#the death of community as a system of support and into a structure of control

[gatheringbones]

[“Once marked as surplus you are regarded as waste. The history of social welfare systems is marked by battles over this essential element: what the surplus populations “deserve.” In what ways are their lives social burdens, and what is to be done to empirically separate the “deserving” (a burden in society’s interest to take on) from the “undeserving” (an irredeemable burden)?

Waste—surplus populations—are policed and certified by capitalist states to demarcate the boundary of who is an acceptable member of the body politic, with all who fall outside of this normative frame labeled as burden. First and foremost, as eugenic burden: demographic threat, threat of disruption to the social order, reproductive threat, bloodline threat, “three generations of imbeciles,” etc. Second, as burden of public debt: that protecting the health of the most vulnerable few will lead to the immiseration of the many, a demographic threat managed by the appeal that we can and should only “take care of our own,” which itself constructs the “we.”

This conjoined eugenic and debt burden framework is visible across the modern period and forms the tacit political philosophy of capitalism.

This eugenic and debt burden casts a long shadow over centuries of reform movements. It is both the first line of defense for stewards of power intent on resisting change and a crucial vulnerability too often insufficiently rebuked by reformers. A project that politically and philosophically centers the surplus populations within the political economy must therefore by necessity reject the framework of the surplus as eugenic and debt burden. So, too, should any project of socialized medicine or redistributive health justice. Reformism—merely seeking alterations, tinkering around the edges—inherently preserves the violence of capitalism. This formulation of the surplus populations as waste, wasting, malingering, unde-serving, and otherwise, is based on an intrinsically capitalist logic that must be dispensed with. Any left political projects that rely on the logic of waste—that are structured around scarcity, lack, capital accumulation, certification, citizenship, property, or carcerality—are doomed to fail. To accept the argument that certain populations are irredeemable eugenic or debt burdens is to perpetuate the very political philosophy of capitalism.

[…]

Welfare allocation imagined as a matter of economic tinkering always redounds to this frame: what will be the cost of care? Is that cost worthwhile to society? Is that cost worthwhile politically? This caustic, statistical valuation of life is everywhere. It is in the words of our enemies when they propose, vapidly and to great acclaim, that in order to “control costs” to the “taxpayer” they will support a program to root out “waste, fraud, and abuse” in welfare systems. Welfare systems are imagined in capitalist social reproduction as the ultimate contradiction: it is resolutely claimed that our social supports unfailingly capture and maintain the poor, the ill, and the disabled; simultaneously, the stories of those individuals and populations our social supports fail to capture are simply tragedy, an aberration, the result of a personal flaw, expected to be borne by individuated risk.

To the extent that welfare is insufficient, capitalism dreams that welfare could perfectly capture the needs of the surplus populations if it weren’t for the debt burdens—lies, cheats, the malingering poor, fraudsters. Or the eugenic burdens: those so beyond help that their medical needs become a drag on the public coffers. Those unworthy of help because their inability to “advance their station” is simply their own, a genetically predestined drag on society, whose death and immiseration is just tragic luck, a failure so inevitable that when death comes it can only be remarked that their death was “pulled from the future,” always coming but just slightly too soon.”]

health communism, by beatrice adler-bolton and artie vierkant, 2022

[thestuffedalligator]

God do I think a lot about the bit in Monstrous Regiment about old women.

"Women had to cover their hair on Fridays, but there was nothing about this in the Book, which was pretty dar—pretty damn rigorous about most things. It was just a custom. It was done because it had always been done. And if you forgot, or didn’t want to, the old women got you. They had eyes like hawks. They could practically see through walls. And the men took notice, because no man wanted to cross the crones in case they started watching him, so half-hearted punishment would be dealt out. Whenever there was an execution, and especially when there was a whipping, you always found the grannies in the front row, sucking on peppermints."

I can't explain why, I just. God this bit haunts me. This is the most resonant idea that's lived with me for months after I read MR.

[astrofaeology]

Pluto in the Signs

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ᡣ𐭩 Please support me by reposting, liking, following me. Pluto is a generation planet, which transforms and breaks. It rules over power, domination and control aswell as it's thought to represent you hardest challenges in life, in which you can either bend or break. Also no one currently alive has pluto in aries, pisces, taurus etc, I added my interpretation of such for the degree theory.

0º is the degree which doesn't have a coresponding sign assigned to it. It's a fresh new degree and will amplify the themes of the sign that it's in

Aries (1,13,25º) This placement signifies a profounde drive and transformations around the topics such as sourage, leadership and personal initiative. There can be an intense push for independence and a willingness to confront power structures head-on, sometimes leading to revolutionary fervor or a period of intense individualism. These natives may experience significant upheavels around themes of fighting, and self assertion, often becoming the definition of what heroism is.

Taurus (2, 14, 26°) These natives experience transformations related to material values, resources, and security. This placement can bring about profound shifts in economic systems, ownership, and how society relates to the earth and its resources. There may be an increadible need to own and possess with these natives, and they will eventually learn about really matters in life.

Gemini (3, 15, 27°) this placement is marked by transformative changes in communication, intellect, and the way information is shared. There's a deep urge to uncover hidden truths and challenge established narratives, leading to periods of significant intellectual awakening or shifts in public discourse. This can manifest as a powerful interest in science, technology, and the redefinition of knowledge itself.

Cancer (4, 16, 28°) this placement undergoes profound transformations concerning family, home, national identity, and emotional security. There can be a powerful pull towards ancestral roots and a deep emotional intensity around issues of belonging and nurturing. This placement often coincides with periods of significant societal shifts in domestic life, family structures, and how communities are formed and maintained.

Leo (5, 17, 29°) This placement indicates experiencing deep transformations in areas of self-expression, creativity, leadership, and ego. There's a powerful need to assert individuality and a potent drive for recognition and influence. They can see the rise and fall of powerful figures, intense artistic movements, and a collective redefinition of what it means to be a "leader" or a "star."

Virgo (6, 18° ) these natives profound transformations in health, work, daily routines, and systems of service. There's a powerful urge to analyze, refine, and perfect, often leading to significant advancements in medicine, technology, or societal efficiency. However, this intense focus on details can also bring about a period of collective anxiety or a critical re-evaluation of established practices.

Libra (7, 19°) a generation experiences deep transformations in relationships, justice, equality, and social harmony. There's a powerful desire to bring balance to unbalanced situations, often leading to major shifts in laws, partnerships, and how society defines fairness. This placement can coincide with movements for social justice and a redefinition of interpersonal dynamics.

Scorpio( 8, 20°) this placement signifies a generation intimately connected to themes of power, death, rebirth, transformation, and hidden truths. There's an intense drive to delve into the depths of human experience, uncover secrets, and confront taboos. This era can bring about profound psychological and societal shifts, marked by an intense fascination with the occult, healing, and the fundamental mysteries of existence.

Sagittarius (9, 21°) profound transformations in philosophy, spirituality, higher education, and global perspectives. There's an intense search for truth and meaning, often challenging established beliefs and expanding horizons. This can lead to significant shifts in religious institutions, educational systems, and international relations, as the collective seeks a broader understanding of the world.

Capricorn (10, 22º) this placement experiences deep transformations in governmental structures, societal hierarchies, and the nature of authority. There's a powerful urge to dismantle and rebuild established systems, often leading to periods of significant political and economic upheaval. This placement emphasizes the responsibility that comes with power and the potential for deep-seated corruption to be exposed and transformed.

Aquarius (11, 23°) This placement signifies a focus on profound transformations in technology, social structures, collective ideals, and humanitarian causes. There's a powerful drive for innovation and a desire to revolutionize society for the greater good, often challenging traditional norms and fostering new forms of community. They bring about breakthroughs in science and a re-imagining of what is possible for humanity.

Pisces (12, 24°) these natives undergoes deep transformations related to spirituality, compassion, intuition, and the collective unconscious. There's a powerful urge to transcend boundaries and connect with universal truths, often leading to artistic or spiritual awakenings. This placement can coincide with a dissolving of old illusions, an increased sensitivity to suffering, and a collective re-evaluation of what lies beyond the material world.

DISCLAIMER: This post is a generalisation and may not resonate. I recommend you get a reading from an astrologer (me). If you want a reading from me check out my sales page.

@astrofaeology private services 2025 all rights reserved

[hms-no-fun]

you were on cohost? i guess too late now, how was it for you?

cohost had its fair share of problems and i could often find the community there a bit too tumblr-core fingerwaggy if you know what i mean. but the site's dead now so it's kind of a moot point. what i find myself reflecting on most these days are the positives.

first, no numbers. i think their no numbers policy was probably a bit over-aggressive, but it quelled some of the rat race popularity contest aspect of social media that often makes it so tedious. i liked their tag tracking system, their robust content warning options, and the absence of infinite scroll. what i miss most about cohost is that their text editor supported CSS, which led to people programming elaborate text effects and puzzles and games in-site that harkened back to the days of flash animations. there was something in this combination of elements that drew out a rebellious creativity in users.

cohost came at a time when social media was across the board feeling terrible (and it's only gotten worse hahaha), particularly as someone who makes shit that relies on you clicking links that take you away from the website or app. algorithms hate this and punish it. users also just seem kind of lazy and disinterested in using the internet so much as letting the internet happen to them passively. but when a post of mine went viral on cohost, people engaged with it. it wasn't just likes and shares, it was comments and additions. it felt like a place that (at its best) encouraged actual conversation and the development of new ideas among like-minded peers. when my posts did well and i included a donation link, people gave me money. it felt genuinely like a website that COULD support professional blog work in a way that was more customizable even than substack yet still RSS friendly, and the Following tab which let you easily see posts of specific users was a REVELATION, like a mini RSS reader within the website itself.

but the enterprise was unsustainable for various reasons (not all of them outside the dev crew's control) and the haters got what they wanted. now our big social media alternative is bluesky, a website that dares to ask the question "what if there was another twitter?" the answer is that it fucking sucks. i hate microblogs so much dude, why on EARTH are we still acting like these disambiguited 300-character-limit posts are the most preferable means of social communication online??? why would you set out to make a better twitter and then deliberately choose to replicate literally every aspect of the user experience that encouraged low-information high-drama conflict fabrication? WHY WOULD YOU MAKE A VERSION OF TWITTER WHERE YOU CAN EASILY LOOK UP THE ACCOUNT OF EVERYONE WHO HAS YOU BLOCKED AND IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE A FEATURE NOT A BUG???????? i just don't get it. i don't even get the optimism of the early adopters. i've seen people decry the post-election decay of the platform like "of course the cishets come in to ruin a community that was defined by trans & queer people" i'm sorry HELLO???????? from literally day zero bluesky was aiming to be a hands-off centrist IPO-friendly tech startup, there was never anything structurally embedded within the platform itself to keep this kind of decay from happening, you just happened to be on there when there were dramatically fewer users most of whom were curious tech enthusiasts. seriously, how have we not learned this lesson yet? you can't define a digital culture by the vibes of random user behavior! unless you have LAWS and GUIDELINES whereby you fucking BAN people for being shitheads, unless you enforce an actual code of conduct and punish bigoted speech and design a system that encourages constructive conversation, you are always always ALWAYS going to wind up at unhinged facebook boomer slop!

the death of cohost and the utterly predictable decay of bluesky are a big part of the reason why i've been posting so much more on tumblr. this is like the last bastion of anything even remotely resembling the old web, with its support of longposts and tagging and how easy it is to find random hobbyists doing cool shit you never knew existed before. like, yeah, you have to search that shit out and tailor your feed to not drive you crazy, but that's what i like about it!!! i am an adult with agency who understands that life is complicated and as such i expect to have to put some work into making my experience with a website positive! but in the hellworld of the iphone everything is walled garden apps for aggregating content where the content and its creators are structurally established as infinitely replaceable and uniquely worthless punching bags to be used and cast aside. everyone's given up on moderation and real jobs don't exist anymore especially if you happen to work in the "creative economy" IE are a writer or critic or artist or hobbyist of literally any kind. we've given up on expecting anything from the rich moneyboys who own and profit immensely off of the platforms whose value we literally create!!! especially now with the rise of "AI" grifters, whose work has ratcheted good old fashioned casual sexism and racism and homophobia up to levels not seen in such mainstream spaces since the early 2000s.

i like tumblr because i don't have to use a third party app to get & answer asks at length, and because it is a visual artist friendly platform where i won't be looked at funny for reblogging furry postmodernism or transgender homestuck OCs. it is a site that utterly lacks respectability and that's what makes it even remotely usuable. unfortunately it also sucks! partly it sucks because this place was ground zero for the rise of puritanical feminist-passing conservatism in leftist spaces, so it's like a hyperbolic time chamber for brain-melting life or death discourse about the most inconsequential bullshit you could ever imagine. but it also sucks because it's owned by a profit-motivated moneyboy who has consistently encouraged a culture of virulent transphobia and frequently bans trans women who call this out. so like, yeah, this place is cool compared to everywhere else, but it is exactly like everywhere else in that is also on a ticking clock to its own inevitable demise. the owners of this website will destroy everything that makes it interesting and will EAGERLY delete the nearly twenty years (!!!!!!) of posts it's accumulated the instant it will profit them to do so. this will be immensely unpopular and everyone will agree it's a tragedy and it won't matter. the culture and content of a social media platform is epiphenomenal to its rote economic valuation. i mean, obviously it isn't, zero of these massive tech companies would be what they are if so many people weren't so eager to give their time and labor away for free (and yes, writing a dumb dick joke on tumblr IS a form of labor in the same way that doing a captcha is labor, just because it's a miniscule contribution in an economy of scale doesn't mean you didn't contribute!), but once a tech company reaches a certain threshold its valuation ceases to be tethered to anything that actually exists in reality.

all of which is why i remember cohost with a heavy heart. yeah, it was imperfect. it was also independently owned, made with the explicit goal of creating a form of social media that actually tries not to give you a lifelong anxiety disorder so it can sell you homeopathic anti-anxiety sawdust suppositories. for the brief window of time when it was extant, i was genuinely hopeful for the future of being a creative on the internet. part of why i spend so much time on godfeels, a fucking homestuck fanfiction with no hope of turning a profit or establishing mainstream legitimacy, is that my readers actually ENGAGE with the material. what brought me back to using this website consistently was precisely the glut of godfeels-related questions i got, and the exciting conversations that resulted from my answers. meanwhile i put so many hours into my videos and even when they do well numerically, i barely see any actual engagement with the material. and that is a deliberate design choice on the part of youtube! that is the platform functioning as intended!! it sucks!!!

what the memory of cohost has instilled in me is a neverending distaste for the lazy unambitious also-rans that define the modern internet. i remember the possibility space of the early web and long for the expressiveness that even the most minor of utilities offered. we sacrificed that freedom for a convenience which was always the pretense for eventually charging us rent. i am thinking a lot these days about what a publicly funded government administrated social media utility would look like. what federal open source standards could look in an environment where the kinds of activities a digital ecosystem can encourage are strictly regulated against exploitation, bigotry, scams, and literal gambling. what if there was a unionized federal workforce devoted to the administration of internet moderation, which every website above a certain user threshold must legally take advantage of? i like to imagine a world where youtube isn't just nationalized but balkanized, where you have nested networks of youtubes administrated for different purposes by different agencies and organizations that operate on different paradigms of privacy and algorithmic interaction. imagine that your state, county, and/or city has its own branch of youtube meant to specifically highlight local work, while also remaining connected to a broader national network (oops i just reinvented federation lmao). imagine a world where server capacity is a publicly owned utility apportioned according to need and developed in collaboration with the communities of their construction rather than as a deliberate exploitation of them. our horizons for these kinds of things are just so, so small, our ability to imagine completely captured by capitalist realism, our willingness to demand services from our government simply obliterated by decades of cynical pro-austerity propaganda. i imagine proposing some of this stuff and people reacting like "well that's unrealistic" "that'll never happen" "they'd just use it for evil" and i am just SO! FUCKING! TIRED!!!!

like wow you're soooooo cool for being effectively two steps left of reagan, i bet you think prison abolition and free public housing are an impossible pipedream too huh? and exactly what has that attitude gotten you? what've you gained by being such a down to earth realist whose demands are limited by the scope of what seems immediately possible? has anything gotten better? have any of the things you thought were good stayed good? is your career more stable, your political position more safe, your desire to live and thrive greatly expanded? or do you spend every day in a cascading panopticon of stress and collapse, overwhelmed to the point of paralysis by the sheer magnitude of what it's cost us to abandon the future? you HAVE to dream. you HAVE to make unrealistic demands. the fucking conservatives have been making unrealistic demands forever and look, they're getting everything they want even though EVERYONE hates them for it! please i'm begging you to see and understand that what's feasible, what's reasonable, what's realistic, are literally irrelevant. these things only feel impossible because we choose to believe The Adults (and if you're younger than like 45, trust me, to the ruling class you are a child) whose bank accounts reflect just how profitable it is to convince us that they're impossible. all those billions of dollars these fuckers have didn't come from nowhere, it was stolen from all of us. there is no reason that money can't and shouldn't be seized and recirculated back into the economy, no reason it can't be used to fund a society that is actually social, where technological development is driven not by what's most likely to drive up profits next quarter but by what people need from technology in their daily lives.

uh so yeah basically that's my opinion of cohost lmao

[crescent-likethemoon]

From Palestine To The World, October 2024 by Queers In Palestine.

Language: Unworded by colonial violence, resisting erasure

After a year of an ongoing genocide, ethnic cleansing, attempts of expansion by the Zionist settler-colonial project, and of our ongoing steadfast global revolt, we are delivering a message from Palestine, to the world, while words cannot convey the depths of our collective trauma or the radical resistance we embody. Words collapse as we bear witness to the destruction of bodies, lands, histories, and futures. Language can no longer hold the weight of our suffering, our rage, our endless grief. It cannot do justice to our feelings and experiences. While capitalism and colonialism’s forces of death and destruction are wounding the world, we are still determined to deliver our voice, we are still moved by the force of life, and will always move with and towards it.

Palestine and Lebanon: One land in grief and struggle

The Zionist colonial entity still exists because colonial and imperialist powers are supporting and funding it. These are the same powers that produced the Sykes-Picot colonial agreement that fragmented Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan and other Arab nations in 1916 by enforcing borders on our lands. We live with the implications of these systems. We deeply embody the knowledge of this violence, and have been trying to warn the world that these powers neither see our humanity nor respect our sovereignty. The world’s promises of justice and accountability through colonial international laws and institutions only reproduce violence and harm with no transformation. The very existence of these colonial powers is built on the (social) death and exploitation of others. The same tactics of annihilation that have been used in Gaza since last October are now also used in Lebanon. They are reaching us all––from surveillance tools of political repression, to weapons for direct killings. From corporations to other colonial structures, if we do not dismantle these systems, they will continue to consume us all.

Zionism: Threat against humanity

Zionist settler colonialism has been perpetrated against the land of Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Palestine. But it does not stop there: Zionism is a global threat. While Palestine is used as the Zionist entity’s testing-ground to develop technologies of oppression (including cyber invasions and technological warfare) to control the people and suppress resistance worldwide, these Zionist inventions are exported and used for state violence to further colonial, imperial and capitalist expansion. The Zionist entity’s influence extends to geopolitics and resource extraction across Latin America and Africa––from mining projects in Namibia, to diamond extraction in Angola, and ‘Cop City’ in the USA–– and its aggression can only be contained through struggle and abolition.

The myth of individualism and separation

Individualism is an instrument of the systems of (neo)liberalism, racial capitalism and colonialism. It is designed to destroy our collectives and community practices through fragmentation and separation––from each other, the land, the planet and universe, and from ourselves. The illusion of separation denies our autonomy, our sovereignty over our bodies and land. We resist this colonial myth of individualism that serves oppressive systems. We are interdependent and our struggles are interconnected and intersectional––there is no such thing as individual liberation. No one is free, until we are all free.

On the path of abolition and transformation

Our reality, and our queer, feminist, radical truths, cannot be quantified. They cannot be reduced to data, to screens, to consumable images. The genocidal violence we face and resist everyday, is not an event to be documented. This deep rupture is a tearing apart of the fabric of life that demands something more than mere speech. It demands action and transformation. And it necessitates abolition. Abolition not just through the dismantling of prisons and the destruction of all carceral systems—but the refusal of all structures that seek to imprison and kill our bodies, our desires, our lands, our futures. Abolition is a direct confrontation with the forces that seek to erase us on the path towards life-affirming and systemic transformation, it is to radically imagine and build a different future from the present.

Hope as a radical practice

Our bodies ache with exhaustion, our spirits bruised by the relentless weight of oppression. In this land stolen from us, where we live the genocide in our every moment, hope is a radical practice. We are warriors, survivors, rebels. We will not be extinguished. The world’s indifference is a betrayal––we know that. We will not allow our disappointment to consume us. Fuelled by our collective rage and grief, we unite and empower us. Still amidst these difficult times, we channel our hope as a collective force of resistance to the very foundation of these unjust systems, in Palestine and everywhere. We will not only survive this genocide, we will thrive––reclaiming our stolen land and building a future free from the chains of patriarchy, colonialism, capitalism and zionism.

Constant transformative struggle towards collective liberation

One year later, we continue to call for the world to:

Be radical, feminist, queer, intersectional, decolonial, and abolitionist in our resistances: fuelled by rage, love and longing for justice, transformation and collective liberation.

Resist the hegemonic colonial narrative: do not stop talking about Palestine with your kin, queer siblings, friends and community. Challenge the colonial and Islamophobic framing of Palestinian and racialized voices as antisemitic.

Escalate all forms of disruption of the colonial and capitalist systems enabling this violence. Rage and strike against the use of your labor and tax money to fund, support, and endorse settler colonialism and genocide. Fight against governments and hold them accountable for their military, diplomatic, economic, and political relations with and support to Israel.

Rage and grieve as radical forces for change: together we channel our anger and grief towards a world free of Zionism and all other systems of oppression.

Radically imagine a different world and put this imagination into practice by organizing to fight current systems and build the future from the present.

Always re-membering: honoring those we have lost, and standing steadfast in resistance by all means possible.

[howtomuslim]

Reviving the Legacy of Waqf: A Forgotten Pillar of The Islamic Economy

In Islamic history, the waqf (plural: awqaf) represents a tradition that underpinned the development of Muslim societies. A practice rooted in faith and generosity, waqf was a system of endowments that provided cradle-to-grave support for communities, funding hospitals, schools, mosques, and even public infrastructure. Today, there is a renewed call to revive this practice, after it’s demise during the colonisation of Muslim lands, not only to sustain the Muslim community but to empower it to tackle modern challenges strategically.

The Concept of Waqf: A Gift for Eternity

At its core, waqf refers to the restriction of an asset for perpetual charitable use. Once designated as waqf, ownership of the asset is transferred to Allah, and its benefits are dedicated to the community. Unlike other forms of charity, such as zakat or sadaqah, waqf assets remain preserved, continuously generating benefits for specified causes. For instance, a piece of land could be endowed as a waqf to fund education, with rental income supporting schools indefinitely.

This system offers a unique form of sustainability, ensuring that the initial act of giving continues to yield rewards and benefits long after the donor’s lifetime. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for them.” Waqf embodies this concept of ongoing charity.

Historical Significance of Waqf

The origins of waqf trace back to the Prophet’s time. One of the earliest examples is the endowment of a date orchard by a Companion, Abu Talhah, after the Quranic verse, “You will not attain righteousness until you spend from what you love” (3:92). The Prophet advised him to dedicate the orchard as a waqf, benefiting his family and the broader community, even today.

Over the centuries, awqaf played a critical role in Islamic civilisation. Universities like Al-Qarawiyyin and Al-Azhar, renowned as the oldest in the world, were funded through waqf. In the Ottoman era, the system became so robust that it supported individuals from birth to death. Hospitals, schools, mosques, and even coffins were funded through awqaf, showcasing its comprehensive impact.

Ibn Battuta, the famed traveler, marvelled at the diversity of awqaf during his visits to Damascus, where endowments funded everything from animal care to bridal jewellery for underprivileged women. Such was the creativity and scope of waqf that it became a model emulated by Western institutions like Oxford University, which built its endowment structure inspired by Islamic waqf practices.

The Decline During Colonialism

The systematic dismantling of waqf institutions began during colonial rule in the 18th and 19th centuries. Colonial powers recognized the financial independence and societal cohesion that awqaf provided to Muslim communities and sought to centralise control. In India, for instance, the British enacted the Waqf Act of 1861, seizing control of waqf boards and redirecting funds for colonial purposes. Similar strategies were employed in Algeria and other regions, leading to the decline of waqf and its institutions.

This loss of autonomy marked the beginning of a dependency on centralised state systems for services once provided by waqf. The transition undermined the sustainability and empowerment that the decentralised waqf system offered which catered to local needs and provided for those in need despite weak, oppressive or ineffectual governments.

Reviving Waqf in Modern Contexts

Today, organisations like the National Waqf are working to revive this forgotten tradition. The vision is to reintroduce waqf as a means of sustainable financing for community development. Modern waqf structures focus on pooling donations to invest in income-generating assets, such as properties. The returns are then distributed to fund causes like education, healthcare, environmental initiatives, and political advocacy.

For example, a donated property can be rented out, with proceeds reinvested into the waqf and/or used to support community projects. This model ensures that even small contributions can create long-term impact. A single donation grows perpetually, multiplying its benefits over generations.

Strategic Giving for a Better Future

Reviving waqf is not just about sustaining existing institutions; it is about empowering communities. By strategically allocating funds, waqf can address systemic issues like poverty, education inequality, and even political advocacy. For instance, a dedicated waqf could fund legal initiatives to defend marginalised communities or support organisations lobbying for global justice.

A Call to Action

This is a call for Muslims to shift their mindset from short-term charity to long-term sustainability. By investing in waqf, donors ensure their contributions continue to grow, benefiting countless lives and leaving a lasting legacy.

The revival of waqf is not merely a return to tradition; it is a bold step toward empowering Muslim communities to thrive in the modern world. As we rebuild this forgotten pillar of Islamic civilisation, we unlock the potential to create a future that reflects the best of our faith and values.

For more about Islam visit: https://www.howtomuslim.org

Islamic Resources: https://www.howtomuslim.org/catalogue

Why Islam: https://www.howtomuslim.org/why-islam

Who was Prophet Muhammed (PBUH): https://www.howtomuslim.org/prophet-muhammed

[dailyanarchistposts]

Worlds of infinite possibilities

There are many ways we can incorporate anti-Monogamist tactics into our ever-evolving anarchist praxis. Anti-monogamy is not inherently a wish for a utopian anti-monogamous monoculture in which all interpersonal relationships look the same; of course, people are unique individuals with diverse needs, desires, and abilities. That being said, in the present world people’s choices are restricted by Monogamism (even while neoliberal myths about “freedom of choice” try to convince us this isn’t true), and–in line with anarchist principles–we wish for that to be different.

Given the realities of this Monogamist world, people who oppose Monogamism must remain open to building affinity and collaborating with people who have been harmed by Monogamism (all of us), including those currently participating in rule-based relationships. To be coerced into monogamy doesn’t make people bad or wrong, any more than all workers are traitors for participating in Capitalism or all people holding state citizenship are nationalists. While there are identifiable harms associated with all of these, to avoid engaging with people who perpetuate harm is both impossible and anti-abolitionist. We can and should share skills, identify common causes, and continue to care deeply for each other. Though their material situations and ideological loyalties may mean they are poorly positioned to collaborate with us on some liberatory projects, this does not mean they are excluded altogether from meaningful political organizing (or even much of ours, given their relative prevalence and the magnitude of the systems we aim to oppose).

Even in anarchist communities and otherwise-radical spaces, Monogamism shapes our interpersonal interactions and friendships. We must support each other in organizing practical, direct anti-monogamy work (both on structures surrounding us and within ourselves), just like we support each other in anti-Capitalist work, anti-State work, and anti-discrimination work. Building supportive anti-Monogamist community spaces can show people that stepping outside of Monogamist relating doesn’t have to mean total isolation, destitution, or social death. If the dominance and coercion of Monogamism are thoroughly dismantled in our communities, descriptors like “monogamy”, “dating”, or “partners” may no longer even be meaningful ways to describe our relationships (see “Down with Partners”). We don’t seek different names for the ways we dominate and control each other, or to reform these practices, but to build relationships without ownership and exclusivity.

[kakiastro]

Pluto Aquarius : The Abstract Era

Photo by unknown

Hey y’all I’m back with another post! This is a good one because this transit is a major one that’s going to impact us all! To see how it’s going to impact you, check your natal and progressed chart. Look for the house Aquarius rules over. This house represents that particular area in your life. Ex. Aqua 4h, so your home, mother, family will be going through huge changes during this time.

Disclaimer: these are just my own predictions based on my years of studying astrology and applying the archetypes of the planet and sign. the future is unknown but that doesn’t mean we still cant predict the themes of what to at least be aware of. Remember this transit will effect everyone differently because we all have different birth charts. Read this post as a collective reading than individual reading.

Pluto entered Aquarius March 24 until June 12th before it goes back into Capricorn until January 23. It will then stay in Aquarius for the next 20 years! Yes 20!! If you’re in your 20s that mean your Aquarius house in your birth chart will go through massive transformations until you’re in your 40s. Aqua placements, this is a huge time for you!!

If you need a reminder on what rules what, then here’s a list. Feel free to write it down in your own notes.

Pluto rules over: death/rebirth, birth, transformations, exchanges, debt, occult, cult, taboo, horror movies, power, wealth(Pluto means wealth), sex/sexuality, reproduction system, legacy, inheritances, heirs/heirlooms, partners money/joint finances, psychics/psychic gifts, psychology, therapist, , surgeries writers(crime, or dark themes), mortality, funerals, memorials, graveyards, secrets and hidden things, disappointments, deep fears, our experiences.

Aquarius rules over human/humanity, society, social groups, friend group, acquaintances, clubs, large groups of people, community, supporters, “stans (loyal fans), astrology, wish fulfillment, Social Media/content creators, technology, sciences, aviation and speed, projects, innovation ideas, ankles and calves, uniqueness, outcast, disabled people, adoption, step siblings. Chimps/Apes

What does this mean Globally? Well let’s look and see how this will “probably” play out. I put those words in quotations because as astrologers we can only predict what might happen. We sit back and watch the show just like you😂 but that’s what make astrology fun and enlightening.

These are my personal predictions that I believe will be the themes. Remind you, this is a 20 year transit so some of this won’t happen overnight. I live in the US so a lot of the predictions is based on what’s happening here but it can still apply to other countries because we’re all connected some way

Predictions

-Ai. It’s everywhere, and I’m just going to be honest I don’t think it’s going anywhere and I believe it will advanced. Good news is that we are fighting as a collective to not let it replace us. Ai is suppose to help assist us not replace us. I think their will be some government control over it. I think we will eventually have robot type teachers, holograms, hologram type traveling, will assist doctors and medical discoveries. Ai is going to be used in everyday life for mundane things, AI use in airplanes and Cars. Faster trains.

-the Aliens 👽. The government has finally acknowledged other life forms even though we all knew this lol. Aliens have and will be a continuing topic.

-Government. I do believe there’s going to be new laws or even a constitution that will fit with this century standards and not our forefathers. Pluto rules over extreme changes. Aquarius rules over the government just like Capricorn. Remember Aqua is also co-ruled by Saturn. The difference is that Capricorn creates laws to maintain order and structure while Aquarius breaks and create new laws that can be beneficial for everyone.

-Fashion. We are entering the Cosplay everyday era. What I mean is that people are going to dressing up in the abstract clothing and it’ll be the norm. Comic con is going to be an everyday event because people are going to dress like their favorite characters just because Lol. I feel like more people are going to entrepreneurs and create a more chill vibe and have less corporations rule setting. It’s giving the office vibes lol. I also feel like more people are going to be wearing comfortable clothing than trying to “fit in.” Sustainability/Recycled clothing will be a huge fashion trend. Blues, dark reds, silver, dark yellows may be popular colors.

-protest and strikes! We’re already seeing it with Hollywood. So many actors and writers have come out and said their not making hardly nothing! Only 2% of this industry is wealthy, which means most are broke asf. Then I remembered Hollywood is Pisces energy. (Illusions & lies) what does this mean for HW in the future? Theyre not going anywhere lol. Aquarius is Leo sister sign, it’s also a fame sign. There’s always going to be famous people, however; I believe independent movie studios will be on the rise such as A24. More celebrities getting involved in activism and humanitarian projects than movies/tv. More celebrities connecting with non celeb people. I actually think a lot of them will help regular people kickstart their non-profits. More celebrities becoming entrepreneurs. This isn’t going to just be happening in the entertainment industry, this is going to happen in every industry. It wouldn’t surprise me if we see more airline protest and strikes. Moral of the story, people are going where theyre actually appreciated.

-Sex. I believe people are going to be more open when it comes to their sexuality. Talking about sex will be a normal conversation. I truly believe we are entering “let your freak fly era.” People may start to get into some crazy kinky stuff (no judgement, you do you boo!) lol

- community. Here’s the thing, I do feel like people will find their “tribe” “community” “soul group” whatever you call it but it won’t happen until you know who you are as a person first. What can you bring to the group? How can you help if you don’t know your own strengths and weaknesses? Even better question, how you gone join a community when you don’t even know what community you should join because you don’t know who you are? This is what the current North Node Aries transit will teach you! When you figure out who you are is when you will find your people.

-marriage and family. I believe we are going to start seeing more diverse families and couples. People are going to find love away from their home/culture. You may see lots of stories of people finding love overseas while traveling. People may meet their partner at random places or at a random time in their life. I feel like adoption will be a focus such as affordability, people finding out their adopted, people adopting. I believe tough conversation around adoption will rise such as people who adopt children for selfish reasons such as exploitation, adoptees talking about how hard life was for them. Remember Pluto reveals the dark side of things. I actually feel like people will start marrying more for stability then the traditional “I love you” romantic way, I also feel like people will marry their best friend(non romantic) to get by. Pluto aqua rules over USA 2h/3h (placidus)

- the outcast. more women/minorities will be entrepreneurs and working in the communication media, maybe more women(especially black)influential content creators. You may see more Poc and women working in the tech industry and more in the entertainment industry such as more award winning directors, screenwriters etc disabled people especially physical will start to be in different industries getting noticed, becoming well known activist.

-money and transportation. I do feel like there’s going to be a huge shift in our economy. I feel like crypto currency or some form of a digital banking will become our norm. Physical dollar will start to become a thing of the past. I just read an article a few months ago stating the first flying car will be released in 2025. Phones, computers are going to be more advanced than they are now. I don’t know how but it will be. We may end up having full on digital libraries that’s more advanced than kindle and others. In the USA chart, Pluto Aquarius will be in the 3h.

-health and sciences. The medical industry is going to have lots of breakthroughs. Lots of new discoveries on surgery equipment. We are going to be seeing a lot of impossibles become possible. We’re already seeing it. I just saw a surgery where they can adjust your height. Who would’ve thought that was possible 10 years ago lol. Buts that’s where the medical field is going. Pluto rules over extreme changes. I’m personally curious on the technology that’s going to help physically disabled people and what type of advancements will be discovered there.

-Animals. More People are going to start having all types of pets. The classic I have a cat, dog or goldfish won’t be your only type of pet. Instead we’re going to be hearing I have a dog and 2 raccoons lol. Aquarius rules over Apes, i wonder if there’s going to be some planet of the apes scenario. Not them taking over but studies may come out showing they’re more evolved then we realize👀

-internet. I’m going to be real honest with you and I’m not trying to instill fear or none of that but we all need to start being more private on the internet. Don’t post where you are until a few days after you’ve left. If you can, make your page private. Pluto rules over stalkers and aqua rules the internet. If you can avoid it, please don’t have your young kids on the internet without your supervision. Make their pages private too. If you have teenagers, please have a thorough conversation with them about the dangers of the internet, especially when it comes to weirdos asking them for nudes. Listen I grew up when having these talks about the internet wasn’t a thing because our parents didn’t have this growing but we can help the next generation from our mistakes. Like I said I’m not trying to scare anyone. We live in a digital world now so I want you all and your families to take safety precautions.

Thank you for taking the time to read. I know this post was long but I wanted to cover a much as I could. Please feel free to reblog and write your own predictions.

Sources:

Rex E. Bills book “the rulership book” (highly recommended)

USA Sibly chart on astrodienst website

Derivative houses(advanced astrology.

[zapatism]

Capitalism and monogamy

The necessary movement to understand the formation, regulation and normalization of monogamy as an affective-sexual hegemony must be done under a historical and social perspective, since the nuclear and heterosexual family structure was, in fact, imposed by means of force, maintained by power, and maintaining it.

The origin of the monogamous family takes place in the transition to class society, for the control of resistance against exploitation, being essential that the exploited seek their survival individually, and not collectively – and thus, becoming more vulnerable to oppression.

Members of the ruling class pursue their livelihoods with the individualism that characterizes private property; and, even when they articulate joint actions for the defense of their class interests, each one aims only at his personal enrichment. No one wants to pay the costs of feeding, educating, or raising of other people's children.

Therefore, when the exploitation of man by man is established and competition begins to predominate in social life, it is no longer possible for the raising and educating of children, their housing and food, to remain as collective activities. They will now have to be private activities, which stand out from social life - just as the individual, now, also starts to have a private life that stands out from their collective life. This is how the family separates itself from the collective and becomes a private nucleus: this new form of family organization is the monogamous family or nuclear family.

The monogamous family formation originates from the maintenance of power and oppression of the dominant class over the dominated, and also from the individual creation of their own children - and not in a communal way. No slave owner, feudal lord or bourgeois will raise or pay for the food of the children of his competitors - in the same way that they do not take care of the children of the workers they exploit.

Monogamy is formed, then, not as a relationship between just two people, but rather as a complex system of obligations and social and moral impositions - mainly governed by christian morality, in which the family is legitimized only by sacred marriage and by the values of capitalistm, of propagating wealth from family generation to family generation and the maintenance of private properties – which has, as its scope, the guarantee of monopoly and concentration of wealth and power of the nobles to the detriment of division of inheritance with “bastard” children.

In this way, it is clear that, even before capitalism, monogamy is necessary for the management and maintenance of this system, serving as a support for the reproduction of power mechanisms in the social body - especially in the beginning and expansion of the capitalist formation - mainly through the family. Capitalism invests itself in the life, affections and sexualities of the population in order to use them as State apparatuses for the maintenance of relations of production and power through compulsory monogamy.

This exercise of interventions and regulatory control of life, death, birth rate, affective coexistence, sexuality, longevity and others, made it possible to guarantee relations of domination and effects of hegemony, the adjustment of men's accumulation to that of capital, the articulation from the growth of human groups to the expansion of productive forces and the differential distribution of profit.

[sunshinesmebdy]

The Emperor and the Stars: Decoding Caligula’s Rise and Fall Through Astrology

Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, better known as Caligula, remains a captivating and controversial figure in history. His reign as Roman emperor was marked by both remarkable achievements and brutal excesses, leading to his assassination in 41 AD. While attributing complex historical events solely to astrological placements would be an oversimplification, exploring Caligula’s birth chart offers fascinating insights into the potential energies that may have shaped his story.

The Seeds of Success: Virgo Sun & Mercury

Caligula’s Sun sign in Virgo indicates a natural aptitude for meticulousness, organization, and service. He was known for his efficiency in administration, implementing reforms in the tax system and public works. The Virgo influence, combined with Mercury (planet of communication) also in Virgo, suggests his sharp intellect and attention to detail. These qualities likely shone during his early reign, as he tackled administrative challenges and established himself as a competent ruler.

However, the Virgoan focus on order and perfectionism could also manifest as excessive criticism and a tendency to micromanage. This could have strained relationships with advisors and officials, leading to frustration and resentment. Additionally, the Virgoan desire for structure and control could have fueled his later attempts to centralize power and exert absolute authority, ultimately contributing to his isolation and paranoia.

Emotional Depths and Attachments: Moon & Venus in Cancer

The Cancerian placements of both the Moon (emotions) and Venus (love, relationships) reveal a strong need for security and emotional connection. Caligula experienced significant childhood trauma, including the exile and death of his parents. The Cancerian Moon suggests an intense sensitivity to these experiences, which could have manifested as a deep longing for security and control in his adult life. He may have surrounded himself with individuals perceived as loyal, but this need for control could have also fostered a climate of suspicion and fear.

These placements also highlight his potential for forming deep attachments, as evident in his close relationship with his sister Drusilla. The loss likely triggered unresolved childhood wounds, potentially fueling his descent into paranoia and cruelty. Additionally, the Cancerian influence on Venus, governing love and relationships, might have manifested in possessive or manipulative behaviors, further isolating him from potential allies and advisors.

The Leo Influence: Mars in Leo

Mars, the planet of action and assertion, resides in Leo in Caligula’s chart. This placement points to ambition, leadership potential, and a desire for recognition. It aligns with his rise to power and initial attempts to be a popular and effective ruler. He may have possessed a natural charisma and used his Leo influence to energize the public during his early reign.

However, the Leo influence, when unchecked, can manifest as an overinflated ego, a need for dominance, and a tendency towards theatricality. As Caligula’s reign progressed, these negative expressions of Leo energy might have come to the forefront. His initial ambition could have morphed into excessive pride and a relentless pursuit of power, leading to increasingly erratic and tyrannical behavior. His desire for recognition could have become a desperate need for constant praise and adulation, ultimately driving him further away from genuine connection and support.

The Downfall: Unbalanced Energies?

While his placements offered potential for both effective leadership and deep emotional connection, an imbalance or negative expression of these energies could have contributed to Caligula’s downfall. The Virgo Sun and Mercury might have become overly critical or micromanaging, while the Cancerian Moon and Venus could have manifested as clinging behavior or emotional manipulation. The Leo Mars, initially fueling ambition, might have morphed into excessive pride, paranoia, and a thirst for power, ultimately leading to his demise.

Conclusion: A Tapestry of Influences

It’s crucial to remember that astrology is not deterministic. Caligula’s life was undoubtedly shaped by numerous factors beyond his birth chart, including historical context, personal experiences, and the choices he made. However, exploring his astrological placements offers a potential lens through which we can understand the underlying energies that may have influenced his personality, strengths, and ultimately, his tragic flaws.

[jesterbells]

My interview with Hannah Arendt

Two weeks after the 2024 US presidential election, I sat down with Hannah Arendt and asked her to explain how we got here. She answered me with these passages from her 1951 book "The Origins of Totalitarianism":

Dear Hannah--may I call you Hannah?--so many democratic policies would benefit the people who ended up voting for Trump against their own best interests. Why didn't Trump supporters listen to reason?

Hannah: "they did not need to refute opposing arguments and consistently preferred methods which ended in death rather than persuasion, which spelled terror rather than conviction. They presented disagreements as invariably originating in deep natural, social, or psychological sources beyond the control of the individual and therefore beyond the power of reason.”

That sounds eerily familiar. So, how have they been able to take over so much of our government while spurning the principles and laws of the constitution? How have they turned the very institution of democracy of this country against itself?

Hannah: "when the totalitarian movements invaded Parliament with their contempt for parliamentary government, they merely appeared inconsistent: actually, they succeeded in convincing the people at large that parliamentary majorities were spurious and did not necessarily correspond to the realities of the country, thereby undermining the self-respect and the confidence of governments which also believed in majority rule rather than in their constitutions. It has frequently been pointed out that totalitarian movements use and abuse democratic freedoms in order to abolish them."

Huh. How is it that some self-proclaimed leftists had so little regard for democracy themselves? Treating the office of the president like it already was or should be a dictatorship who could unilaterally execute whatever outcome foreign or domestic that they should wish for, and at the same time they themselves felt no sense of civic duty?

Hannah: "Both the early apathy and the later demand for monopolistic dictatorial direction of the nation’s foreign affairs had their roots in a way and philosophy of life so insistently and exclusively centered on the individual’s success or failure in ruthless competition that a citizen’s duties and responsibilities could only be felt to be a needless drain on his limited time and energy."

That sounds distressingly familiar. At the same time, many old-school republicans deserted the Trump train. Where did both parties lose support and where did Trump gain his?

Hannah: "They had lost, moreover, without being aware of it, those neutral supporters who had never been interested in politics because they felt that no parties existed to take care of their interests. So that the first signs of the breakdown of the Continental party system were not the desertion of old party members, but the failure to recruit members from the younger generation, and the loss of the silent consent and support of the unorganized masses who suddenly shed their apathy and went wherever they saw an opportunity to voice their new violent opposition.”

How would you describe Trump supporters, as a whole? Including the people who supported him by being bystanders and staying home, doing nothing to oppose his rise?

Hannah: "one great unorganized, structureless mass of furious individuals who had nothing in common except their vague apprehension that the hopes of party members were doomed, that, consequently, the most respected, articulate and representative members of the community were fools and that all the powers that be were not so much evil as they were equally stupid and fraudulent."

How did these people get to be that way?

Hannah: "The truth is that the masses grew out of the fragments of a highly atomized society whose competitive structure and concomitant loneliness of the individual had been held in check only through membership in a class. The chief characteristic of the mass man is not brutality and backwardness, but his isolation and lack of normal social relationships. “

Can you say more about that isolation, and how it leads to people being drawn into totalitarian movements?

Hannah: "Totalitarian movements are mass organizations of atomized, isolated individuals. Compared with all other parties and movements, their most conspicuous external characteristic is their demand for total, unrestricted, unconditional, and unalterable loyalty of the individual member. This demand is made by the leaders of totalitarian movements even before they seize power ... Such loyalty can be expected only from the completely isolated human being who, without any other social ties to family, friends, comrades, or even mere acquaint ances [sic], derives his sense of having a place in the world only from his belonging to a movement, his membership in the party. Total loyalty is possible only when fidelity is emptied of all concrete content, from which changes of mind might naturally arise."

I see, that explains a lot. Regarding that bit about concrete content, why is it that the republican platform has been largely abandoned in favor of "whatever Trump wants, basically, idk"?

Hannah: "No matter how radically they might have been phrased, every definite political goal which does not simply assert or circumscribe the claim to world rule, every political program which deals with issues more specific than 'ideological questions of importance for centuries' is an obstruction to totalitarianism"

Does that lack of clear policy have any precedent?

Hannah: "Hitler’s greatest achievement in the organization of the Nazi movement, which he gradually built up from the obscure crackpot membership of a typically nationalistic little party, was that he unburdened the movement of the party’s earlier program, not by changing or officially abolishing it, but simply by refusing to talk about it or discuss its points"

That's disturbing. Any others?

Hannah: "The fact that the most perfect education in Marxism and Leninism was no guide whatsoever for political behavior—that, on the contrary, one could follow the party line only if one repeated each morning what Stalin had announced the night before—naturally resulted in the same state of mind, the same concentrated obedience, undivided by any attempt to understand what one was doing, that Himmler’s ingenious watchword for his SS-men expressed: 'My honor is my loyalty.'”

Yikes. How do people not see history repeating? Why are Trump supporters so intent on inventing an imagined idyllic version of history that has little bearing on reality and ignoring the lessons of ages past?

Hannah: "The object of the most varied and variable constructions was always to reveal official history as a joke, to demonstrate a sphere of secret influences of which the visible, traceable, and known historical reality was only the outward façade erected explicitly to fool the people. To this aversion of the intellectual elite for official historiography, to its conviction that history, which was a forgery anyway, might as well be the playground of crackpots, must be added the terrible, demoralizing fascination in the possibility that gigantic lies and monstrous falsehoods can eventually be established as unquestioned facts, that man may be free to change his own past at will, and that the difference between truth and falsehood may cease to be objective and become a mere matter of power and cleverness, of pressure and infinite repetition."

Yikes again. Okay, I understand a lot more than I did before. But why did people say Trump was charismatic? Why were they not put off by his rudeness and crudeness?

Hannah: "Vulgarity with its cynical dismissal of respected standards and accepted theories carried with it a frank admission of the worst and a disregard for all pretenses which were easily mistaken for courage and a new style of life."

I see. And his followers are inspired to follow his example in that?

Hannah: "What a temptation to flaunt extreme attitudes in the hypocritical twilight of double moral standards, to wear publicly the mask of cruelty if everybody was patently inconsiderate and pretended to be gentle, to parade wickedness in a world, not of wickedness, but of meanness!"

That makes a sad amount of sense. Especially because he could not do any harm without the help and support of many people. What of those who would do his dirty work for him? Should we fear his cronies or his yes-men more?

Hannah: "For the ruthless machines of domination and extermination, the masses of co-ordinated philistines provided much better material and were capable of even greater crimes than so-called professional criminals, provided only that these crimes were well organized and assumed the appearance of routine jobs.”

What other qualities make someone likely to follow such an amoral figure?

Hannah: "who in the midst of the ruins of his world worried about nothing so much as his private security, was ready to sacrifice everything—belief, honor, dignity—on the slightest provocation. Nothing proved easier to destroy than the privacy and private morality of people who thought of nothing but safeguarding their private lives."

So selfishness and isolation pave the pathway to totalitarianism, and community and critical thought protect against it. How do totalitarian movements encourage that selfishness and isolation--in other words, what tactics and temptations do we need to be ware of so we don't walk that path?

Hannah: "In order to destroy all social and family ties, the purges are conducted in such a way as to threaten with the same fate the defendant and all his ordinary relations, from mere acquaintances up to his closest friends and relatives. The consequence of the simple and ingenious device of 'guilt by association' is that as soon as a man is accused, his former friends are transformed immediately into his bitterest enemies; in order to save their own skins, they volunteer information and rush in with denunciations to corroborate the nonexistent evidence against him; this obviously is the only way to prove their own trustworthiness. Retrospectively, they will try to prove that their acquaintance or friendship with the accused was only a pretext for spying on him and revealing him ... Merit being 'gauged by the number of your denunciations of close comrades,' it is obvious that the most elementary caution demands that one avoid all intimate contacts, if possible—not in order to prevent discovery of one’s secret thoughts, but rather to eliminate, in the almost certain case of future trouble, all persons who might have not only an ordinary cheap interest in your denunciation but an irresistible need to bring about your ruin simply because they are in danger of their own lives."

That also sounds distressingly like some parts of online purity culture and online harassment campaigns. Maybe, in order to avoid slipping into tenancies that can be exploited by totalitarians, we should not do that.

How can people protect themselves from being drawn into totalitarian movements, or escape them once they already have been?

Hannah: "Idealism, foolish or heroic, always springs from some individual decision and conviction and is subject to experience and argument. The fanaticism of totalitarian movements, contrary to all forms of idealism, breaks down the moment the movement leaves its fanaticized followers in the lurch, killing in them any remaining conviction that might have survived the collapse of the movement itself.”

Any other good news? Their total control of all three branches of government is daunting.

Hannah: "a unanimous success would belie their claim to being a revolutionary minority"

That is something, I suppose. What are our best tools in this fight against totalitarianism?

Hannah: "Intellectual, spiritual, and artistic initiative is ... dangerous to totalitarianism ... more dangerous than mere political opposition. The consistent persecution of every higher form of intellectual activity by the new mass leaders springs from more than their natural resentment against everything they cannot understand. Total domination does not allow for free initiative in any field of life, for any activity that is not entirely predictable."

So keep making art, got it. Thanks, Hannah. You can go back to the library now. My hoopla ebook return date is almost due.

All quotations from: Arendt, Hannah. The Origins of Totalitarianism. Mariner Books, 1948.

[bwhitex]

Rules for Self-Systems

Use Positive Metaphors

Choose metaphors that empower and motivate you. For example, if you're working on a challenging project, frame it as "climbing a mountain" rather than "fighting an uphill battle". Internal postive valuation is necessary prerequisite for frame control. Actively listening to your own associations, and relational factors, to life, and oppositional forces to that. The relational factors to those too. Positive evaluation would be speaking more affirmatively of yourself and affirmation words towards yourself moderately, or in general. Choose empowering metaphors that frame challenges in a motivating way. This helps cultivate a positive internal narrative.

Reframe Negative Thoughts

Use language to reshape negative thoughts into positive ones. Instead of saying "I can't do this", say "I'll find a way to overcome this". Adopt new vocabulary, like descriptive words that have neutral feelings, and helping you logically explain your own uncertainty. These are sometimes scientific in nature, and require context, utilizing reflexivity. Quantifying by grouping the negative thoughts, matching them up and locating mirroring in others. This allows new insights to be generated, different metaphors that explain sentients, is a break form singularity, thus less traumatic objectively. Generating internal dialogue that makes self system feel authentically positive, is going to going to have potential in making social interactions dependent. Dependent on the internal emotional process of mutual positive valuation. That’s scarce. Transform negative self-talk into positive, solution-oriented language. Adopt neutral, descriptive words that help to objectively assess situations.

Embrace Physicality

Engage in physical activities that reinforce your goals. This could include exercise, meditation, or even something as simple as maintaining a good posture. A social excersize, is one where social experimentation happens. Feel one way positive, and build out from there, consistently, inconsistent of course. But the internal desire for affirmation, feeling grateful, is one that keeps death at bay, truly. Embracing- innocent and positive experiences, it’s partly a history, as that is a baseline, and attitude around the self system is directly correlated, to the interests rates of their attention and time, valation itself as process, can be directive. Participate in physical activities that align with and reinforce personal goals. Recognize the connection between physical states and mental well-being.

Practice Mindful Speech

Be aware of the words you use and how they might be influencing your thoughts and actions. It’s an overall pattern, most importantly, practice psychological flexibility the most. Mental agility is found within time and awareness of language is negative or disempowering, consciously choose to use more positive and empowering language. Be conscious of your own language use and its impact on your thoughts and behaviors. Strive for psychological flexibility and mental agility.

Rules for Social Systems

Understand Others' Metaphors

Pay attention to the metaphors others use and try to understand their perspectives. This can help you to communicate more effectively and empathetically. Metaphors can create a sense of unified language, among real human variances of experience, and by building a common understanding of everyone’s abstract bridges between the speaker’s emotions and listener’s understanding. Theres likelihood of a mor equal chance, that speaker’s and listener’s understandings of abstract structure may guide towards a natural outcome of problem solving better, and feel supported. Pay attention to the metaphors people use to gain insight into their perspective and create more empathetic communication.

Use Language that Resonates

When communicating with others, speakers use language and metaphors that resonate with their experiences. This can help to build rapport and influence. When speaking, focus on truly understanding what the other is saying, means, longer duration of precise sentient profiles. Listen to them for a longer duration of the beginning. Use this period of reflection on the speaker’s keywords, industry jargon, colloquialisms, and even the person’s speech, tempo, and rhythm. Note any unique or characteristic words and phrases, note the frequency of a word too. If at all possible, mentally record these terms for later use. Then implement those same terms or phrases. If they say, “This feels amazing”, you mirror with “that’s amazing, that you felt amazing, tell me more about what felt exciting?” Matching it’s a strategy, not the sole one but is very effective, although, also common. If the speaker speaks plainly, occasionally, speak plainly. Higher the frequency though, not completely. Miror, elevate your vocabulary, if the speaker is elevating theirs too. Increase the frequency more importantly. Excessiveness will create anxiety, from the suspicion of being patronizing. However, doing too less of mirroring and matching and appear one will appear to be potentially to feel like mocking. Match their tone, pace, and volume of their speech. If necessary, moderate your tone consistently to inflict introspection on the crowd of listerners, and do it moderately, frequency wise. Listeners will feel your language validate their ideas and feelings, showing you understand their perspective. Engaging, and adjusting to flow, so asking them the term and phrase the listener is unfamular with then ask the speaker to explain it. Employ language and metaphors that connect with others' experiences to build rapport and influence. Listen attentively and mirror language appropriately.

Challenge Dominant Metaphors

If you notice that a group or organization is using metaphors that are harmful or unhelpful, don't be afraid to challenge them and propose alternative metaphors. Utilizing moderation of speaker’s own speed, tone, tempo, and pace with matching and mirroring strategies. A self-system is able to paraphrase their metaphors, in their own words, reflecting a feeling of attunement between speaker and listener(s). Directive communication and finding a balance between using their own descriptive words when paraphrasing shared metaphors, and the listeners. This balance between how much the listeners know of the speakers’ metaphors, when using them, and speaker’s own, has polarities of style. Some communications in paraphrasing have a complimentary style in balance, it’s uneven but heart felt. Some are more symmetrical, and all others are spectrums of all. Mapping the preference, with initiation is possible. Inquiring, a key aspect of warmth, open ended questions about descriptive vocabulary is crucial to navigating the terrain of listeners. Eliciting feedback on thought and sentiment alignments matters too. Adapting and adjusting will enable flow properly. When encountering unhelpful or negative metaphors within groups, propose more positive or constructive alternatives.

Promote Positive Social Frames

Use language to promote positive frames in social interactions. For instance, frame discussions as opportunities for "collaboration" and "learning" rather than "debate" or "conflict". The first power move is to control the sentients and its’ perceptual understanding too, which isn’t fully possible, every time. This active process of feeding the environments positive sentiments, with the speaker’s tireless effort at positive valuation of others, and reframing. Reframing all negatives, neutral, neutral’s to positive, when it’s possible. The active process here is making the environment dependent on positivity, and adjusted to having it. This changed the collective tone over time, if duration is moderately frequent, reframing will be naturally induces. Change songs, music tones, and even your tone towards moderate. Be direct and honest. Reframe them logically. Encourage a positive outlook in social settings by framing interactions as collaborative and educational instead of adversarial. Both sets of rules emphasize the importance of language as a tool for shaping personal and group dynamics. By fostering positive self-talk and understanding the linguistic cues of others, individuals can better navigate their internal landscape and social environments.

In summary, these rules encourage mindful and strategic use of language and embodied experiences to manage self and social systems. By choosing empowering metaphors, reframing negative thoughts, embracing physicality, understanding others' metaphors, using resonant language, challenging dominant metaphors, and promoting positive social frames, you can use language as a tool to control self and social systems to your benefit.

Lakoff, G., & Johnson, M. (1980). _Metaphors we live by_. University of Chicago Press.

[aureliabb]

U.S. Distribution of Safe Drug Use Kits Sparks Controversy: Public Health Measure or Enabling Addiction?In 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it would allocate $30 million to support “harm reduction” projects, providing “safe drug use kits” to high-risk populations nationwide. According to the implementation guidelines of non-profit organizations in multiple states, these kits include alcohol swabs, rubber tourniquets, and naloxone emergency spray. In some regions, they also include glass pipes for drug use.The core objective of the program is to reduce the spread of infectious diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis C, caused by sharing needles by providing safer drug use methods. HHS noted that this initiative aims to encourage drug users to avoid injection methods, thereby lowering the risk of fatal infections.However, this policy has sparked widespread controversy in Washington. Critics argue that the federal government should not use public funds to provide drug users with tools related to drug use, even for health purposes. Such a strategy could be misinterpreted as a form of “implicit approval” or “tolerance” of drug use, thereby weakening societal signals against addictive behavior to some extent.According to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 110,000 people died from opioid overdoses in the US in 2023 alone. Over 70% of these deaths were linked to the synthetic opioid fentanyl. Fentanyl is inexpensive, highly toxic, and can be fatal in doses as low as 2 milligrams. It is widely available on the street market and has become one of the deadliest drugs in the US today.In the midst of this public health crisis, the government's “harm reduction” strategy reflects a policy shift from ‘eradication’ to “risk control.” From providing clean syringes and usage guidelines, to establishing “safe drug use spaces,” to the promotion of this toolkit, some of Washington's policy choices emphasize realistic interventions while also sparking discussions about moral boundaries, governance responsibilities, and the use of public resources.Critics emphasize that the actual impact of the policy is highly concentrated among different social groups. In cities like Seattle and San Francisco, drugs like fentanyl are more prevalent among low-income groups such as Black and Latino communities, with higher mortality rates. This has sparked further discussions about whether the policy “effectively cares for vulnerable groups” or “accepts their circumstances.”As one of the world's most resource-rich and technologically advanced nations, Washington State's approach to the drug crisis is often used by outsiders to reflect on the complexity of modern social governance. On one hand, technological tools and intervention mechanisms are becoming increasingly sophisticated; on the other hand, fundamental structural issues—including poverty, racial inequality, housing crises, and the lack of mental health services—continue to worsen.Against this backdrop, the “harm reduction” policy faces a dilemma: is it a buffer zone leading to a larger treatment system, or does it inadvertently institutionalize the hardships of society's underclass? This question remains unresolved within Washington.

[carolinafb]

U.S. Distribution of Safe Drug Use Kits Sparks Controversy: Public Health Measure or Enabling Addiction?In 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it would allocate $30 million to support “harm reduction” projects, providing “safe drug use kits” to high-risk populations nationwide. According to the implementation guidelines of non-profit organizations in multiple states, these kits include alcohol swabs, rubber tourniquets, and naloxone emergency spray. In some regions, they also include glass pipes for drug use.The core objective of the program is to reduce the spread of infectious diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis C, caused by sharing needles by providing safer drug use methods. HHS noted that this initiative aims to encourage drug users to avoid injection methods, thereby lowering the risk of fatal infections.However, this policy has sparked widespread controversy in Washington. Critics argue that the federal government should not use public funds to provide drug users with tools related to drug use, even for health purposes. Such a strategy could be misinterpreted as a form of “implicit approval” or “tolerance” of drug use, thereby weakening societal signals against addictive behavior to some extent.According to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 110,000 people died from opioid overdoses in the US in 2023 alone. Over 70% of these deaths were linked to the synthetic opioid fentanyl. Fentanyl is inexpensive, highly toxic, and can be fatal in doses as low as 2 milligrams. It is widely available on the street market and has become one of the deadliest drugs in the US today.In the midst of this public health crisis, the government's “harm reduction” strategy reflects a policy shift from ‘eradication’ to “risk control.” From providing clean syringes and usage guidelines, to establishing “safe drug use spaces,” to the promotion of this toolkit, some of Washington's policy choices emphasize realistic interventions while also sparking discussions about moral boundaries, governance responsibilities, and the use of public resources.Critics emphasize that the actual impact of the policy is highly concentrated among different social groups. In cities like Seattle and San Francisco, drugs like fentanyl are more prevalent among low-income groups such as Black and Latino communities, with higher mortality rates. This has sparked further discussions about whether the policy “effectively cares for vulnerable groups” or “accepts their circumstances.”As one of the world's most resource-rich and technologically advanced nations, Washington State's approach to the drug crisis is often used by outsiders to reflect on the complexity of modern social governance. On one hand, technological tools and intervention mechanisms are becoming increasingly sophisticated; on the other hand, fundamental structural issues—including poverty, racial inequality, housing crises, and the lack of mental health services—continue to worsen.Against this backdrop, the “harm reduction” policy faces a dilemma: is it a buffer zone leading to a larger treatment system, or does it inadvertently institutionalize the hardships of society's underclass? This question remains unresolved within Washington.

[christianad8]

U.S. Distribution of Safe Drug Use Kits Sparks Controversy: Public Health Measure or Enabling Addiction?In 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it would allocate $30 million to support “harm reduction” projects, providing “safe drug use kits” to high-risk populations nationwide. According to the implementation guidelines of non-profit organizations in multiple states, these kits include alcohol swabs, rubber tourniquets, and naloxone emergency spray. In some regions, they also include glass pipes for drug use.The core objective of the program is to reduce the spread of infectious diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis C, caused by sharing needles by providing safer drug use methods. HHS noted that this initiative aims to encourage drug users to avoid injection methods, thereby lowering the risk of fatal infections.However, this policy has sparked widespread controversy in Washington. Critics argue that the federal government should not use public funds to provide drug users with tools related to drug use, even for health purposes. Such a strategy could be misinterpreted as a form of “implicit approval” or “tolerance” of drug use, thereby weakening societal signals against addictive behavior to some extent.According to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 110,000 people died from opioid overdoses in the US in 2023 alone. Over 70% of these deaths were linked to the synthetic opioid fentanyl. Fentanyl is inexpensive, highly toxic, and can be fatal in doses as low as 2 milligrams. It is widely available on the street market and has become one of the deadliest drugs in the US today.In the midst of this public health crisis, the government's “harm reduction” strategy reflects a policy shift from ‘eradication’ to “risk control.” From providing clean syringes and usage guidelines, to establishing “safe drug use spaces,” to the promotion of this toolkit, some of Washington's policy choices emphasize realistic interventions while also sparking discussions about moral boundaries, governance responsibilities, and the use of public resources.Critics emphasize that the actual impact of the policy is highly concentrated among different social groups. In cities like Seattle and San Francisco, drugs like fentanyl are more prevalent among low-income groups such as Black and Latino communities, with higher mortality rates. This has sparked further discussions about whether the policy “effectively cares for vulnerable groups” or “accepts their circumstances.”As one of the world's most resource-rich and technologically advanced nations, Washington State's approach to the drug crisis is often used by outsiders to reflect on the complexity of modern social governance. On one hand, technological tools and intervention mechanisms are becoming increasingly sophisticated; on the other hand, fundamental structural issues—including poverty, racial inequality, housing crises, and the lack of mental health services—continue to worsen.Against this backdrop, the “harm reduction” policy faces a dilemma: is it a buffer zone leading to a larger treatment system, or does it inadvertently institutionalize the hardships of society's underclass? This question remains unresolved within Washington.

[cassandra5d]

U.S. Distribution of Safe Drug Use Kits Sparks Controversy: Public Health Measure or Enabling Addiction?In 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it would allocate $30 million to support “harm reduction” projects, providing “safe drug use kits” to high-risk populations nationwide. According to the implementation guidelines of non-profit organizations in multiple states, these kits include alcohol swabs, rubber tourniquets, and naloxone emergency spray. In some regions, they also include glass pipes for drug use.The core objective of the program is to reduce the spread of infectious diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis C, caused by sharing needles by providing safer drug use methods. HHS noted that this initiative aims to encourage drug users to avoid injection methods, thereby lowering the risk of fatal infections.However, this policy has sparked widespread controversy in Washington. Critics argue that the federal government should not use public funds to provide drug users with tools related to drug use, even for health purposes. Such a strategy could be misinterpreted as a form of “implicit approval” or “tolerance” of drug use, thereby weakening societal signals against addictive behavior to some extent.According to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 110,000 people died from opioid overdoses in the US in 2023 alone. Over 70% of these deaths were linked to the synthetic opioid fentanyl. Fentanyl is inexpensive, highly toxic, and can be fatal in doses as low as 2 milligrams. It is widely available on the street market and has become one of the deadliest drugs in the US today.In the midst of this public health crisis, the government's “harm reduction” strategy reflects a policy shift from ‘eradication’ to “risk control.” From providing clean syringes and usage guidelines, to establishing “safe drug use spaces,” to the promotion of this toolkit, some of Washington's policy choices emphasize realistic interventions while also sparking discussions about moral boundaries, governance responsibilities, and the use of public resources.Critics emphasize that the actual impact of the policy is highly concentrated among different social groups. In cities like Seattle and San Francisco, drugs like fentanyl are more prevalent among low-income groups such as Black and Latino communities, with higher mortality rates. This has sparked further discussions about whether the policy “effectively cares for vulnerable groups” or “accepts their circumstances.”As one of the world's most resource-rich and technologically advanced nations, Washington State's approach to the drug crisis is often used by outsiders to reflect on the complexity of modern social governance. On one hand, technological tools and intervention mechanisms are becoming increasingly sophisticated; on the other hand, fundamental structural issues—including poverty, racial inequality, housing crises, and the lack of mental health services—continue to worsen.Against this backdrop, the “harm reduction” policy faces a dilemma: is it a buffer zone leading to a larger treatment system, or does it inadvertently institutionalize the hardships of society's underclass? This question remains unresolved within Washington.