June 15th, Tuesday, I went to my favorite air conditioned library and spent several hours compiling two discs worth of info on non-lethal weapons and space weapons, and the two combined, nothing secret, all presumably placed on line with the blessings of those involved. Here are some of the links:
http://www.acronym.org.uk/dd/dd66/66op1.htm; (for technical data)
http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/oldpaper/article.cfm?archiveDate=09-14-02&storyID
(Amazing; a great page on US Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) from Sept. 14th, 2002, about his Space Preservation Act, which protests deploying weapons into space. The city of Berkeley has endorsed the resolution.)
For good technical info on high-power microwave and other NLW’s go to http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/hpm.htm
You can read about V-MADS and Active Denial Systems at http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/v-mads.htm
I was also amazed to find that one of the first in-depth articles about space weapons was by my good friend Erik Baard from the Village Voice. You can still read this ahead-of-its-time page at http://www.villagevoice.com/issues/o131/baard.php. It was published August 1st, 2001!!! At that time I thought Star Wars was a good movie.
Even TIME magazine mentions NLWs at http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,322588,00.html.
You might like http://www.sgr.org.uk/conferences/Wright97.html.
Promoting Ethical Science and Technology.
For info from Steve Wright the anti-space weapons guru at The Omega Foundation, go to http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/27a/053.html
For the very best report on the whole gamut of NLW and SW, google Future Sub-lethal, incapacitation and paralyzing technologies, their coming role in the mass production of torture, cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment. October 25-26, 2002 London UK
Also, equally important to google is Bradford Non-Lethal Weapons Research Project (BNLWRP) by Neil Davison and NickLewer, May of 2004, the University of Bradford. It should not be hard to find.
Through Counterpunch’s article by Jacob Levich, I was able to print out Kerry’s military proposal, (fact sheet) which emphasizes NLW for Iraqis. You can see Levich’s important article at http://www.counterpunch.org/levich06102004.html
And then click on John Kerry, or Raytheon. The Raytheon site has photos of the weapons themselves.
Then I wrote down the Way of the Heron mediation and peacemaking techniques for the frist time, in preparation for Wednesday’s class at the Open Center. I’ve been using these techniques for years, but never formally scripted them, but I feel we are in changing times, and I’m seeing the stark necessity of being more organized, partly so that this information can be passed to more people. There is still plenty of it which can only be found in the oral tradition.
Way of the Heron: Conflict Resolution Techniques That Work
Evan Pritchard
1. If communication is possible, work towards a meeting of the minds using
The Way of the Heron mediation techniques:
A. Fact finding, discussion, networking by individual parties.
B. Purification; time of meditation, prayer, fasting, rest, bathing, etc.
C. Brokered negotiations—finding a neutral party (peacemaker/mediator) to oversee discussion/negotiation between the two conflicting parties. In the old times, the Peacemaker would be given tobacco; if he/she accepted it, the process would officially begin. The tobacco allows the mediator to be a better vehicle for Great Spirit. The Peacemaker states the rules of the discussion in advance, and upholds them at all times. Peacemaker can stop discussion if too many rules are broken, enforce a cooling off period, or state that process must be restarted at another time. Some sample rules include:
D. Rules: 1. opponents should remain seated, 2. opponents should not yell, 3. opponents should not interrupt each other, 4. opponents should not speak for more than three minutes at a time; 5. opponents should not use curse words; 6. opponents should use “I” statements rather than pass judgment on the other party, “I feel abused by you,” “I think you are wrong.” 7. opponents should avoid generalized insulting remarks; the focus should be on the action in question, not on the person; 8. Opponents should remain non-violent and not threaten violence.
E. Process and Goal: Opponents should work towards (in order) 1. clear communication; 2. understanding; 3. apology and forgiveness(sometimes this must come only after step 4) ; 4. resolution.
F. Resolution: Opponents should write down a treaty, agreeing point by point, and shake hands on it. There should be a clear meeting of the minds. The goals of this resolution are: 1. restoration of property in cases where property has been lost, 2. assistance with healing if injury has occurred; 3. efforts to heal emotional injuries; 4. promise to prevent further incidents.
G. Direct action, such as a treaty, agreement, truce, resolution, or restorative justice. Use symbols such as burying the hatchet, smoking the pipe, etc. Gifts or tokens of friendship or mutual non-interference should be exchanged. Treaty should be specific as to expectations, specific as to parameters, specific as to responsibilities and penalties, and be equitable as well.
In everyday situations, we cannot always bring in a peacemaker, although groups such as Ulster-Sullivan Mediation Group can provide a mediator (peacemaker/heron/broker) for a nominal fee. These professionals can interact with the legal system where necessary and are recognized in most counties as alternatives to court action.
2. If communication is not possible, political entities may organize a march or other peaceful demonstration. March may involve both chants and slogans and non-verbal symbolic behavior. No laws are broken. In daily life, the breakdown or refusal of one party to participate in the Way of the Heron, leads the other party to non-violent, possibly non-verbal protest, or non-cooperation.
The Heron’s Way Every Day
Each conflict we find ourselves in begins in a situation where there is no peacemaker around, so we must be our own peacemaker, which is a different thing. Most conflicts do not start out with violent ambushes but with varying levels of interference with the flow of activity.
Levels of Conflict
1. actual conflict of needs between the two parties: “you’re sitting in my seat.” “you’re blocking the door,” etc. (solution: start with stating your own need, then work towards pointing out the obstruction tactfully. Most people will “get it” and move or adapt before you have to point the finger.)
2. unintentional misunderstandings between the two parties: (solution: “I could swear I heard you say ….. Am I hearing you correctly?”) Occasionally, we have no idea there has been a misunderstanding, we just think the other is rude.
3. verbal abuse, lies, or intentional misunderstandings: “you don’t deserve to be here.” “my way or the highway,” “that’s not how we do things around here,” “he just left and there’s no one to talk to you about that.” (see below)
4. physical ambush or attack, or the verbal threat to attack: (solution: martial arts, police protection, legal action, etc)
Verbal Abuse and Verbal Self-Defense
When anyone attacks you verbally, there are three steps to take:
1. identify that it may be verbal abuse; buy time, and say, “Wait a minute, that doesn’t make sense!” (detach yourself from the conversation, either make a joke if its minor, or don’t cooperate with the game if its important. You can say “I don’t understand.” )
2. Identify the type of abusive rhetoric that is being used. (see below)
3. Respond using “Madnak” or ethical warrior techniques, or walk away.
Abusive rhetoric has trick words in it. In each case of verbal abuse there are issues with
1. logos 2. pathos 3. ethos. Each is designed to interrupt real communication.
1. There is always a flaw in the logic (solution: say, “Hey, wait a minute, that doesn’t make sense!” “Have you really thought this through?” or “I don’t understand!”) It usually takes a few minutes to figure out what is illogical in the statement, so buying time is fair. Some will paraphrase the statement (either negatively or positively) and ask “Is that what you’re trying to say?”
2. There is always an emotional hook (solution, say: “Are you trying to make me angry?” “Are you trying to abuse my good nature?” “Are you trying to confuse me?” “Are you trying to scare me?” “Was that a threat?” “Do you really believe that?” “Are you trying to sweet-talk me?” “Flattery will get you nowhere.” “Are you selling something?” “And your point is?”
3. There is always a potential for unethical action, an invasion of privacy, robbery, a violation of boundaries. It should be recognized and “called” immediately. (solution: say “What will you give me in return?” “I don’t agree to that!” “I don’t know you that well.” “You don’t have the right.” “What are you trying to pull?” “Do I look like a fool?” And the ever-popular, “I am not a door mat!”
In a con-game situation (and some of the greatest con artists are in our own house, including cats and dogs) you may not be able to figure out the trick. If you feel in danger by someone you don’t trust, you can say, “What do you want from me?” “Where is it written down (where does it say in my contract) that I have to tell you that?” “I’m not in the mood for clever conversation today.” Or just walk away.
In Madnaq The Ethical Warrior, (unpublished) there are prepared answers to over 150 types of trick or abusive rhetoric. For each type, and in each case, there are, for argument’s sake, three levels of response; 1. extra mild; 2. mild; 3. spicy. If its your boss, try #1, if its your friend, try #2, if it’s a stranger, try #3. It is also possible for the student of Madnaq to analyze the person’s verbal abuse techniques in a clinical, objective manner, and share this evaluation with the abuser in a somewhat critical way. In my experience, this elicits immediate respect and caution from the abuser; however eventually they may try other means to trick you.
These are defensive techniques, designed to save your skin when faced with conflict, however the goal of the practiced Madnaq or ethical warrior is to be a tool of the Creator, an instrument of peace. The higher goal is to heal the anger around you through speaking your truth, and fostering true understanding. The more confident you are in this kind of verbal self-defense, the more unthreatened you feel, the more loving and sympathetic you will feel towards others. Remember, the key is communication, standing in your truth.
I came across this today on my computer. I must have written it a while ago.
The Way of the Heron
An Ancient Algonquin Indian Alternative To War Still Effective Today
Martin Luther King was a follower of Mohandas Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent social protest. He took a trip in 1959 to India and met with followers of Gandhi. During this trip he became so convinced that nonviolent resistance was the most potent weapon available to oppressed people in their struggle for freedom. Gandhi has spent seven years in prison, but believed it was honorable to go to prison for a just cause. King followed most of Gandhi’s ideas.
King once said, ‘The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
My friend Oannes, sent me this email yesterday; It seems our Algonquin “Way of the Heron” is also a tradition of the Miccousukkee of Florida.
Dear Evan: Thunder & Lighting fill the afternoon, & we are gifted with more rain.
Hope you’ve read my articles on the EarthCharter (Message of the FireFly) and my
Lecture at the EarthCouncil for the Indig People’s Prg. Our new NGO Wahkochobee
EarthCharter Project is getting ready to fly from the nest. Will keep you informed.
The Great Blue Heron (GBH) in Miccousukkee is sacred to many of our Native
Peoples. This marsh-bird represents the native ethic of peace. Clan-mothers &
Chiefs who wore the feathers of the GBH & who spoke with th feather in council, wre known as ‘Peace Keepers’. Inter-tribal representatives who served as ‘Ambassadors’,
carried a wing feather from the GBH as a sign of their integrity, & concern for the well being of MotherEarth & All Life. The GBH taught our peoples the values of patience,
sharing of food with other beings, of taking care of their family & mate, of defending
their territory, and sharing their knowledge of navigating the sky/stars for N/S migrations. Our EC project chose the GBH as a symbol to honor the SW Florida region now called ‘everglades’ were we are geographically based, this wetland ecosys-
tem sacred to Seminole & Miccousukee, and the ancient culture peoples, Calusa, Tequesta, Timiqua, & Tocoboggins. Let me hear about your presentation.
Sincerly; Oannes
Tuesday; played some catch with Scooter and saw Mets beat Indians. Saw TIME article on blogging, just came out today, which is funny. I didn’t know how popular blogging has become. A kind of coincidence really.
MoPress 
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