EPCWEB The Art of Business and the Business of Art

July 2001: Independence Celebration

Vol.1 No.4 · July 2001

Feature Article

July 2001

Eclectic Artists Publishing.

Liberty & Responsibility

A Homeostatic Social Contract for Continuing the American Revolution


Sections within this article:

1. Pattern Recognition

2. A Change of Focus

3. Liberty & Responsibility

4. A New Balance

5. Summary & Conclusions

Had enough? Use our SPEAK! function (on the left) to spread the word.

Pattern Recognition

Pattern recognition: That is how our brain is structured, in terms of patterns. Our consciousness develops as we recognize those patterns and their relationships to who we are versus what objects and people lay outside of our being. That is what makes animals (and mammals in particular) so amazing — we recognize patterns and then learn to act on them, to predict them.

Music is made of sound patterns, common intervals which feel more or less familiar and comfortable to us, and we therefore feel more or less comfortable with it. As researchers have been demonstrating for 20 years now, musical patterns, brain structures, mathematics and computer programs all have some intriguing qualities in common. Like a familiar tune: it*s seems like we you knew it all along. It’s too much to cover in this space, but suffice to say that the hippocampus area of our brain is like an amplifier which fires off sequential patterns in response to “thoughts” and you therefore tend to create (and respond) to certain rhythms, certain patterns. Perhaps you have noticed this pattern: Every culture has music and dance. Do these facts make you wonder “why?” or to search for the larger pattern?

Magic is the art of deceiving the audience into believing they see patterns which are not really there. From a hall of mirrors to the slight-of-hand trickery of the con man, the brain’s own enthusiasm to find and believe in patterns sometimes traps us within the realm of fantasy. Sadly, unscrupulous salesmen are well-studied in the art of trapping our minds within such self-serving pseudo-patterns.

A Change of Focus

Did you ever notice that some patterns may be nearly impossible to discern until someone points them out, then the pattern is impossible to avoid: Every time you look back again the thing jumps right out at you. Consider the scattered dot patterns of those wild 3-D images printed on standard paper (or your computer screen, below). As usual, the trick which helps you to see the patterns is to change your focus slightly. Also, as usual, after some practice the patterns become much easier to see. So, do you see the point yet?


[Hint: Shift your focus until the two dots at the top merge to form a third dot in the middle, then watch the patterns appear]

History is a pattern of human interaction, of socialization, of many alternative structures, of countless individual actions leading to massive demographic forces. When we study history’s patterns, we become more self aware, more conscious. We are able to predict, and to act differently, based upon our new understanding. Certainly, random events occur, entropy and chance lend their hands, and good and evil battle forth, making it impossible to predict the specifics of future events. But our awareness of the patterns leads to better predictions, better choices.

Liberty & Responsibility

Consider the philosophy of Liberty & Responsibility. Experience has shown us that freedom (Liberty) motivates humans to excel. Responsibility is the deal (the “Social Contract”, as Rousseau called it) we make with each other to make our world safe, to cooperate more efficiently… it reflects our heart, holds us together, separates us from the jungle. These ideals could conjure thoughts of some impossible Nirvana, but the reality is that the civilizing values of these ideals have been well-known to philosophers for millennia. By now they should be the cornerstones of our reality, not just our rhetoric. But they are not. Do you wonder “why not?” Is there another pattern here?

The Alter-Nation Project is a continuation of the efforts to encourage a “New Party” by applying old ideas, asserting that a relatively strict adherence to the philosophy of “Liberty & Responsibility” is crucial to the continued progress of humanity (not technological progress, per se, but true human progress). Today, in fact, there are many groups pointing in this direction. They go by many names, each advocating some subset of similar topics, but they are part of a larger pattern, namely: When a human being is given the liberty to choose their own path, subject only to a minimal set of responsibilities necessary to ensure everyone else’s freedoms, then society naturally evolves toward a better condition. Stated more simply, if you are given the freedom to make your life better without diminishing someone else*s life, you will probably find a way to do so, therefore the world will get better and better.

The philosophy of “Liberty & Responsibility” should NOT be confused as a simple restatement of Adam Smith’s concepts in “The Wealth of Nations”. Smith’s economic and philosophical ideas (which are often cited as the basis for, and inevitable success of, capitalism) propose that relatively unrestricted freedom of commerce magically creates an “invisible hand of the market” which guides humanity toward progress, wealth and plenty. Unfortunately, this notion is only half right. While maximization of freedom DOES unleash the motivating power of individual self-interest (the reality of human biology), it ignores the problems created by those whose self-interest knows no bounds. The magic right hand of the market is missing its logically necessary partner: The left hand of human spirituality (compassion, altruism, mercy, honor, trustworthiness, et al) — which we have collectively labeled as Responsibility. Remember the old and wise kaon: What is the sound of one hand clapping?

A New Balance

This brings us to another pattern, one with which our humanity has more experience: When the rules are set-up in such a way that you are free to increase your position regardless of what that means to everyone else (i.e., even irresponsibly) then the world will devolve into a greedy, chaotic mess. Sound familiar?

The divide-and-conquer tactics of the powerful and wealthy have consistently pitted ‘Left’, ‘Right’, ‘Conservative’, ‘Liberal’, ‘Democrat’, ‘Republican’, ‘Man’, ‘Woman’, ‘Young’, ‘Old’, ‘Faithful’, ‘Skeptic’, etc., against each other for thousands of years. For the past 250 years these tactics have included praise of the one-handed market Liberty and scorn for those notions of Responsibility which should normally go hand-in-hand. Unfortunately, until we learn, en mass, to consciously transcend our selfish biological instincts as the responsible dues owed in respect of our freedoms, humanity shall remain stuck on its current plateau, so promoting only half of the equation will never yield the correct answer.

When we recognize that the same patterns of domination occur in so many societies, over so many generations, we then ask ourselves, “Is there a way to escape such horrors or must we accept that humans always behave like this?” Again, a homeostatic balance of Liberty & Responsibility offers a path beyond grim acceptance.

At first these two words might sound simplistic, but all manner of social, political and economic topics may be generously explored within such a framework, including: (1) Universal Standards of Education; (2) A More Equitable System of Justice; (3) Personal Vice; (4) Reasonable Limits to Individual Freedoms, (5) Special Responsibilities of Groups, (6) Equitable “Costing” of Production; (7) Labor, Wage Structures and World Competition; (8) Democratic Electoral Processes; (9) Equitable Taxation; (10) Fiscal and Budgetary Processes; (11) Management of Government and Bureaucracy; (12) Public Ownership and Control of Selected Industries; (13) Social Securities and Safety Nets; (14) Long Range Planning; (15) Maintaining Balance in Economic and Political Arenas; (16) Moral, Consistent and Effective Foreign Policy; (17) Spirituality (and it*s limits within political society); (18) Nationalism versus Ethnic Diversity; (19) Racism, Sexism, and Anthrocentricism; and many more (each of which The Alter-Nation Project shall explore in greater detail in the coming months). Just as scientists and systems analysts have discovered throughout nature: Proper health of any system requires a dynamic balance of two or more opposing forces which provide for homeostasis, each keeping the others in check while together providing the adaptive power and flexibility needed in the long run.

Summary & Conclusions:


[Here is what will appear in three dimensions when you acheive the proper focus]

If all this talk of such a balancing act has made your mind a bit hungry, here is some food for thought: Perhaps we need to change our focus! If we stop following the slick hands of the magicians, we can concentrate instead on their breast pockets. Keep an eye on their wallets and you will soon learn their tricks. The way out of the hall of mirrors then becomes simple: We live and demand a balance of Liberty & Responsibility!

Finally, consider how this fits within the patterns: The notions of Liberty & Responsibility ring true. Like a familiar tune, we have known it all along.

Thank you for your attention, interest and concern.

Copyright 2001 Eclectic Properties Corporation. All rights reserved.
Alter-Nation and Alter-Nation.com are Trademarks and Servicemarks of Eclectic Properties Corporation.
Used here by kind permission.

Artwork of the Month

Artwork of the Month – July 2001

Works are selected for provocative visual,
intellectual, social and/or spiritual content.. Print versions
(suitable for home or office display), with or without professional mounting and
framing, may be available for order as indicated below each display.Eclectic Artists Publishing.

“The World Is Just Our Mirror…”

Available as 6″x9″ print suitable
for framing at $18 each

or professionally matted and framed at $75 each.

Order Now!

Signed by the artist upon request.

About The Art

Do you see that… the apparition? Is it Christ, an apostle, a king or just a lonely old soul? The scene is real, the photograph taken at a European cathedral. The colors have been enhanced via Digital Impressionism. The world is our mirror, God is within each of us alone, and our reflection makes judgment day.
America was founded on the ideal of freedom of religion (presumably even the freedom to be a non-believer), including the separation of Church and State (at least that is patriotic rherotic we are taught). The truth is far different, however. Religions have been given special tax-free status (effectively a public subsidy), and Christianity in particular is embedded strongly throughout our entire system. U.S. money reads “In God We Trust” (not “In Buddha”, or “Nature”, or even “Our Common Human Values”). The U.S. Pledge of Allegiance includes “…one nation, under God”, and God forbid you object to this language in any way. In court, witnesses must swear an oath upon the Christian Bible, “so help me God”. Admittedly, you will not be arrested for believing in Allah or being an atheist, but American tolerance ends there: Do NOT try to run for public office unless you are a Christian, or at least a Jew (presumably sharing a relatively similar conception of God).
None of this is an attack on religion in general, or Christianity in particular, but IS an act on hypocrisy and intolerance. To act one way, while professing to embrace the opposite, is to demonstrate our need to lie.
But maybe the apparition is just an illusion which, when better enlightened, will disappear to reveal truth… so let there be light!

Copyright 2001 Eclectic Properties
Corporation. All rights reserved.

Poet's Park

Poem of the Month – July 2001







OLD GLORY REVISITED

(The Updated Star-Spangled Banner)

Oh say can you see…
By the dusk’s fading light
What once proudly we hailed
Now the twilight’s concealing
Those pinstripes and club ties
Who through honorless fight
Rape our lands as we watch
We share guilt for their stealing

And the rockets red glare
Brings not peace but despair
Gives us proof through the night
That our flag needs repair!

Oh say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free
Or just corporate slaves?

 

Copyright 1988 Dean DiSandro, published and
administered by Eclectic Artists Publishing.





About The Poetry

Does a true patriot hide their eyes when they see their country is heading down the path of ruin? Does a good humanitarian pretend away suffering, degradation and injustice? If the emperor has no clothes, who will be brave enough to speak this truth? If the truth will set us free, will we choose freedom? We wish everyone a true Independence Day celebration… in the hope that one day the revisited version of the star-spangled banner will no longer seem relevant.

  

 
Copyright 2001 Eclectic Properties Corporation.
All rights reserved.
Alter-Nation and Alter-Nation.com are Trademarks and Servicemarks of Eclectic
Properties Corporation.
Used here by kind permission.            
 

Steal a Song

July 2001

JOIN NOW!    
And be sure to purchase Alter-Nation’s latest CD, Change the System!.
You can also use these links to contact Rockin R Records regarding recording your
music or Eclectic Artists Publishing regarding
publishing your songs.

Need2Lie



Download & Play MP3 music file

It’s far too much to fight my anger back…
So I just scream out how I feel, feel tonight, feel tonight.
Some selfish people make my stomach wretch.
Some worthless, hypocritic bits of trash need to lie.
Need to lie!
Since introspection might betray your innocence,
Flow denial’s way…
To be a hero, savior avoid honesty: Sleaze the day!

Each power-hungry, pig-faced bureaucrat…
Each rich bitch, bond clip, greedy fatty cat needs to lie.
Each money-hungry jerk-off businessman
Protecting bullshit elite technocrats needs to lie.
Needs to lie!
While most religions will proclaim their innocence
Do what’s right, I pray.
Recognize your sins, convert yourself today.
Don’t delay!

While we will never say we’re fans of violence,
Still the war games play.
Why face your own behavior? Lie with a straight face!

Each mute, complacent proletariat…
Each dealing, pimping, scheming sewer rat needs to lie.
Needs to lie!
Each lazy ignorant baby machine
Spewing out irresponsibility needs to lie.
Needs to lie!
While you may never understand these arguments,
let’s get one thing straight:
The world is just our mirror.
Your reflection makes judgment day!

Lyrics copyright 2000 Dean DiSandro. All rights reserved. Used here by kind permission.

About The Song

The original title and lyrics of this songs surrounded the noir comedy topic “Need2Die”, in which all the horridly selfish, greedy, cruel and usurious people of the world would suddenly look in the mirror, realize how wretched their life was, and then eliminate themselves (thus saving humanity all of the trouble). However, to our surprise, 98% of the people who read these lyrics (from all corners of the sociopolitical spectrum CLAIMED that Alter-Nation was advocating violence (even with our obviously comedy-based disclaimers next to the lyrics which read: 1. *** WARNING! The Ministry of Silliness and Stupidity requires us to warn all listeners / readers that these lyrics are NOT to be taken literally. If you are too silly or stupid to know that “You should not try this at home” then please do NOT listen to this song or read its lyrics. 2. *** FURTHER WARNING! Our attorneys have also advised us to make the following additional warning: “Killing yourself can be hazardous to your health. You should not kill yourself (or anyone else) unless specifically directed to do so by your doctor or the U.S. Department of ‘Defense’.”)

Well, Alter-Nation did NOT want to be in any way connected with the advocacy of violence, so Dean unsheathed his trusty pen, and back into the studio we went to re-record “Need2Lie”. Thus, not ONLY is society apparently filled with the steroetypes indicated within the song, but apparently such losers will NOT be lookng in the mirror very soon. Oh well, we still need our dreams.

Buy Alter-Nation’s Change the System double-disk, multimedia CD now!

Copyright 2001
Eclectic Properties Corporation. All rights reserved.
Alter-Nation and Alter-Nation.com are Trademarks and Servicemarks of Eclectic
Properties Corporation. Used here by kind permission.

AlterMedia

July 2001

This may be a book, a video
program, an audio program, a lecturer, poet, show or other touring artist, or
any other form of communication which is entertaining, enrichingandeducational.click here to
join now. Have an Alter-Media recommendation?Eclectic Artists Publishing. If
your suggestion is published you will receive ONE Alter-Nation Hour to be used
at your discretion.

Cirque Du Soleil

“Nouvelle Experience”(VHS videotape 1:12)


           For the non-French speaker, Cirque Du Soleil translates as “Circus of the Sun”, while Nouvelle Experience simply means “New Experience”. Indeed, this unique Quebec-based troupe has become an international sensation by providing a non-animal circus which is a truly enlightening new experience.

   
     For the uninitiated, Cirque Du Soleil performances are a series of jaw-dropping exhibitions of human skill, strength, choreography, audience participation, gymnastics, flexibility, comedy and pagentry woven together via wonderful (albeit non-verbal) characters and original musical compositions, yielding storylines which are abstract yet powerfully poignant. Even just moments after a show, audiences may find it difficult to express the range of emotions, thoughts and wonderment they have experienced.

     
Fortunately for anyone who missed the early tours, Nouvelle Experience, perhaps Cirque’s definitively classic performances, have been released on video. This is all-ages material which will amuse the kids, impress the adults, and even intrigue desperate-to-be-hip teens. While a schmaltzy act (such as a cake-balancing, chair-climbing gymnast) appears now and then in a Cirque performance, even these are amazing acts of human strength, balance and agility… the rest are acts which need no “don’t try this at home” labeling since no mere mortal would even know where to begin.


     
Skeptics should try to find Nouvelle Experience at a rental shop, but most fans of the performing arts will want a copy for their own video library. Alternatively, check local listing for an IMAX showing of Cirque Du Soleil’s “The Journey of Man”. In addition, New Age music enthusiasts will find the original music scores from each staging to be lively and of exceptional quality.

     
Check out the Cirque Du Soleil website for tour dates, as well as available video and music products.


MUSIC TIP OF THE MONTH


Rage Against The Machine, “Rage Against The Machine”


        Check out the critically-acclaimed 1995 debut CD which pioneered the rock-rap style now prevalent on every rock station… but with incendiary lyrics which are not just shocking but poetically deep and provocative with definite street credibility. No anger management classes are needed when you have this cathartic collection to fall back on!


Copyright 2001 Eclectic Properties
Corporation. All rights reserved.
Alter-Nation and Alter-Nation.com are Trademarks and Servicemarks of Eclectic
Properties Corporation. Used here by kind permission.