. The only hope for influence is through the power of a group. This can materialize through two methods:

  1. Joining a group and seeking influence through the group. Travis is to be commended for this in working through the Libertarian Party.
  2. Creating a group in line with your thinking and seeking positive change.

The Gathering of Lights will seek to implement number two here, but as there is no such gathering that exists at this point in time, it is best to face limitations and put your energies in preparing for things to come.

An interesting book on the history of money and the pitfalls of the present system can be found at:

http://users.netmatters.co.uk//startingout/xat/index.html

If you are not familiar with the principles behind the creation and distribution of money this is a must-read. This web site was referred by another member a while back, but I cannot remember which one.

The author presents a plan for a new money system which I believe is correct in theory, but not possible in application within the present system. Even if it did take off, the enemies created would destroy it in short order.

There are two reasons why I do not discuss political matters in detail here:

  1. Spiritweb [the original home of Keysters] requests that we not make politics the focus of discussions. They request that we go to other forums for such matters.

I do not think they mind some talk about it if it fits in with the philosophy at hand, but overall they want the lists they sponsor to reflect spiritual discussion.

  1. We have both sides of the political spectrum represented on this list; however, I think the majority have a common sense approach when correctly informed. If we present heated political discussions we are likely to get so diverted and divided that it would be difficult to move forward in the spiritual principles.

I have posted a major proposal to assist in correcting the awkward political system of the present. The title is "Molecular Politics" and can be found in my online book The Molecular Relationship.

I will make one comment on the source of the tax and spend policies that seem to plague the nations of the earth. I will speak for the United States here, but many nations have similar circumstances.

One of the reasons that our representatives have a mindset to tax and spend us into oblivion is, first, that their income from their jobs is tax free -- a nice little perk they give themselves. Secondly, they can vote themselves an increase in pay any time they want. You'll notice that shortly after the shock of a tax increase has passed, they will usually give themselves a nice little increase so they are shielded from the effects of tax increases that plague the rest of us.

The second main reason they tax and spend is that it is part of their perceived job description. This is a point overlooked by almost all who complain of the system. The fact is that when one is given a job, and the job is accepted, it becomes a matter of pride to do a good job, even if the job turns out to be disgusting.

A point in case is the Nazis during World War Two. The leaders were given a disgusting job, and even though many realized it, they still proceeded to be good at their work. The guy in charge of extracting the gold fillings of the persecuted Jews made sure that he did a good job and no gold was missed.

This is the same problem we have with Congress. Their job is to spend money and thus they want to be good at it. They cannot really be good at it unless they have lots of money to spend. Therefore, they will impose every tax possible upon us to insure they can be good and creative at their jobs. To show the country and their constituents how good they are at their jobs, they must find creative and benevolent ways to spend money. Therefore, much of their time is spent in finding new ways to spend money that will generate praise for them.

Because of this perceived job description, the problem will persist no matter how much the public complains. Remember, it didn't matter how much the Jews complained about losing their gold crowns, the Nazis continued to perform their job description and do it well.

Congress will continue to perform its job description and do it well until -- until we the people change that job description for them. If we change their job description to be responsible taxers and spenders and reward them for it, then and only then will things change.

As it is, all a representative has to do to generate praise is to promise some give-away. "I'm for giving every child an allowance from the government so parents won't have to." If someone raises his voice in protest he will then be accused of hating kids and shamed into silence.

The problem is complex. The solution is simple, but the implementation of the solution is complex.

As far as teaching and discussing principles that can apply to everyday life I think we do that more here than is realized.

Let us go back to the prime objective of the teachings of this list which are:

"To present to readers teachings that may or may not be true, and allow the student to discover the veracity for himself through his own soul contact. When the student then learns to recognize truth through such contact he will indeed obtain an ability that will be of use in everyday life above all other talents he may possess."

A high sensitivity to perceive that which is true will make for happier relationships, more content with career choice and implementation, better health and happiness, and a much more satisfying purpose in life.

In the end, soul contact is much more than theory; it is the end of theory and the beginning of real usefulness on this planet.

"Free will does not mean that you can establish the curriculum. It means only that you can elect what you want to take at a given time."
  -- A Course in Miracles