Monthly Archives: January 2023

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Fascism

This is borrowed from an old post on the website ratical.org. It’s based on a study of fascist regimes, but it’s interesting how many of this aspects are found in current political movements. There are other similar examinations of fascism in the literature, and the website Orcinus.org has lots of information about groups and movements in the US over the past 40 or 50 years or so. It’s something people need to be educated about, because it’s coming.

“Political scientist Dr. Lawrence Britt recently wrote an article about fascism (“Fascism Anyone?,” Free Inquiry, Spring 2003, page 20). Studying the fascist regimes of Hitler (Germany), Mussolini (Italy), Franco (Spain), Suharto (Indonesia), and Pinochet (Chile), Dr. Britt found they all had 14 elements in common. He calls these the identifying characteristics of fascism. The excerpt is in accordance with the magazine’s policy.

“The 14 characteristics are:

  1. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism 
    Fascist regimes tend to make constant use of patriotic mottos, slogans, symbols, songs, and other paraphernalia. Flags are seen everywhere, as are flag symbols on clothing and in public displays. 
  2. Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights 
    Because of fear of enemies and the need for security, the people in fascist regimes are persuaded that human rights can be ignored in certain cases because of “need.” The people tend to look the other way or even approve of torture, summary executions, assassinations, long incarcerations of prisoners, etc. 
  3. Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause 
    The people are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe: racial , ethnic or religious minorities; liberals; communists; socialists, terrorists, etc. 
  4. Supremacy of the Military 
    Even when there are widespread domestic problems, the military is given a disproportionate amount of government funding, and the domestic agenda is neglected. Soldiers and military service are glamorized. 
  5. Rampant Sexism 
    The governments of fascist nations tend to be almost exclusively male-dominated. Under fascist regimes, traditional gender roles are made more rigid. Opposition to abortion is high, as is homophobia and anti-gay legislation and national policy. 
  6. Controlled Mass Media 
    Sometimes to media is directly controlled by the government, but in other cases, the media is indirectly controlled by government regulation, or sympathetic media spokespeople and executives. Censorship, especially in war time, is very common. 
  7. Obsession with National Security 
    Fear is used as a motivational tool by the government over the masses. 
  8. Religion and Government are Intertwined 
    Governments in fascist nations tend to use the most common religion in the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion. Religious rhetoric and terminology is common from government leaders, even when the major tenets of the religion are diametrically opposed to the government’s policies or actions. 
  9. Corporate Power is Protected 
    The industrial and business aristocracy of a fascist nation often are the ones who put the government leaders into power, creating a mutually beneficial business/government relationship and power elite. 
  10. Labor Power is Suppressed 
    Because the organizing power of labor is the only real threat to a fascist government, labor unions are either eliminated entirely, or are severely suppressed . 
  11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts 
    Fascist nations tend to promote and tolerate open hostility to higher education, and academia. It is not uncommon for professors and other academics to be censored or even arrested. Free expression in the arts is openly attacked, and governments often refuse to fund the arts. 
  12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment 
    Under fascist regimes, the police are given almost limitless power to enforce laws. The people are often willing to overlook police abuses and even forego civil liberties in the name of patriotism. There is often a national police force with virtually unlimited power in fascist nations. 
  13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption 
    Fascist regimes almost always are governed by groups of friends and associates who appoint each other to government positions and use governmental power and authority to protect their friends from accountability. It is not uncommon in fascist regimes for national resources and even treasures to be appropriated or even outright stolen by government leaders. 
  14. Fraudulent Elections
    Sometimes elections in fascist nations are a complete sham. Other times elections are manipulated by smear campaigns against or even assassination of opposition candidates, use of legislation to control voting numbers or political district boundaries, and manipulation of the media. Fascist nations also typically use their judiciaries to manipulate or control elections.”

Copyright © 2003 Free Inquiry magazine
Reprinted for Fair Use Only. 

This article was based upon the article “The Hallmarks of Fascist Regime” by Skip Stone, at www.hippy.com/php/article-226.html.

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Herbal Medicine Pt. 3

January 22, 2023

Continuing the discussion of Herbal Medicine and how to make some simple concoctions to keep your health in balance.

Just began reading a new book, Energetic Herbalism, by Kay Maier. Hope to share some of her amazing insights as I go along. But today I’m just laying down a few simple infusion recipes.

An herbal tea that is particularly good for congestion, especially for the kids, is Mullein and Catnip. I’ve been doing an infusion overnight in a quart jar with about 1/4 cup of each, sweetened with honey. Sometimes I add a bit of Tulsi (holy basil), Chamomile and/or Marshmallow root. Maybe a little Peppermint for flavor. Also can brew it by the cup.

Four Thieves throat spray

A wonder! Simply simmer a stick of cinnamon in 4 oz. of water for 30 or 40 min., add a couple of Tbsp of sea salt. Add about 15 drops each of four essential oils. I prefer Clove, Calendula, Eucalyptus, and Lemongrass. Rosemary is often used, as are others. There are many versions of this out there. Four sprays every couple of hours at first sign of a sore throat. The oils are readily available, but I made my own Calendula oil. Mountain Rose has nice little spray bottles for this.

Sleepy time tea

Brew by the cup or do an overnight infusion of about 1/4 cup Lemon balm, plus 2 or 3 Tbsp each of Blue vervain and Tulsi. I pour a quart of boiling water over it and let it sit. I sometimes add some Hops or Raspberry leaf. For insomnia, this works better for me than Valerian or Skullcap, which are often recommended. I also make a tincture of Lemon balm/Vervain.

Turmeric & Ginger

For serious help with chronic insomnia, try this: mix about 2 cups of Turmeric powder, 1/2 cup of Ginger powder and about a teaspoon or so of Black Pepper. Put a heaping teaspoon of this in a cup of milk—warm is nice but not necessary—and stir it up well. Drink it a half hour or so before bed. I usually add my Lemon balm/Blue vervain tincture as well.

This drink is also serious help for inflammation and seems to help me just generally feel better. I first learned of Turmeric for joint pain from an Indian woman, Tara, whom I met at a Vipassana center years ago. It’s become one of my staples, and I keep learning more about its amazing properties for health and healing.

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Herbal Medicine Pt. 2

January 13, 2023

My daughter got interested in herbal medicine some 10 years ago, and took a several-weeks long course on Appalachian herbs. Some time later—the details are a little unclear in my memory—she spent a summer visiting farms across the country, ending up in Oregon where she did a very intensive intern program at the farm connected with Herb Pharm herbals. She came home to Georgia really excited about herbal medicines and began making a variety of them in our kitchen. This all spurred my interest in the subject, and gave me a very solid introduction to the theory and practice of this artful science.

She also did evaluations on several of the family members and gave me a some prescriptive help based on my physical condition and medical history. Most of what I use today is based on those recommendations, with modifications as I worked with them and learned about other herbals. Having survived the worst of the COVID pandemic despite working as a reporter and being around lots of folks who’ve not been so careful about all the precautions recommended, I think my immune system is pretty strong for my age. I have been able to stay active and relatively healthy through some stressful times, and I attribute much of that to the herbs.

A quick list of some of the various herbals that I’m familiar with will suggest what I’ll be sharing info on in this series:

Ashwagandha, Reishi, Chaga, Lemon balm, Blue vervain, Turmeric, Ginger, Comfrey, Plantain, Tulsi, Nettle, Mullein, Catnip, Chamomile, Red clover, St. John’s wort, Astragalus, Eleuthero, Echinacea, Calendula, Raspberry, Peppermint, Marshmallow root, Hops and Oatstraw. There are a few others that I occasionally use, but this list is the ones that I most depend on. With most of these, I make my own infusions, tinctures or salves. Some I just use prepared versions.

I suppose it’s obvious, but to be clear, I am not an herbal professional and not trained in these things, except by my own experience, so this is focused on what I have learned from others and from trying these things for myself. I would like to start out by providing a partial list of the books and and other resources for really getting into this subject if you find it interesting.

Rosemary Gladstar is a primary source of information on American herbs, with many years experience and many books. She’s also online, and you’ll find her referenced by many of the other folks who are talking about herbals on social media.

A more recent book, one that I love and have found to be very inspiring and helpful — it’s really my favorite book on herbs! — is Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Universally acclaimed and a literary masterpiece, this book is a treasure! Robin is a member of the Potawatomi nation and a botanist, so she brings an amazing and inclusive perspective to this subject, blending the scientific and the spiritual. It’s a book that I believe everyone should read, but especially anyone who is interested in herbal medicine. I capitalize the names of plants in accordance with Robin’s recommendation to honor the personhood of all beings, human or not.

A major reference, maybe the best overall herbal, is The Earthwise Herbal Repertory by Matthew Wood, which discusses the various approaches to herbal medicine, gives a comprehensive list of useful plants, and explains how herbs may be used for various conditions. The book is called “The Definitive Practitioner’s Guide,” and the diagnostic section is organized into herbs used to treat conditions in the different organs and organ systems of the body. He has many other books that I haven’t read that are revered by herbal practitioners, as he is considered a master herbalist.

Another excellent book that brings the indigenous perspective to herbs is Cherokee Herbal by J.T. Garrett. This book has an exhaustive list of plants and their uses. There are several books on Appalachian herbs — Southern Folk Medicine by Phyllis Light is recommended by Robin and Matthew, and I have used it to some extent. I primarily rely on Rosemary’s Herbs for Common Ailments and Herbs for Children’s Health when I have questions. They are reliable, basic and to the point.

And when I go online looking for an answer to some question related to herbs, it’s usually Rosemary I look for.

There are a wealth of sources online! As with anything these days, you need to be cautious, though, as not all of them can be trusted. I trust herbal suppliers Mountain Rose (in Eugene, Oregon) and Red Moon Herbs (in Asheville, North Carolina) as sources of herbs and basic information on an herb’s properties and use. I trust Jenn at @firebranchfarms on Instagram, and I really enjoy her Wildcrafting Wednesdays and other herbal posts. Fire Branch Farms also offers some herbal preparations on their website, though that’s currently on a pause, as the family just moved from middle Georgia to northern Maine!

There’s an herbal academy on IG that seems to be a reliable source of training for those who want to find out more about herbalism quickly. Their website theherbalacademy.com offers courses for people who want to do just their own medicinals, as well as courses for those interested in starting a career in herbalism. Mountain Rose, though sometimes slow, is the best source for raw herbs, as they have almost everything and it’s all top quality. Red Moon is a much smaller operation and has mostly herbs they harvest in the Appalachian area, plus the excellent preparations they make from those herbs.

In my next post here, I plan to discuss a little of the techniques for teas, infusions, tinctures and salves. And maybe some recipes. (I’ve recently reposted some of Jenn’s excellent info from her @firebranchfarms IG posts, including a recipe for a headache salve that shows how she does a quick oil infusion and a salve. Good stuff.)

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Herbal Medicine

January 8, 2023

Herbal medicinals are probably as old as humanity, but they offer many benefits to modern life. They can help us improve our health, as well as help us be less dependent on the increasingly inaccessible medical system. Herbs also could be a way to reconnect with the traditional lifeways that may be our best path to recovery of our humanity and a sane, sustainable existence on this imperiled planet. Creating herbal medicine for yourself and your loved ones is also a very fun and satisfying experience!

In this series of posts, I will share some of my experiences with discovering herbs, figuring out what herbs are good for me, and learning to concoct some of the medicines for myself. I’ll also try to provide good advice on reliable sources for information about herbs and the herbs themselves. If all goes well, I will also provide recipes and instructions on the fairly simple process of making some of the herbal medicines that I use, as well as sources of other instruction.

Most of these things are fairly simple and don’t require much beyond normal kitchen equipment. They do require a lot of care and attention to detail. They also require that you be sure you’re getting medicines and information from good sources, because there seems to be a lot of questionable stuff out there these days, probably because of a growing interest in the subject. My daughter is a trained herbalist and a nurse, so I rely primarily on sources from her that are proven safe and effective.

(I am posting this series on my Instagram account — @hoyamajon. It’s being a challenge, as IG is not so easy beyond just posting a photo or video with comments. Also am reposting interesting herbal things there from others.)