#second american revolution

[petervintonjr]

You're not on the side you think you are

There's a trailer aggressively making the rounds about a modern-day American civil war movie, due to bow in a few weeks. Just... way way too many people acting excited and thrilled for this, as if it's something they can't wait to happen in real life. Almost as if we're being inured, numbed, to the scenario. Something we're expected to start getting used to.

The advertisements pander to the basest macho insecurities, juicing up the "Don't Tread On Me" chest-thumpers and their perverse sense of "rugged individualism." (Likely with a generous dose of misogyny, racism, and evangelical nationalism thrown in.) The kind of people who think they're somehow going to be on the "winning" side were such a horrifying future to come true.

There are better and more meaningful ways to examine the consequences of such a thing, rather than a thrill-a-minute blockbuster summer action movie. Not going to spend money on this one and I would encourage you to thoughtfully consider saving your pennies, as well.

"Wait a minute, Peter you hypocrite," I hear someone call out at the back of the lecture hall. "Aren't you literally working on Volume III of a near-future graphic novel that's essentially about that very same subject?" Good heavens, yes. I didn't say the subject didn't need to be thoroughly explored. But the whole point of dystopic stories is their warning. 1984, Fahrenheit 451, Brave New World, The Handmaid's Tale, the Hunger Games --the message behind such storytelling is to guard against such things. Such frightening futures are already way too plausible as it is --we're not supposed to be celebrating that or making it into some kind of exciting prospect; we're supposed to be doing everything in our power to prevent it.

The tagline of my series The Monitor's Guild is literally: "You're not on the side you think you are." I promise you, not a single character in my storyline is excitedly looking forward to suspended rights, interment camps or armed conflict in our home towns; the way some folks seem to be responding to this movie trailer.

[darthkieduss]

Try

Revolution doesn't just happen overnight. It can happen spontaneously, yes, but it builds and builds and builds until it can no longer be contained. The need for freedom, liberty and justice will become a force so massive that the government in Washington DC will not be able to ignore or write off as "tiktok kid activism". It is up to every single one of us to contribute to the revolution.

Oppression is not natural. Freedom is the nature of all life forms, not just us humans. While some animals such as the dog or cat can definitely survive better in a house under control of a human, I've never seen a dog more happy then when you let them outside. To control people, whether it be because of some dumb book written 2,000 years ago (by man not God) or because of some obsession with maintaining "order" is an act of narcissism. To think that one has a right to control what living breathing beings can do with their lives is a blatant act of claiming that they are gods over humanity.

Remember this: It is not natural to be controlled. If you are spiritual or super religious, God (or gods) gave us free will for a reason. If you are an atheist, then free will comes from nature. Governments try to control people because they are afraid. President Thomas Jefferson himself coined the phrase: When the government fears the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. The government tries to control people because like most men, they fear losing their power and wealth. They seek to control to preserve their power. That's why the government will commit atrocities like opening fire on striking workers like the Kent State shootings against students protesting the Vietnam War or the 1927 Columbine Mine massacre against coal miners simply striking for better wages and benefits. It is inhumane to control people. Sure, government has to exist. I'm not an anarchist, but the amount of control the US government has exhibited since 1981 is unconstitutional and must be opposed.

Reform is not the answer. Reform is just a bandage on a wound that needs stitches. Change is needed but change through reform is like a drug addict thinking he's kicking drugs by simply only doing drugs once a week. True Revolution happens when the opium is completely thrown out and destroyed. In order for true change to happen, it must come through sudden revolution. We must uphaul the system and like a phoenix, rebirth this country from its ashes.

It does sometime seem like it's impossible. "What can I do? I'm just one person and the US government has the military." Remember this, we outnumber them. The US military has 1,328,000+ active servicemen, with 800,000+ reserve while the US population is 334,914,895 (2023 concenus). Ordinary peasants took down the Czar's Armies and ruled Russia for 74 years. In many revolutions, those were in the military sided with the people, such as the French and Russian Revolutions. Hell, a vast number of those who swore an allegiance to King George III took off their redcoats and pledged their lives to the cause of the American Revolution. When enough soldiers see what is happening, they will dissent and swell our ranks. The British Empire was the most powerful military in the world at that time and we won, though we would've lost without France's assistance so don't get arrogant.

I know revolution seems impossible especially with all the propaganda that Fox News, CNN, MSNBC etc pop out everyday. Remember the Soviets and the Nazis shoved propaganda throughout their empires and both fell, people in both nations rose up against the far-left communism and far-right fascism. The British government often used propaganda, including religious propaganda, to ensure that their American subjects should be loyal to the King and yet we've been an indepenet country since 1783. The Russian government under Putin commands obedience and tells its people tremendous lies about its illegal war in Ukraine and yet millions of Russian people protest him. The Israelis claim that anyone who opposes Israel or its actions (genocide) against Palestinians in Gaza is Anti-Semitic and yet people all around the world, including here in the US, protest Israel.

It's also quite possible that multiple revolutions must happen in order for the big one to come about. The Soviet Union didn't come about because of one revolution in 1917 but of two. The people rose up against the Czar in February of 1917 only for sadly the extremist Bolsheviks to conquer Russia in the October Revolution of 1917. Our own American Revolution took over 10 years to ignite, starting with the British Parliament passing the Stamp Act in 1765 to the firing of shots at Lexington and Concord in 1775. The American Revolution occurred across thirteen colonies. So really, the American Revolution was about multiple revolutions exploding throughout the Colonies that united to form the United States of America.

This is not a shot at conservatism or leftism. Both the Democrat and Republican Parties have taken rights from Americans, from the Republicans passing the Patriot Act (essentially gutting the Bill of Rights) after 9/11 and Democrats not allowing that proto-fascist act to expire (it's set to expire every five years but the government under both parties keep delaying the expiration). This is an outline on how revolution must happen. Both parties have allowed the wealthy elite to plunder this nation and steal from the working class to ensure they have all the money and power (one is definitely more guilty than the other but I digress) .

Remember this: Revolutions happen because the people demand it. When enough people have tried method after method of chaning the system peacefully, what other alternative do they have left other than Revolution? Every protest, whether it's on the left or right, puts out in front of the people the failures of the government. Millions of women are to this day protesting that the supreme court has stripped them of their constitutional right to bodily autonomy. Millions of people around the world are in the streets protesting the genocidal act of Putin's Russia and Netenyahu's Israel.

Maybe it is hopeless. Maybe I'm just wasting time on this post. Most likely no one will see it. But I have to try. I would rather die on my feet then live on my knees. If I could do this fight against tyranny all over again, the only thing I'd change is the year it happened. Never give up. Even if you don't live to see the results. Even if you fail. Even if the government comes to your house to take you away. Your example will inspire others to rise up. We have to try. Change doesn't happen because we bowed our heads and went along to get along. And sometimes you have to out yourself. Sometimes you have to call out your alcoholic racist uncle at Thanksgiving. Even if your family turns against you.

Remember this: revolutions don't happen because of one person. George Washington didn't defeat the British at Yorktown all himself. It took the courage, bravery and sacrifice of thousands of brave American men and women. Even children, as proven by then 13 year old Andrew Jackson. Napoleon didn't start the French revolution. Vladimir Lenin didn't start the Russian Revolution. It's up to all of us. To lead by example.

We will sacrifice, we will struggle but ultimately we will triumph.

Let me end this with the manifesto of Karis Nemik, a character from the Andor series (a really good Star Wars series despite my preference for Star Wars Legends). Consider these words and take them to heart:

There will be times when the struggle seems impossible. I know this already. Alone, unsure, dwarfed by the scale of the enemy.

Remember this. Freedom is a pure idea. It occurs spontaneously and without instruction. Random acts of insurrection are occurring constantly throughout the galaxy. There are whole armies, battalions that have no idea that they've already enlisted in the cause.

Remember that the frontier of the Rebellion is everywhere. And even the smallest act of insurrection pushes our lines forward. And then remember this. The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear.

Remember that. And know this, the day will come when all these skirmishes and battles, these moments of defiance will have flooded the banks of the Empire's authority and then there will be one too many. One single thing will break the siege.

Remember this: Try.

[averycanadianfilm]

Second American Revolution Book Chat with Greg Downs

May 13, 2020

Why do Americans call the bloodiest conflict in the nation's history the Civil War rather than a revolution? What does the Civil War have to do with other 19th-century revolutionary movements in Mexico, Spain, and especially Cuba? Downs addresses these questions and, in the process, invites readers to consider the stability and survival of the US Constitution and its republican system - as well as the ways in which the United States has always been deeply shaped by crises and ideas from abroad. The UC Davis Humanities Institute's Book Chat series celebrates the artistic and intellectual ventures of our faculty and allows them to share their new publications, performances, or recordings with the Davis community. Please join us for a dialogue with the author, moderated by UCD Humanities Institute Director and Professor Jaimey Fisher.

[maddiem4]

I really do want to live forever, which is why I feel it as a personal insult and annoyance how hard it is to go a whole year without killing myself. Absolutely stupid era of human history rn

[astrxealis]

I ADORE GEN INFORMATION AND HISTORY STUFF SOOO MUCH ... and etc etc etc and and and :(( <3 god i love the plethora of information ik and. etc.

[tallmadgeandtea]

Here is a video of the battle yesterday!

[navree]

"bridgerton said (correctly!) This History Boring" bridgerton fans you are never seeing heaven (except for the ones who are my friends because they wouldn't say smth like this to me anyway)

[alandaniel]

My books! Lots of fun, if you like World War Two. Also good discussions of art. Lots of maps and illustrations. AD2

[petervintonjr]

Plastic City Comic Con is just moments away! Looks like it'll be a great day. Come on out to Game On Sports in Fitchburg, Mass., and drop by my table! Lots of incredible artists, creators, gamers, and pop-culture nerdyness to absorb!

[greensparty]

Talking with Ondi Timoner

When I read the news about the Oscar Shortlist of Best Documentary Features it made me quite happy to see one particular documentarian on the list, which is made up of 15 documentaries released in 2022 that will be whittled down to 5 nominees when the Academy Award nominations are announced on January 24. It was a really strong year for docs and I was glad to see Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song and the David Bowie doc Moonage Daydream make the list, but I was elated to see Last Flight Home from director Ondi Timoner. She is one of the great documentary filmmakers of our time. Hands down! I was so blown away by her 2004 years-in-the-making doc Dig! about the friendship and rivalry between indie rock bands The Dandy Warhols and Brian Jonestown Massacre after I saw it in the movie theater that I actually reached out to her via her website and she got back to me. I sent her my short film Musician For Hire, which had some similar themes as Dig!, and she gave me some great feedback and we later met up at the Dig! DVD Party in NYC. We have met a few times since and stayed in touch. Since Dig! she has made several fascinating docs such as Join Us about escapees from a cult and We Live in Public about an early dot-com pioneer. Now she has made her most deeply personal film yet. 

In early 2021, following some hospitalizations Ondi’s father Eli (the founder of Air Florida), made a decision to end his life under California’s End of Life Option Act. Leading up to Eli’s final days, Ondi documented her family’s time with him in his home. Ondi’s mother Elissa and her siblings Rachel and David bond with their father in his final weeks and the doc looks at his extraordinary life. It is shot cinema verite style. For me, I definitely got choked up more than a few times while watching it. The documentary premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival and has played multiple festivals before MTV Documentary Films released it in Fall 2022. I recently caught up with Ondi via Zoom.

movie poster (with young Ondi in the blue jacket)

OT: What’d you think of the film?

Me: It was amazing. It hit really close to home for me, obviously this is the story of your family and father, but there were many things that hit close to home for me and I got choked up many times throughout the film. But I have nothing but respect for you in telling the story in the way that you did. Not just saying this, but sometimes you see films that just go beyond being a film or a documentary and are more of a life experience, and this is very much one of them. 

OT: Yeah, I feel like it’s more of a spiritual experience from the way people react to it. It affects people so deeply. I had no idea that sharing something so personal would be so affecting. But it’s obviously a beautiful thing. I worried at the premiere what the result would be of putting my family on display in their most vulnerable moments. But the result is it tends to really heal people in a lot of ways. Even if they cry, a lot of people call them tears of joy, that there is a catharsis that occurs that is different than watching a normal film. I’ve just never had feedback for anything in my life for anything I’ve ever made. I don’t know if I ever will again. It’s kind of its own experience really.

Me: Prior to the beginning of 2021 when this documentary begins, did you sit down with your family and discuss making a documentary about this? Or were you filming for the family and then much later thought it would make a good documentary?

OT: I was filming this for the family, that’s exactly right. I was filming it for myself, because when Dad said he wanted to die, that came as complete shock to all of us because he had been such a tenacious and positive person his whole life, despite the stroke. He always rooted for all of us, he never complained. But the idea of it, I mean of course everyone dies, but we never expected for him to elect for that. We didn’t even know there was a law for that, he was just electing for that because he realized he was going to have to go to a facility. That was where he relied on quality of life, because everything he loved was in his house with my Mom and being around the family. That is what kept him going. So when he made that call and decided that he needed to die, I panicked and decided I needed to film. As you can tell in the film I started recording audio right away. I went to see a therapist because I was so concerned that I was trying to mediate the experience or that I was trying to distance myself or that I’d be hurting my family. I thought this must be a terrible idea, but I just felt such an impulse to film. And I had no intention, Eric, of ever making a film. I was always going to make a scripted film about Dad. When you look at the footage or maybe you remember, you see papers on the bed - that’s the script I had written about Dad and that I’ve been working on for years. Because the only archival footage I have of Dad and the airline is about fifteen minutes worth of footage. So people my whole career that told me “wow, your Dad has such an extraordinary story” and it was always my dream to tell his story, but I always believed I’d tell it with a scripted film. So anyways, the therapist, I told “I feel like I have to set up cameras and film my Dad’s final days” and she said “if you feel like you should film, you should film”. So I called my Dad and he said “I instinctively know you’re on the right track”. I didn’t even know what track I was on, but I was on a track that he knew more than I did. He never had us turn the cameras off. I honestly felt like the presence of cameras felt like a relief to me. It allowed me to focus on his care and it allowed me to know that I wouldn’t forget him. That I wouldn’t forget his voice and his personality. It was like a safety blanket or something. More than anything it made pure presence possible. As opposed to taking presence away. I don’t think that would’ve been the case if I knew I was making a film probably. But I also set up that nest camera - you saw that’s a surveillance camera in the scene when Gigi (his granddaughter) comes. I set that up because I didn’t want to focus on the filmmaking process or the process of documenting. I just wanted it to be seamless and visible as possible. So what I did was I set up cameras all around and what I did was I would move them or operated them when other people were with Dad, otherwise I would just turn them on and be with Dad and take care of him. Those were the most beautiful days of my life in a lot of ways. I felt like that was just an absolutely sacred space in that room. I know that Dad was really so happy and at peace to know that we were supporting his decision. That set the tone for the room. He was kind, he was funny with everyone who walked in the room. I didn’t realize that until I started watching the footage when my sister asked me to make a memorial video after Dad died. 

Me: It’s such a beautiful thing that you have all this footage of grandkids, friends of the family, everyone with your Dad.

OT: You know, when my sister asked me to make this memorial video it was only about two weeks after Dad died. I could not believe the footage. I was blown away. She just said “you have footage of Dad, don’t you? Can you just cut five minutes of footage?” and five weeks later we had a thirty-two minute memorial video. I didn’t even leave the room. Dad was alive inside the Avid and I could laugh and cry with him. And I started noticing all of these incredible arcs. I kind of went from daughter to filmmaker in those weeks. I just went - oh my God! There is so much here of all of this incredible transformational material. I knew as we went through it that it was deeply profound, but I didn’t know until I watched the footage that every single person in that room had changed. I so busy as his daughter, trying to host people and make sure these zooms happened. More than anything, I tried to get Dad to realize that he gave us everything because he thought he was a failure and gave us nothing. So I had different goals and trying to get my Mom to face it. I was just caught up in the family. But as a filmmaker I could watch all I wanted in the Avid and I couldn’t stop cutting. After the memorial a lot of the people on the zoom memorial felt like their feelings about death had changed. So I realized this footage was really valuable to people and I realized this is something we all go through. And so I just kept editing after that. And of course my Dad’s arc in realizing he had measured his life wrong and thought that success was based on money and stature. He thought he was a failure and in fact he was a massive success because he had gained all of our love and devotion. He had everyone’s love he had ever touched in his life. That was what really put it over the top for me to share this footage. For me, for you, for all of the people out there to feel like they have shortcomings, this is an invitation to let go.

Ondi Timoner

Me: I have nothing but respect and admiration for you in being able to compartmentalize and say “I’m going to be here for my father and my family” but then put on your filmmaker hat and be setting up the camera and the microphone at the same time. On that note, you mentioned the scripted film of your Dad, prior to his final years, had you thought about doing a film about your father’s life?

OT: I started writing it eight years ago. I wrote the first draft. But I told a producer who reminded me recently that when I won at Sundance for Dig! in 2004, a producer asked, then, what I wanted to do and I said I wanted to make a scripted film about my father. I sort of pitched them the story then. But it wasn’t until I cracked my foot and I was off my feet for a month. In that month I would call Dad everyday and I’d just talk to him and interview him basically and just go through newspaper articles and everything and I put the first draft of the script together then, which I still dream to make. I would love to do it. The whole experience of sharing this emotional film and audiences telling me a lot about their own experiences has influenced the script for me. I need to do another rewrite on it, but it’d definitely my dream project. 

Me: Looking at your filmography, I feel like the through line in all your films is these extremely multi-layered intriguing subjects, i.e. Anton Newcombe, Josh Harris, Russell Brand, Robert Mapplethorpe - whether you like them or not, you’re just fully engaged with what they’re doing. Is that your priority when you’re deciding a film project to take on?

OT: What I care about is telling the story of people I care about who do what they do against all odds, who change the rules along the way. Most of my characters are extremely flawed as you know and I don’t shy away from those flaws. My father is by far the least flawed of all of them of what I call the Impossible Visionaries. But he is also, in fact, he’s my Original Impossible Visionary. He takes on the impossible and he’s not going to take no for an answer. That’s what he did, that’s how he built the airline, that’s how it became the fastest growing airline in the world, that’s how he stayed positive against all odds through his life and kept creating and creating happiness around him and joy for all of us. And being there for us. And to recover from the stroke as much as he did with such positivity. I really hope to make the scripted film because that really brings the 1970s and 1980s part of his life alive. It was a crazy time in aviation and Dad put deregulation through congress and he worked hard to make the skies open to all people no matter how much money you had or how old you were. He had senior citizens and students flying for eighteen dollars. They were called Pleasure Fares and he would offer students a massive discount to fly around. Things like that. My whole life, he’s inspired me to be who I am.

Me: Some of my favorite filmmakers are the ones who dabble in both narrative and documentary. You did the narrative film Mapplethorpe. In addition to your father’s scripted film, do you have plans for more narrative storytelling?

OT: No plans beyond this one, but I’m open. You never know what happens in this world. With Mapplethorpe, it was invited to premiere at Sundance and that was the Director’s Cut. It was on Hulu and now I have to figure out what happened to it, because that’s the complete version, that’s the script that I wrote.

Me: The timing of this interview is incredible because it was just announced that your new documentary The New Americans: Gaming a Revolution is premiering at South By Southwest in March. Congrats and not to jinx anything, but best of luck during awards season with Last Flight Home as well.

OT: Thank you! Well, my Dad is definitely my favorite leading man of all. He’s quite an inspiring character and his wisdom is captured in that footage. I think that’s his gift to me and now it’s his gift to the world.

me with Ondi at the Dig! DVD Release Party in NYC on 4/11/2005

For info on Last Flight Home: https://www.interloperfilms.com/lastflighthome

For info on Ondi Timoner: https://www.interloperfilms.com/about-ondi

[doyoulikethissong-poll]

Duran Duran - The Chauffeur 1982

Rio is the second studio album by English band Duran Duran, released in 1982. A new wave album with musical elements such as dance and synth-pop, Rio is mostly composed of fast, upbeat numbers, with a couple slower synthesiser-based ballads. The cover artwork, painted by Patrick Nagel and designed by Malcolm Garrett to resemble 1950s cigar packaging, is considered one of the greatest of all time.

Duran Duran shot music videos for many of the album's tracks, all of which helped spearhead the 1980s MTV revolution. Accompanied by three worldwide hit singles, Rio peaked at number 2 in the UK and remained in the chart for 110 weeks. Initially unsuccessful in the US, the album was remixed by Capitol Records to better match American radio at the time; the remixed album spent 129 weeks on the Billboard chart, reaching number 6.

Rio initially received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics, who commended the melodies but disparaged the lyrics. Retrospective reviewers consider Rio timeless and the band's best work, praising its instrumentation and band performances. With the album, Duran Duran were forerunners in the Second British Invasion of the 1980s, helping ensure the success of other English artists throughout the decade, and along with Culture Club and Spandau Ballet created a teen frenzy similar to Beatlemania during the first British Invasion of the 60s. Rio has since made appearances on best-of lists and has been reissued several times.

"The Chauffeur" was created on the spot in the studio. During downtime, Nick Rhodes retreated to an auxiliary studio room with Blauel, their tape operator, and crafted a track using keyboards, synthesisers, the sound of an ice cube cracking and a conversation about nature for extra effects. Simon Le Bon accompanied him with lyrics he'd originally written as poetry in 1978, and adding a melody on an ocarina. The final track features no contributions from the three other band members. An acoustic version (Blue Silver) was recorded without Rhodes, which appeared as a B-side to "Rio". The keyboardist later quipped, "I guess that was my punishment for have created an entirely electronic track."

"The Chauffeur" received a total of 64,6% yes votes! Previous Duran Duran polls: #21 "The Wild Boys".

[world-v-you-blog]

The Uses of History, 2 - The French Revolution, 1789-99, 1

The Uses of History, 2 – The French Revolution, 1789-99, 1

History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who we are and why we are who we are. David McCullough (Image credit: Britannica.com) I might modify our opening citation by David McCullough to say, “History ought to be a guide in perilous times”. Why we do what we do brings us to the old debate about nature versus nurture, heredity versus environment. But it is a false dichotomy,…

[lunarlianna]

Pluto generations

Aries (1823 - 1851)

The presence of Pluto in Aries defines a generation marked by a pioneering and assertive spirit, reflecting a profound longing for independence. Those influenced by this placement often take on key roles in instigating social change and revolutionizing established systems. Historical events from 1823 to 1852, such as the Wars for Latin American Independence, the First Opium War, and the Women's Rights Convention, exemplify the transformative impact of this astrological configuration.

Taurus (1852 - 1881)

Pluto's position in Taurus defines a generation characterized by unwavering perseverance, determination, and a profound connection to the material realm. These individuals prioritize stability, security, and the sustainable use of resources, leaving a lasting imprint on economic systems and environmental consciousness. Notably, during Pluto's transit in Taurus, the Industrial Revolution surged forward, marked by the rise of corporate structures in industries like railroads and steam engines.

Gemini (1882 – 1913)

The generation under the influence of Pluto in Gemini witnessed the dawn of the Second Industrial Revolution, aptly named the Technological Revolution. These individuals, marked by intellectual curiosity and adaptability, excelled in communication and media, significantly shaping cultural and technological progress. The era marked the birth of influential figures like John Maynard Keynes and Benito Mussolini, along with German scientist Robert Koch's identification of the tuberculosis bacterium. Notably, the First World War occurred during this period, bringing significant changes in all areas of life.

Cancer (1914 -1938)

Pluto in Cancer signifies a generation characterized by deep emotional sensitivity, nurturing instincts, and strong family values. Living through World War I, the Spanish flu pandemic, and the Great Depression, they grew up in a challenging era that shaped their conservative outlook. This generation, often referred to as the "Greatest Generation," prioritized family, spirituality, and adherence to societal norms. While their emphasis on politeness and chivalry had positive aspects, it also gave rise to dark elements such as sexist gender roles, racial segregation, and cultural supremacy.

Leo (1939 – 1958)

Pluto in Leo defines a generation marked by a quest for self-expression, creativity, and a hunger for recognition. Born during historical events like the Nazi invasion of Poland and the Battle of Stalingrad, these individuals challenged authority, imprinting their influence on art, entertainment, and leadership styles. Ruled by the Sun, Pluto in Leo symbolizes a fresh start after periods of war and chaos, fostering a sense of self-value and confidence. This prideful, generous, and naturally leadership-oriented generation, however, tends to resist change and stands firm in their philosophies as a fixed sign.

Virgo (1957 – 1971)

Pluto in Virgo defines a generation marked by a robust work ethic, practicality, and an innate drive for perfection. Born during pivotal events such as the first documented AIDS cases and Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, these individuals contribute to societal shifts in health, wellness, and environmental consciousness. Ruled by Mercury, Pluto in Virgo emphasizes efficiency and hard work, fostering reliability, trustworthiness, and empathy. This generation focuses on rebuilding and technology, epitomizing an era of research and preparation, notably during the Cold War.

Libra (1972 – 1983)

Pluto in Libra defines a generation marked by a profound yearning for harmony, justice, and equality. With Venusian qualities, these individuals are inherently social, compassionate, and value connections with others. The events during their time, such as the end of the Vietnam War, the introduction of VHS, and the rise of personal computers, align with their commitment to justice and duty for the collective. This generation, while not necessarily seeking radical societal reshaping, is more focused on preserving law and order, offering assistance to those in need, and rectifying wrongs through the pursuit of justice.

Scorpio (1984 – 1995)

Pluto in Scorpio defines a generation marked by intensity, depth, and profound transformation, playing a pivotal role in societal shifts related to power dynamics, sexuality, and psychological exploration. While the preceding Pluto in Libra generation advocated for balance, Pluto in Scorpio pushed the limits, ushering in events like the Gulf War, the end of the Cold War, and the advent of the World Wide Web. Resilient and empowered, they navigated constant transformations, developing a keen ability to adapt and thrive through each metamorphosis. This generation also contributed to a shifting cultural perspective on sexuality.

Sagittarius (1996 – 2008)

Pluto in Sagittarius shapes a generation marked by a thirst for knowledge, cultural exchange, and a global perspective, contributing significantly to societal shifts in education, philosophy, and belief systems. This generation, embodies the archer's bravery and fearlessness, fostering a spirit of rebellion and outspokenness. Sagittarius' affinity for networking and socializing with individuals from various nations aligns with the rise of the internet, a tool that facilitates global connectivity. Key events during this period include the successful cloning of Dolly the sheep, the introduction of the Euro to financial markets, and the groundbreaking launch of the iPhone in 2007.

Capricorn (2008 – 2023)

Pluto in Capricorn defines a generation marked by ambition, pragmatism, and a distinct focus on challenging traditional structures, leading to transformative changes in politics, business, and governance. Ruled by Saturn, this era, encompassing events such as the launch of Bitcoin, the Syrian civil war, Edward Snowden's revelations on mass surveillance, and the COVID-19 pandemic, unfolded amidst the Great Recession and the rise of social media. The influence of Saturn instils a commitment to rules, regulations, and social changes that align with a desire for structure and order.

Aquarius (2024 – 2044)

Pluto in Aquarius heralds a generation marked by innovation, individuality, and an impassioned pursuit of freedom and social progress. The current era unfolds amid a new global order, carrying both anticipation and uncertainty. Emerging from the constraining Capricorn era, Aquarius brings a promise of hope, healing, and a future-focused mindset.

Pisces (2044 – 2067)

Pluto in Pisces gives rise to a generation marked by empathy, spirituality, and a deepening of the collective consciousness, contributing to societal shifts in compassion, art, and transcendence. As one era concludes and another begins, this period signals the resurgence of spirituality, with people connecting profoundly to the universe through meditation and prayer. Anticipated as a peaceful time with minimal conflict, technological progress may temporarily slow after the Aquarius era's boom. This wise generation is poised to challenge traditional norms, potentially leading to the disappearance of gender roles, marking a significant chapter in human evolution.

[creativemaid]

Second Chance: An Alternative History, American Revolution, Military Time Travel Novel (Pale Rider Alternative History Book 1) Kindle Edition

Jack Reacher meets The Patriot in this exhilarating time travel alternate history series! When we lost the American Rebellion against the British in the 1700s, the world for the colonists changed for the worst. After centuries of suffering under the oppressive thumb of the English crown, a wealthy American entrepreneur in the 21st century finds an alien craft that can travel through time. That man is my best friend. And he figured out how to use that alien tech with one goal in mind: to go back in time and use our modern technology and knowledge to help the American Colonists defeat the English, with their Revolutionary War, and change the course of history for the better. And why does he ask me, a lowly, disgraced, former police officer, to be the one to make this precarious journey and try to change history? Because after a British official murdered my wife and got away with it, I have nothing left to lose. This way, even if I don't make it back, the course of time will have changed and maybe, just maybe, in the new future I can help shape, America might be a free country and the woman who would have been my wife would be alive. Those two aspirations are worth fighting for. I only hope I can achieve the impossible and change America's future by going into the past. Second Chance is the first book in the Second Chance series, an alternate American Revolutionary War retelling. If you like American history, time travel, and alternate history fiction, then discover Second Chance today!

[tallmadgeandtea]

Here is a short video of the battle yesterday!

[bogleech]

Hardly anyone even fucking tried to run against Biden for the nomination. Republicans had one option besides Trump and she might have been at least slightly less destructive. I'm not surprised it's officially going to be either Biden or Trump again but it is so utterly miserable and wretched. Pathetic. Now your choice is between two possible presidents who are both friends of Israel and both going to help kill more people but one also wants to kill healthcare, immigration, education, science, unions, environmental policy, LGBT rights and whatever's left of reproductive rights. That's the one half this country thinks is literally appointed by God to save us from evil, and they want to shoot you to death or run you over with their car if you don't like him.

The other half of America is split over whether they're willing to vote at all because they think letting Trump win will force Democrats to become better and fix everything next time, as if there's even a guaranteed next time at all the way shit's been.

We're more than likely going to have a second Trump presidency. He already undid so much progress that Americans fought and died for. With another four years he's likely going to finish a lot of it off, and whether he succeeded or not he will *try* to erode democracy itself because he very much wants to be an indefinite dictator.

Generation after generation has been pleading for a revolution to start that actually topples these two parties but all most liberals apparently intend to do is absolutely nothing and hope it magically works out. Your options now are to stop Trump by voting for what is now his only opponent even in the running, yes knowing both of them are going to be genociders. That's what's left of your 2024 options unless that revolution can happen yesterday or both these decrepit ghouls die before October.