Text By Charles Angell

An interesting phenomena regarding news reading habits on the web shows how people tend to focus much more on specific sources of information. So while a savvy web user may have access to thousands of diverse news sources, they will gravitate toward those that reflect their established biases. It appears that rather than expanding our horizons, greater opportunity has actually narrowed our focus. Ironically, a well read person in the 80s with significantly less access to alternative sources would have been exposed to a much more diverse gamut of information.

I spend a fair amount of time looking websites that are in one way or another fascinated with the mythology and conspiracy theories surrounding 2012 . Many say that a great change lurks just beyond the horizon and they theorize endlessly about what that might be and how it might come about. Often, if they are not Monotheistic, they will have constructed a set of ideas describing some sort of massive environmental alteration that will inspire a great evolutionary change in humanity. In some ways, it is similar to the Christians and their myth of the Apocalypse .

More and more often I read posts where people say that they can feel this great change coming and those that don’t are somehow asleep or not paying attention. They will often speak about their feelings as if they were facts, as if they knew their feelings to be objective truth, as if their interpretation of the jumbled mass of stimuli we receive through our senses to be the correct one.

I’d say that it’s entirely likely that what they are feeling is a self affirming loop. That is, they convince themselves of a certain reality because they focus narrowly on that type of information and they interact very little with people that think differently. Consequently, their ideas are not significantly challenged and the weak or faulty notions continue to be entertained rather than discarded.

While I may not personally feel a great change looming, I do feel that many, very intelligent people are deeply disturbed by an increasingly complex world environment that is quite alien from what has been our natural environment for some hundreds of thousands of years. We are genetically programmed for, and on a primal level we expect, a much different world than the one in which find ourselves.

We are magnificent predators that have over much time mastered first tools and then symbols to such an extent that we now believe they are reality. We believe that our symbolic constructs constitute the reality of life. Consequently, because we are the masters of the symbols, we have come to think we are the masters of reality. We have become infatuated with the idea that we are God.

While that seems quite foolish to me, who knows – maybe we are. Maybe God is composed of billions of little turds that admire themselves endlessly. Yet somehow I can’t help but feel that a little more humility is in order.

Pulled From Dave Banner’s Daily Email

One of the more peculiar things about Viroqua is Dave Banner’s Daily Email. I guess you would call it homespun lefty classifieds. It’s wacky fun and it works strangely well!

Balancing Vacillating Energies . . . Oh Dear!
Aluna Joy and the Star Elders July 2009

This morning I finally got clear about what in the world is going on . . . well for today at least. I wanted to get this out to you ASAP, so excuse that I didn’t take time to make it pretty! Here is the latest message about the shift that we are in . . .

If you are confused about the energy that you are feeling these days, trust me, you are not alone. The Star Elders say that we are immersed in the process of building the bridge from the world that we are leaving behind to the world that we are creating. We are presently smack dab in the middle of the shift of the ages. This is causing some very frustrating and interesting side effects.

One of these side effects is how we manifest. In the last few weeks, since solstice, we are noticing that when we begin a project, we also find that at each step of the way we have to change direction or even start over. It feels like we have to do everything twice. Nothing seems to be working smoothly right now. The energy for manifesting flows in, and then to our utter frustration, the energy flows back out like receding tidal waves. It feels like we hit temporary walls along the way. It is like the flow is all of a sudden cut off. We feel like we have become yo-yo’s, or feel like a hamster continually spinning on a wheel. This vacillation is leaving us feeling pulled in two directions at the same time. It is really hard to decide which way to go. We feel quite stuck, confused . . . and lets face it. downright annoyed.

The reason for this yo-yo side effect is that the energy we used for creating is vacillating between the past and the future. At this time, we are not completely present in either world. We are on the bridge between the two worlds. The energy of creation is still working in the past world, but it is also now beginning to work in the future also. In other words, we are manifesting on both sides of the bridge at the same time. This vacillating energy will eventually quicken and shorten in duration to the point where we will be creating from a single point in reality. I can hardly wait for this!

This yo-yo energy does not stop us from creating, but we do have to focus more intently to get a job done. The Star Elders say 50% of our intentions right now are in the past and are difficult, but not impossible, to complete. It is important that you keep living and creating. Yet it is up to you to decide if you want to take an extra effort to manifest, or finish a project. You might just want to throw in the towel. The Star Elders also say that the other 50% of our intentions are being created out in the future somewhere. Because we are only 50% present in either world. Again, we have to focus intently to get these jobs done. We also have the option to let the intent or project go until the creative flow returns. Your intents which are based in the past will be increasingly harder to complete. Whereas your intents based on the future will become increasingly easier to manifest.

Just to make things a little more confusing for you all . . . The Star Elders say there is no past . . . or future.

There is another side effect from not being completely present in either world. We get clumsy. Have you been bumping into walls, stubbing your toe, bumping her head, and feeling generally wobbly and out of it? Yeah, this is part of this shifting also. Your body’s equilibrium is working hard to adapt to the new world.
Your internal gyroscope is re-orienting to the new world that is emerging. This is causing you to become ungrounded. This can also cause nausea and headaches. These symptoms have been going on for quite a few months but will begin to fade by the end of the year. The Star Elders say to be careful with your body right now, as we could be accident prone. (I learned this the hard way)

There is a huge wave of people passing out of this dimension, as they are in a hurry to get to that next one. Unfortunately these ones are going to miss out experiencing the show of the ages! There are many that are on the fence, trying to decide which direction they want to go. It is time for you to decide! There are many brave ones, that make up a multitude of light workers that are committed to riding out what is left of this fading dimension. These ones will experience what the Star Elders say is the wildest ride in the universe and a huge evolutionary jump for the soul. Why do I get the feeling this could be one of those roller coaster rides you wish you had never gotten on . . . but once you arrive at the destination you want to do it all over again. PS … any way that you choose to transfer yourself to the new world is the right way for you! There is no right or wrong here, only what your soul has decided to do.

So in a nut shell… you are not losing IT ! You are getting IT! But to get IT you will have to lose IT. So you see why we are feeling like Yo-Yo’s.

Rosanne Boyett
Rual La Farge Area
Vernon County, WI

There are a number of Dark Sky Preserves around the world. The concept is to preserve and protect the open spaces in order to permit viewing of the skies after dusk.

This concept of designating open spaces as Dark Sky Preserves is growing in popularity as more human development negatively impacts the night skies around the planet. The website for policies and programs and information on Dark Sky designations: darksky.org. It is somewhat challenging to locate specific information but there is a drop-down menu that speeds the search of the site.

Locally, there is a group of interested residents/visitors in this part of Wisconsin that use Wildcat State Park and the Kickapoo Valley Reserve as locations for viewing the night skies using the naked eye & telescopes. At U.W.-Richland Center there is currently a class for people of all ages to learn more about astronomy – richland.uwc.edu/ce. This year is the 400th anniversary of Galileo viewing the night skies with a telescope.

Both Wildcat State Park and the Kickapoo Valley Reserve are in the process of being designated as Dark Sky Preserves. This designation process requires the support of adjoining property owners and local units of government. Language and/or ordinances in comprehensive plans should include protection of dark skies. This topic easily fits into the elements of housing, inter-governmental cooperation and into economic development (which already includes the concept of quality-of-life issues). A sample Dark Sky ordinance is available from U.W.-Madison.

At the immediate local level, Vernon Electric has a grant program to assist local governments, schools and businesses in energy efficient lighting that also protects the dark skies. With the numerous outdoor lights (especially on poles), it is a simple matter of re-directing the light toward the ground where people and machinery move around instead of shooting the lighting overhead into the dark skies.

International Dark-sky Association website: http://www.darksky.org

For contact information & press release with the Dark Sky Ordinance: anabel@darkskyi.ccsend.com

By Joe Swanson
General Contractor, Organic Farmer
Webster Township, Vernon County, WI.

Social responsibility is the duty of all citizens to respect the resources of their community, both human and natural. We are afforded dignity by the Bill of Rights, protection by our courts, and the assurance of happiness by our constitution. We have also invited God to stand with us. “One Nation Under God.” So that we may be afforded the assurance of Divine protection as well. But what is asked of us? What are our responsibilities to our communities and country?

When we are asked to pay taxes, obey the laws that make it possible for our communities to function in relative harmony, we are asked to contribute to the care and well being of those less fortunate. We are essentially being asked to care for one another in the spirit of humanity.

Some people proclaim this attribute of the human spirit to be not one of charity but of weakness. We are willing to apply the laws of Darwinism to the sick and old, those in poverty and politically disadvantaged, but then challenge its validity in the classroom. We expect to be taken care of by our institutions whether they are social or political, for do not these institutions function on our behalf? Do not these institutions protect us from the predatory tactics that no longer answer to our laws, norm, and cultures, because they have become irrelevant to them?

It is said we are protected by a democratic process that insures fairness, equality and justice. But does it? Our democratic process has been reduced to numbers, the outcome of an election having no more significance than the final score of a football game. It is no longer the collaboration of invested citizens in decisions that will benefit as many as possible. It does not define justice, but makes it more ambiguous by clouding it’s meaning with deception or morality. The cost of poverty has been calculated by an economist in the same way a stock price on the New York Exchange is rated, failure to rise above this monetary bar does not entitle you to more, but to less. Democracy is no longer a means to protect the populace, but the powerful. Democracy and the institutions that support its existence have been constructed to protect those who are unable to protect themselves. It is not to be used against them for personal or corporate gain.

So where does our responsibility begin? I believe it begins when we recognize the need to become involved. When we accept the responsibility to inform ourselves about the issues facing our country and community. To be effective it is essential we make educated decisions based on fact. It is not necessary that we agree, what is essential is that we allow the process involving the free exchange of ideas to exist, that we create an environment where opinions are solicited rather than discouraged.

Too often the majority feels they have the authority to proceed with their agendas leaving those who may differ with their ideals to go unheard and unheeded. A democracy cannot be reduced to winning and losing; for when it is we all lose. Having to defend our position causes us to examine it, and makes us stronger not weaker. Those who are unwilling or unable to defend their position should not be allowed to hide behind the majority banner as though it were infallible.

I find it extraordinary that those in control are so intimidated by questions that they refuse to entertain any. The very fact that someone would question their benevolence is enough to draw the rancor of the decision maker. The fact that I may not agree with your assessment of a situation should not make me your opponent, but a collaborator in search of a reasonable and just solution to a common problem. Personal attack has replaced the ability to debate. We have a responsibility as citizens to listen to the views of others and then formulate an opinion based on the information presented; to do otherwise is to be negligent. We have an obligation to speak to our concerns with as much righteousness as those who disagree.

When we deliberately infringe on another physically, mentally or monetarily, we are guilty of trespass no matter how the law is interpreted. When property that belongs to us individually or collectively is damaged through negligence or greed, it is a violation of our contract with others to live under a system where justice is determined by intent of the law not simply the letter of the law.

We have a responsibility to protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the resources that keep us warm and provide impetus for our economies. We have a responsibility to educate our children, provide health care for those in need, and give a voice to anyone who wishes to share their experience with us. We have a responsibility to ourselves to participate in the future of not only our families, but also the environment they will inherit. We have a social responsibility to include everyone in our society regardless of race, religion, or origin.

It is said a system is only as strong as its weakest link. When people are without food, medical treatment, education or anything that keeps them from participating in our system, then we as a society become the weakest link. When we disrespect our environment, our neighbor, or ourselves, we no longer will be able to share the promise of a future with the rightful heirs, generations yet unborn.

From the Vernon County Broadcaster
By Dorothy Jasperson,
dorothy.jasperson@lee.netSource Link

A 3,200-cow concentrated animal feeding operation targeted to be built near Westby is now aiming directly north of Viroqua.

The proposed Petry Trust CAFO is changing its plans to locate its facility about a mile-and-a-half north of the city of Viroqua, provided soil testing and design plans for the new facility can be conformed to the new location, Petry Trust’s project engineer, Marc Bourgault, said.

The CAFO would still be located in the town of Viroqua, on approximately 240 acres of land owned by developer Jeff Petry, at the Northwest corner of the intersection of County Trunk Y and Hwys. 14/61/27.

The initial East Smith Road development site had become a source of controversy from both residents living in the immediate area and the fact that it was one one-quarter-mile south of the city of Westby.

Bourgault, Sunday, confirmed the location change, saying it was brought about due to pressure from government officials.

“Government officials suggested developing on a less controversial site,” Bourgault said. “We want to be good neighbors and I think we can make the new site work, but it’s disappointing since we’ve already invested a lot of time and expense into the Smith Road site. Regardless of where we develop though, we will have neighbors around us.”

Leah Call, a member of ACES (Alliance Concerned for Environmental Safety), an opposition group working to prevent the Petry Trust development near Westby, said the change in location will simply add membership numbers to ACES.

“I doubt this will be a less controversial site,” Call said. “It’s just one mile from Viroqua, sits across from the Cornerstone Christian Academy and next to the Oak Knolls subdivision. As a member of ACES we oppose this site for many of the same reasons that we opposed the CAFO on Smith Road.”

Bourgault said the new location has already been surveyed and a design team is working on a revised layout for the CAFO, which will remain at 3,200 animals. The new operation will make provisions for the future installation of a manure digester that makes electricity from methane, but will not be incorporating one into the initial plans due to economics and Petry Trust’s desire to use sand bedding for the animals.

“The size is not changing, just the location,” Bourgault said. “We’re not installing a digester, but we are making provisions for one in the future. The economics just doesn’t make it feasible to invest in a digester at this time. We want the flexibility to use sand bedding for the animals, and sand doesn’t mesh well with digesters.”

Although feedback from the community is very important, Bourgault said that as a business Petry Trust must also preserve its own rights as landowners. In doing so it will meet regulations placed upon it by the government and design the best layout possible for management of the business, he said.

Management for the CAFO has not been selected, but Bougault said the company has been impressed with the amount of local management interest that has already been generated. He said the change in location may delay the original summer of 2010 completion date.

“I expect to have a better handle on everything in the next few weeks when all the preliminary testing is complete,” Bourgault said. “We will continue to work with and listen to concerns raised as the development progresses. We understand fearing the unknown and will try to be reasonable and open minded as they move forward, but we must also preserve our own rights as landowners in the county and state.”