All Comments (257)

Dear Starhawk,

Res ipsa loquitur:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrp-v2tHaDo

Obama's eloquence suffices onto itself.

Blessed Be,
Robin

Reading it again, I think this is one of the most important points of this speech:

For we have a choice in this country. We can accept a politics that breeds division, and conflict, and cynicism. We can tackle race only as spectacle -- as we did in the O.J. trial -- or in the wake of tragedy, as we did in the aftermath of Katrina -- or as fodder for the nightly news."

"We can play Reverend Wright's sermons on every channel, every day and talk about them from now until the election, and make the only question in this campaign whether or not the American people think that I somehow believe or sympathize with his most offensive words."

"We can pounce on some gaffe by a Hillary supporter as evidence that she's playing the race card, or we can speculate on whether white men will all flock to John McCain in the general election regardless of his policies."

"We can do that."

"But if we do, I can tell you that in the next election, we'll be talking about some other distraction. And then another one. And then another one. And nothing will change."

He's absolutely right- and it's already happening here. People don't want real change because it means having to do work.

People are already playing this out. Those people here who keep saying 'why did he stay' seem to dismiss the fact that he values his change in his spirituality that Mr. Wright brought to him SO much that he felt a kinship with and much gratitude to the person who gave that gift to him.

That says to me that he's more spiritually grounded than the people out here who keep saying 'leave the church and throw out the one person who made that kind of difference in your life.' I can never dismiss the people who have had the biggest influence on my spiritual life that easily, and we disagree often- it's part of the learning process. and he shouldn't have to either. Because a truly great leader is one who challenges us and makes us think. We need him more than he needs us.

America doesn't deserve a politician who is willing to call things as they really are and open a new dialogue. We've had eight years of a man who can barely complete a full sentence without sticking his feet in his mouth. Americans seem to only want old sound bites taken WAY out of context. Americans don't want to have to do the hard work of looking at ourselves and searching to find the truth of what are the circumstances that would lead to someone saying those types of things.

We need this man and more like him in our political life. We need to hear the more painful things because we tend to forget our history when we're in the blogosphere. But they still abound in real life when the computers and tvs and sidekicks are off. It's people like this that can elevate political discussion beyond the ordinary. And in our times we need that more than ever.

If he doesn't get elected, he could be the next Martin Luther King Jr, working to take up a cause that he believes in, whether in or out of the Senate. Changing the dialogue on race is a good place to start. He is light years ahead of us, as I think any genuine leader should be. Anyone that dismisses Wright out of hand based on a few statements misses the point of what these types of pastors have been saying for years, things that still need addressing in this day and age.

I don't know if America deserves Obama. Boy I hope I'm wrong.

I've also had dreams of him in the Oval Office. And I certainly NEVER dream about political figures. I hope it's a good thing.

The last time I had such a response to someone running for office like that was when Bush was running and I looked at him on tv, turned to someone in my college apartment and said 'we'll be at war with someone if this guy gets elected'. I was thinking Iraq because of the other Gulf War but didn't say anything more. And that was before I knew anything about Paganism or intuition or anything. I call it my 'The Dead Zone' moment.

Blessed be.

I was wondering what my fellow Pagans on this board thought of Obama's race speech yesterday?

I thought that it was right on the money. I read a little bit about his church and, aside from the pastor that occasionally goes off on a rant, they seem to be good folks. Although, I commented to my husband that if they were REALLY following an Afro-centric path, why aren't they working with the Orishas? :D

Maybe I'm biased, but in my Third Eye, I see Obama taking the Oath of Office. I don't see that for Hillary or McCain, try as I might.

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I should probably point out in terms of Senator Obama: he's no more a savior than he is some kind of *devil.* Gods willing, he's just someone reasonable people might think, as I do, is the right guy for a very difficult job.

We need to stop thinking as if elections must be about 'good vs evil, I'll have that with extra hyperbole, and winner take all.'

We ask someone to lead us through the next few years, ...that's where certain work *starts,* not ends.

Right?

Hi, Terra. And MM, Deb. :) Thanks for dropping back in. :)

Seem interesting that just as the media's talking about trying to divide the 'women's' vote against the 'black' vote, that someone turns up saying this kind of stuff?

And pardon if it makes me want to be livid: we sure didn't come all this way to start getting our news from Swiftboaters *now.* :)

My dear Lady Rowan.

Blessings and Greetings,
Glad to see you here.

Sometimes other Pagans need a few signposts along the untrod way.

terra

Lady Aradia,

Obama is not Muslim. He is Christian. His father was born in a Muslim country but was not a practiceing Muslim...in fact he had become atheist. Obama's father died in 1982.

Obama went to elementry school in Indonesia...his step father worked for a US oil company and sent Obama to a CATHOLIC school. Barack went to first grade to a secular school in Jacarta.

He was raised in Hawaii...by his non religious granparents and spiritual mother.

Really Aradia, of all people, should you really believe all of what you are told? After all...we worship the devil, sacrifice babies and turn people into knutes.Isn't that what people say of us? After two decades you should know better. There are many who have reason to lie and cause fear about Obama. He wrote two best sellers...Dreams from My Father and
The Audacity of Hope.These books tell his story and his views on things. If you can get them and read...
here is an exerpt:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1546298,00.html

Aradia was sent to teach... to be free and not to allow tyrants to hold us. When you believe lies and the worse of people without knowing the facts...you are allowing that person to have power over you...they are taking your freedom.

I was around when women were fighting for their rights...I am all for women power...and I would die happy to see a woman sitting in the oval office behind the desk. But she has to be the right woman. Not just anyone.

Aradia, who you vote for is certainly your business...but be a wise American, and know all the facts and make sure you are not voteing for someone simply because of her gender, or not voteing for someone because of his color, or supposed religion. Spirit has no color and no gender owns wisdom...not even we women.

Goddess Bless,
Lady K.

Anyway, for the studio audience, *big forced grin* Guess what Pagan clergy get to deal with on rare occasion.

Still not sure what we've been seeing here isn't someone resurrecting a caricature of early-90's feminism in an attempt to be divisive. Gods know Rush Limbaugh still makes money like that's a factor, even with an almost-unbroken track record of being *wrong,* not to mention actually on drugs...

Just so happens to come at the same time as various voter-nullification efforts and reintensified smear campaigns, so....

If you wonder why that got a burr up, we Pagans who know from the name strongly-identify Aradia with ...freedom, liberty, and discernment under adverse circumstances, as well as not being a sucker who lets someone else define your reality for ya. :)

Especially, as I think we've demonstrated amply on these threads, not letting Popes enlist us to smear Moors when they'll only turn around and screw us anyway. :)

Yaknow? 'Obama.' It rhymes with like Immrama.' He's been to Chicago, where there are some Irish people. Clearly he's journeyed to the Blessed Isles in a coracle and is unduly influenced by St. Brendan... Or possibly Niamh. Obviously he'll turn to dust when he steps out the motorcade....

"The Senator from Illinois, obviously unqualified to randomly cheese off Somalians, really a sleeper agent representing nebulous conspiracy theories that didn't exist at the time...who obviously has people who've been clamoring for someone to represent them with everything he's been saying for sixteen years, but are obviously 'deluded by a spell' as opposed to having pushed the poor guy out of his junior Congressman space by *acclaim,* "

Well, we're obviously all 'suckers' with 'Mother issues' for not voting for the female candidate, right?

Under some 'Muslim spell,' clearly..,. even if the facts say otherwise...

Seriously, 'Lady Aradia.' The Christians' reaction to the 'Muslim threat' or *any threat* has always been to try and prove they can be as tyrranical toward women as they can.

Their smears serve us not a bit. We do not use them.

I'm sorry if you went twenty years without hearing that. We're a bit understaffed.

And, pardon if I harp on this:

" Lady Aradia:

I personally think that Obama is a person that was made from birth to be directed towards the main office of the USA to sabotage it from with in.
Just look at his name:

Barack Obama

Sounds like a name made for the Iraqs brother hood, and to bomb America.
Am I the only one who see's this?"

No, you're not the only one who 'sees' this, but, guess in Whose sight 'Sounds like' ain't *good enough?*

*koff.*

I mean, *Holy Mother of Punk,* don't you get it?

I'll also add, since this so-interestingly parallels certain Christians' psychology when presented with facts, 'Lady Aradia,' but you say this:

"Im sorry you think I am breaking all the rules of our faith, but I can see right through him."

How hard do you need to believe *that?*

This is why 'swiftboating' is a tool of oppressors, and why it works.

People get to feel 'smart' even when they may not be, not so much.

Guess who gets to be people, too,

M'lady.

That's not to say 'Emulate me,' btw, it's just that I was long past being committed to the promise of America long before it got to the point that hiding would be a useless gesture.

If you wanna be that paranoid, it really doesn't matter what brand name of witch-burner comes at you.

It just doesn't.

If they want you, they'll get you...paranoid fantasies of Commies or Muslims taking over the same systems notwithstanding.

Doesn't even matter. Not from an Aridian point of view.

Liberty and freedom do not come from fear. We do not support one master or another. Certainly not to the point we repeat nonsense and lies that only serve those-who-call-themselves-mighty.

Even if what you said and quoted were *true,* which it is not, this is no basis for a system of government, as someone alluded to as regards 'watery tarts lobbing scimitars.'

(I don't think it's such a bad metaphor: if they can't handle an oathsword, should they get the launch codes, however their genitals ma be arranged right now?)

"Yes we can,"

"No we can't."

The latter makes Real Bad Cess inevitable, however we contextualize it.

The former is a good chance to avoid a lot of waste we still don't have to suffer from.

Hell, if Obama *were* a Musilm stealth candidate, he might give people someone else to shoot at when somehow identifying with the richest in society cuts into the beer budget.

You wanna talk about what Aradia is about, you learn what power can and cannot do and figure out how life is never that abstract.

If Muslims suddenly made some kind of credible bid to take over America, we'd be the Christians' *darlings.* They're already in a minor snit about some dude in Saudi Arabia getting his wife executed over his failure to get a stiffie.

It's like, "Oh, would you be liking a little Curse of Macha? That wasn't witchcraft, your Viagra problems, but if you want to worry about witchcraft... This can be arranged. "

*taptap on table.*

We are not them.

Get realistic, here. The Religious Right thinks it's OK to ask their God to wreck Tampa Bay or New Orleans if gay people are there, (funny how that backfires, not that people still don't get hurt) ...then (as we've seen here) try to tell us they're nicer 'masters' than the Muslims they fear like the Bolshevik in every cupboard.

If some nefarious 'Muslims' tried to take over America a-la-their Dominionist fantasies, we'd suddenly be the *Christians' best friends.*

Got people who supported the Taliban and used to make sure that if you got raped in the name of Jesus while wearing a skirt above the knee...now all up in arms about burkhas.

Sure, they blame *us* for the 'Girls Gone Wild' videos, but, hey, Hillary and Tipper Gore were all behind censoring music via the PMRC in the 80s.

This is *America.* Our elections are *not* about media corps choosing dictators-for-life-on-the-installment-plan... We're not only supposed to *elect* people, we're supposed to hold them to their promises.

We do not promulgate paranoia.

Bunch of cowans decide they want a religion to take over Liberty's land, it doesn't much matter which it is.

Not to us.

Another thing that name should have taught you.

"I personally don't think my Magickal name has anything to do with it.
Why out of all I said are you picking on my name?"

Because if you call yourself that, ou must represent better than vague, if strident, xenophobia...about accusations you cite that have been thoroughly-debunked as the racism and smears that they are.

Because anyone *speaking* that name, never mind *claiming* it has a duty to the facts not seen in many.

What your *namesake* teaches is a lot more involved than 'I want a woman rather than the black guy, and will regurgitate smear campaigns to get it, then protest innocence about it' when the very name comes to you from people who knew when to *shut up,* never mind take sides in illusory 'cultural wars' while trusting the smears and fears of priests and emperors both to do it.

Capiche?

"Im a practicing Pagan of over 2 decades.
I just don't think that a Muslim Man is right for office, seeing we are at War with Iraq, and he has ties to them."

Unlike Cheney's, of course.

We *do not pick up other peoples' xenophobias and treat them as fact,* sister, we do not categorize, we do not look at a man's color or upbringing, take it through the lens of Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly,' and determine he must not mean what he says when people we know are liars lie about him.

No, he's *not* a fricking Ascended Master, and as a matter of fact, he clearly *knows* it, which of itself is a vast improvement over the Christian equivalent.

"I just think it is time for a Women to Run the Country, not a Man."

I say it's time we stopped being run and started working.

Not that a little estrogen in the Oval Office would go amiss right now, but the fact is, as competent and respectable as she is, her skills are well-earned and formidable in a way of doing things that just ain't working so well right now.

I'd be proud to call her my President. I will *not,* however, join the racists and xenophobes and swiftboaters in any campaign of paranoia in claiming that Obama is the Manchurian candidate just because he might actually better understand the humans that are these 'enemies' the Christians teach us to fear are.

The story of Aradia is not one of caving to the fears of the general populace...

It certainly *does not* mean it's OK to get racist about anyone who competes with anyone-with-a-vagina.

Gods.

The very name means we have to be sharper, bolder, more discreet, and *better* than the yammering voices of fear and racism and paranoia, not *part* of them, then saying, 'I like a woman for this, you don't support the woman cause she's a woman, you must not be ...an independent woman who knows her own mind.'

Like you said of Starhawk, and apparently, myself. And someone I *will* address as Lady without much hesitation.

Of course, cowans think *all* our names are funny, but if you wanna call yourself 'Lady Aradia,' you beter be fricking *sharp* not trying to borrow vague fears of Muslims who ain't here to support a slightly-more-corporate agenda, there.

(Yes, non-Pagans, we have *standards.* )

I carry a rather humbler name, and if you hadn't noticed, I don't even trumpet *that* on the Internet with recycled quotes of *thoroughly-discredited smear campaigns.*

Check facts. Before you go calling other women 'deluded' for not giving sufficient weight to Religious-right-bread conspiracy theories designed to smear.

Frankly, if all of what you say were *true,* your namesake should have taught you to have the sense to keep your head down.

Thank you, Starhawk, for once again providing us with insightful and articulate words on current issues. You continue to awe me with your ability to speak what so many wish to say and cannot find the words for.

As for the comments that have berated Barack Obama and would like to know more about his experience, please check out the A&E Classroom documentary on him. It aired early this morning and it has now convinced me that this man has the experience and the cultural know-how to turn our failing government around, as best it can be. He also has foreign policy experience that many of our previous President's did not...he has lived in Indonesia and Africa and always been in touch with BOTH sides of his heritage.

No, miracles will not happen...the war may not end the day after he hits office...the economy may not turn around that day either and more than likely our healthcare and educational systems will not magically be fixed...BUT...

As a practicing Pagan, I can tell you that if you believe in your words and you are a good person, the Rule of Three will prevail. Barack does believe in his words and those of others, and he is a good person. What he puts into fixing our country will come back threefold...just as Mr. Bush's has...bad went in, bad came back...so when Barack swears into office next January...our country will see positive results ...over a period of time. What has taken 8 years to screw up cannot be fixed in 4...give the man the respect of researching him before spouting your dissidence. You may be surprised.

Brightest Blessings to all,

Debi "DragonLion" A.

Im sorry you think I am breaking all the rules of our faith, but I can see right through him.
Maybe I am wrong maybe Im not, and as a Pagan I did get alittle out of line with what I say,and I humblly appologize for that to all Pagans.
But I still stand firm on the way I feel about him.
When I did the first post I was angry, and yes I said things I shouldn't have.
But when it comes right down to it, as a Pagan Women, I would like to see a Women in charge for once.
Hillary is looking to get our healthcare straightened out, and so much more, she has dreams too, but she doesn't come off in the way of Faith, like Obama does, he is playing on that.
Yes Obama says the same, as a cut in price, but Hillary is tring to get it Universal.
I wish all the Goddess Blessings, and Harm to No One, I'm just seeing things as I see them as a person looking in at someone, and I can see right through all the garb.
Remember his is running for President he will say anything you want to hear, and he knows Religion is a Big part of life so he is using it to his atvantage.
If Hillary started doing the same from the get go, you would be saying the same about her.
I for one think as a Pagan and being it used to be a Matriarchy world forced into Patriarchy, this is the time for WOMEN to Be in The Presidential Seat.
As far as being against him because of him being African American, No that isn't the reason for my untrust in him.
It just seems as though to me he is putting on an Act to pray on People that aren't Faithful and the Very Faithful people who do want change.
He's on a roll and everyone that is blinded by all the things he says he can do,may be in for a big surprise is all I'm saying.
That is my oppion, Im sorry If I upset the Pagans on her but I was very angry, and yes I do appologise.
Blessings
Lady Aradia

Yes I know who Aradia is, I have been called that for over 2 decades.
As far as my name what in the world would that have any thing to do with what I said and how I think, and feel about Obama.
I personally don't think my Magickal name has anything to do with it.
Why out of all I said are you picking on my name?
I do know whom she was and whom her mother was, and her father.
Im a practicing Pagan of over 2 decades.
I just don't think that a Muslim Man is right for office, seeing we are at War with Iraq, and he has ties to them.
I just think it is time for a Women to Run the Country, not a Man.
I don't care how much he sugar coats himself to every one, making himself look like another MLKJ, he isn't and doesn't know what the heck is going on in the economy, Im just worried for all of us.
I take back the harshness I spoke, but as far as being for Obama, I'm not, and wont be.

I hope you all have a Blessed Day.
Lady Aradia

Once of the beauties of faith is Truth. Why would someone calling herself Lady, post lies about Obama? Sounds very Aryan to me. Why would anyone believe these lies because the internet said so.

Wake up people. The forces of darkness are out there and they are coming out of the corners to attack Barack.

I believe in religious tolerance but postings like this "lady aradias" just focus on spreading hate and lies. Doesn't bode well for the "pagan" community. I personally am a Christian after being around the map for many years. I don't like it that pagans lump christians together either but I figure it is more intolerance. Christ was about love. Can't get any higher than that.

You took the words right out of my mouth. Obama EMPOWERS people while the others act like we are helpless children and they will take care of us in the tradtional white, patriarchal way. Thank you. As Obama said, we are the ones we have been waiting for. I feel he was sent here by God to help the human race. A real boddhisatva, ascended master.

I find it rather odd that so many people make such an effort to talk about how false pagans are. Most of the time it seems like they are doing it in fear. If our religion is as fake and made up as they would have us believe then what is there to fear from it or us?

It seems to me that there are a lot of people giving a lot of power to something they profess to not believe in. This is something that most people don’t seem to ever see or understand; yet to me it is common sense. If you truly don’t believe in something why spend so much time giving it your energy? In doing that you are giving it your life force and thus giving it life.

The more you feed something the more it grows and the stronger it becomes. By the same token if you spend little energy on something and don’t feed it then the being in question has nothing to sustain it and thus it will wither and die. This is why I keep telling my sisters and brothers to leave the Christians alone. But then the only fear I have of them is that they will disturb my Saturday by attempting to “give me their message”. As the song says:
I fear no church, I fear no hells
No holy ghost or wishing wells

Lady Rowen
Wisteria Temple, Inc.

Anon,

Calling herself Lady means something to us Pagans. And either she is what she claims and is breaking every principle we have, or she is claiming something she has no title to.

Calling herself Lady and making that kind of statement demeans us...does she even know who Aradia was? That statment was a steaming pile...and it came from someone that has taken a title that is earned through years of study and contributing to the Community.

Calling her on it was not mean of Paganplace...it was called for.

Lady Keir, Hp's
Wisteria Temple, Inc.

Are you *serious,* Anonymous?

Besides, that's not 'mean,' ...that was me putting it delicately.

I can hardly ask Christians to rein in their hate-speakers, then nod politely when someone claims to be 'Lady Aradia' and repeats slanderous accusations about a public figure ...from someone trying to call him a traitor based on insufficient genuflecture to the 'Holy Bible.'

Probably just one of the regular trolls trying to act out a caricature of 'feminist Paganism' anyway.

It's not exactly convincing, either.

I don't run around calling myself 'Lady this or that,' but I do honor certain expectations of teaching better than *that.*

And so I did.

Paganplace,

Can you respond to someone's comment without being mean?

Please, nitch the nasty comments. This is an opinion blog. Not everyone is going to agree with you or me, and that is okay.

Calling yourself 'Lady Aradia' don't change the smell of *that* steaming pile, whoever you are.

But, she's basically the Queen of 'Careful what you name yourself.'

Bon appetit.

I personally think that Obama is a person that was made from birth to be directed towards the main office of the USA to sabotage it from with in.
Just look at his name:

Barack Obama

Sounds like a name made for the Iraqs brother hood, and to bomb America.
Am I the only one who see's this?
There is proof he has some dealings with Osama Bin Laden, and I think the people of America are so blind to his Line of Crock.

I for one would rather take the chance on a Truely American Women, than a Man that has no clue whats going on in the first place, and one who has a shady background.
Im sorry I just can't see him as the President of the United States.
I see distruction, and uncontrolled people if he does gain Presidentship.This world will change for the worst.
Where I come from, alot of African Americans already thnnk they can push us around.
How will it be if our President of the United States, is a African American?
Will we fall victim to them?
Im sarced and sad to say I think the people of the USA that are voting for Obama, will be sad they did.

That is my oppion, and I do have that ammendment, Freedom of Speech.
So Far:(
This below was sent to me from another sorce:

Importance: High Who is Barack Obama? Very interesting and something that should be considered in your choice. If you do not ever forward anything else, please forward this to all your contacts...this is very scary to think of what lies ahead of us here in our own United States...better heed this and pray about it and share it. We checked this out on 'snopes.com'. It is factual. Check for yourself. Who is Barack Obama? Probable U. S. presidential candidate, Barack Hussein Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., a black MUSLIM from Nyangoma-Kogel, Kenya and Ann Dunham, a white Atheist from Wichita, Kansas. Obama's parents met at the University of Hawaii. When Obama was two years old, his parents divorced. His father returned to Kenya. His mother then married Lolo Soetoro, a RADICAL Muslim from Indonesia. When Obama was 6 years old, the family relocate to Indonesia. Obama attended a MUSLIM school in Jakarta. He also spent two years in a Catholic school. Obama takes great care to conceal the fact that he is a Muslim. He is quick to point out that, 'He was once a Muslim, but that he also attended Catholic school.Obama's political handlers are attempting to make it appear that that he is not a radical. Obama's introduction to Islam came via his father, and that this influence was temporary at best. In reality, the senior Obama returned to Kenya soon after the divorce, and never again had any direct influence over his son's education. Lolo Soetoro, the second husband of Obama's mother, Ann Dunham, introduced his stepson to Islam. Obama was enrolled in a Wahabi school in Jakarta. Wahabism is the RADICAL teaching that is followed by the Muslim terrorists who are now waging Jihad against the western world. Since it is politically expedient to be a CHRISTIAN when seeking major public office in the United States, Barack Hussein Obama has joined the United Church of Christ in an attempt to downplay his Muslim background. ALSO, keep in mind that when he was sworn into office he DID NOT use the Holy Bible, but instead the Koran. Barack Hussein Obama will NOT recite the Pledge of Allegiance nor will he show any reverence for our flag. While others place their hands over their hearts, Obama turns his back to the flag and slouches. Let us all remain alert concerning Obama's expected presidential candidacy. The Muslims have said they plan on destroying the US from the inside out, what better way to start than at the highest level - through the President of the United States, one of their own!!!! Please forward to everyone you know. Would you want this man leading our country?...... NOT ME

" Anonymous:
there are no spells."

*laugh,* Just, in your world, notions that the American people actually supporting a candidate must be for mysterious reasons entirely contrary to what the media calls "reason?"

:)

For purposes of this discussion, consider the 'spell' to refer to an 'operative metaphor.'

Starhawk's just saying, in this case, that it's a functional and good one, as opposed to various other illusions people have been subject to just lately. :)

"there are no witches or warlocks or anything of that sort."

If you could just tell the preachers that, it'd probably be enough to be getting on with, apart, of course, that Pagan religions and their people *do exist,* sure as I'm sitting here.

(You could make a case for warlocks not existing, though: contrary to popular belief, a 'warlock' isn't 'A male witch:' in some few traditions it's more akin to an 'exile' or 'convict,' .... you only get 'ward-locked' if you consistently use magic for bad ends, betray oaths, and all those other things Pagans past and present get a burr up about.)

"you are a fraud making money off the mentally impared who think you and your expensive siminar will give them the answers."

If you consider that 'spell' comes from the same word as 'Spelling,' as in learn some, and 'Gospel' as in 'God's Spell,' or, 'It's all right if Christians do it,' let's not go calling someone a 'fraud' who does exactly what she sets out to do.

Not all Pagans agree with her, particularly on some of the finer points, and particularly on the political activism, (which, to be honest, often went across even *my* outspoken grain till the sociopolitical landscape took a serious fork for the 'Oh, Gods, we're in it now, aren't we,'

But she's not a 'fraud.' So happens I was part of organizing her coming to speak somewhere.

Compare that to what the fanatically-deluded get paid to run around churches and call us 'witches and warlocks.'

"CCNL,

Would you settle for Postmaster General?"

Yikes! All the junk mail would be from *him!* :)

Arminius isn't a 'Bible thumper,' Concerned. I think he represents his divinities and his religion with real good human qualities.

You know, like most atheists aren't hateful and obsessive-compulsive about any appearance of any kind of spirituality or religion whatsoever? :)

All you're doing is dancing in some mask of the fears Bible-thumpers like to cultivate *as* having to do with anything not-evangelical-controlled.

Which I do find interesting.

Definitely behind you on this, Arminius.

Oh, and, AHO:

"PS THE HIGHEST FORM OF LOVING THE GODDESS IS TO LOVE A WOMAN!!"

A) The highest form of loving the Goddess is, if you asked me, loving Her entire universe in *everything,* most *particularly* in another, (whatever form they may be taking right now) ... but also in yourself.)

It's not a contest, though.

You're obviously speaking of 'the ancient altar.' ... This is one form... And a darn important one, if you asked me.

Everyone has a mother and father, after all...

This doesn't mean it's 'feminist' to accuse a woman of being irrational about 'mother issues' because she supports the candidate *she* articulates support for.

Seriously, now. Hillary is a fine candidate, as unwise as it is to go negative against a candidate people *really like,* ...But yes, we irrational, if revered, girls can actually make decisions on policy and the relative importance of leadership qualities.

In this case, that quite often means Obama's our guy.

If you respect women, respect *that.*

B) No need to shout. If you're actually Pagan, you should pay attention to the effects of your actions: typing with the capslock on does... what?

Annoy people and appear hysterical.

Which, I'm afraid, is exactly what Hillary's done with her recent speech. I'd rather she'd taken the high road all the way. Burned some bridges, there, she did.

there are no spells. there are no witches or warlocks or anything of that sort.
you are a fraud making money off the mentally impared who think you and your expensive siminar will give them the answers.

I started follwoing the USA presidential race with an open mindedness. I was/am curious to observe how the world moving towards cahnge. The perception of people regardless of their color, race, religion and political affiliation shown dramatic change. After having observed, this very historical presidential race,which is still going on I came to the conclusion that people are one in their search for justice and good things in life. I want to be clear and understood well, I am not for white or black president, but I am for a leader who is people oriented, a leader has human heart and human mind. My color is black like some one's is yellow or red or chocolate.
Why is it most American youth are going beyond racial or color profiling in terms of supporting whom they consider is an agent of change. If this is the case Americans are going to retesity that democracy is possible; justice is achievable; people's unity is a must; and economic justice must be worked out. American is in a challenging moment.
I am a recent african immigrant. My love to America is equal to my love to my continet Africa, more espeficiall yto ethiopia. The otucome of American presidential election detemines jusitce in Africa, in particular in ethiopia. Clintons and Bushes promoted in Africa dictatorship. I think this might change soon.
I forsee Obama becoming the next USA president. I want to see Obama dismantling the chain of African dictatorship. I want to see Free Africa from unprofessional political leadership. May God bless of people.

These seem like arguments against Obama from my perspective. Obama's rhetoric isn't original, and its success is frightening. He lacks experience, substance or ideas. Obama's message is meaningless pablum meant to appeal to the hypocrisies of the cross-racial middle class. Which is to say, his election depends on appealing to the same middling class interests that are responsible for most of our problems. He's about nothing more than the appearance of change, and appearance is the sum of his worth.

The only spells he's casting are the same old worthless PR lies and empty spin, made novel this time by making people believe that there's some moral or social significance MERELY in the election of someone who's racially mixed. Considering their politics, both Obama and Clinton are regressive.

I really enjoyed your comments about Obama. However, your attack on fathers was unnecessary and too personal for this article. There are many divorced dads who did the diaper changing, homework, PTA and Sunday school. From what little information that is avalible about the homelife of Barack Obama, he appears to of that ilk.

The competition for the Democratic nomination is not about black men with voodoo mind control ("...casting a good spell...") and nagging mothers. Obama's words of hope appear to be genuine and sincere. His positve personal charisma is in stark contrast to Clinton's plastic smile and doomsday predictions.

Clinton is being forced out her parallel world of secrecy, privilege and power relationships; and she is obviously very uncomfortable. She was unprepared to deal with a direct challenge to her coronation; and now she is overtly angry about it.

White liberals like the Clinton's can be very patronizing to Black people with leadership qualities.

I started follwoing the USA presidential race with an open mindedness. I am curious to observe how the world in changing. The perception of people regardless of their color, race, religion and political affiliation shown dramatic change. After having observed, this very historic presidential race, I came to the conclusion that people are one in their search for justice and good things in life. I want to be clear and understood well, I am not for white or black president, but I am for a leader who is people oriented, a leader with human heart and human mind. My color is black like some one's is yellow or red or chocolate.
Why is it most American youth are going beyond racial or color profiling in terms of supporting whom they consider is agent of change. If this is the case it is AMerican young people's turn to change the world.
I forsee Obama become the next USA present based on my own interest that is TO FREE AMERICAN Continet from dictators, who were supported by Clintons and taken care by Bushes. Good luck to all of us.

But if you really listen close, which most won't, you can hear echoes of Louis Farrakhan and Rev. Jeremiah Wright, his minster and close friend of Farrakhan. Now that sounds like something this country wants to follow, NOT...

Also, how can you stand for a man who can't place his hand over his heart for the National Anthem. His reply is "Baseball players don't do it". Now that sounds like a President i'd vote for. He really love this country now that his wife is proud of it...

Today the world is run by three of the most secretive institutions in the world: The International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization, all three of which, in turn, are dominated by the U.S. Their decisions are made in secret. The people who head them are appointed behind closed doors. Nobody really knows anything about them, their politics, their beliefs, their intentions. Nobody elected them. Nobody said they could make decisions on our behalf.

In India 1.9million children die annually due to poverty and various illnesses. So killing a few millions more by cluster bombs is justified.I am sure if BUSH happens to read this CCNL will replace C RICE

I voted for a devil-worshipper once, but I did not know he was a devil-worshipper until he won office.

But if you really listen close, which most won't, you can hear echoes of Louis Farrakhan and Rev. Jeremiah Wright, his minster and close friend of Farrakhan. Now that sounds like something this country wants to follow, NOT...

Also, how can you stand for a man who can't place his hand over his heart for the National Anthem. His reply is "Baseball players don't do it". Now that sounds like a President i'd vote for. He really love this country now that his wife is proud of it...

"DON'Y VOTE FOR HILLARY BECAUSE SHES A WOMAN, VOTE FOR HILLARY BECAUSE YOU ARE A WOMAN" -ROBIN MORGAN

I REJECT YOUR COMMENTS-I CAN SEE THAT YOU STILL HAVE TO WORK OUT YOUR MOTHER ISSUES, STARHAWK......

A DISSAPOINTED PAGAN-

PS THE HIGHEST FORM OF LOVING THE GODDESS IS TO LOVE A WOMAN!!

AHO

Thank you Starhawk--

You nailed it. Words do matter, thoughts are things and I agree, we the people hold the power, are the source of hope. I always believe this-- no matter how ugly things get.

Obama is my lord and savior.

CONCERNED CHRISTIAN NOW LIBERATED[???]

Deflawing American Constitution can Save The World.

"India leads the world with 1.9 million children under age 5 dying annually"

http://www.boston.com/news/world/africa/articles/2007/05/08/egypt_lauded_iraq_faulted_in_child_deaths_report/

...and therein lies the REAL, powerful and critical value and wisdom of Barack Obama, to the United States and the world in the "fierce urgency of now". Well said.

...and therein lies the value and wisdom of Barack Obama, to the United States and the world. Well said.

Can you remove that blasted blurb that covers the climax of this piece? Yes, you can! But no you won't!

:>LOL

Seriously, this piece is right on target and I believe reflects what millions are silently thinking and "feeling." This campaign features the dynamics of psychological battle and mental transformation like few others have in the past, and perhaps moreso than any ever will.