Thoughts after reading your article on John Ashcroft.

December 31, 2000

Dear Rayelan;

It is very improper for me to give advice to someone like you, or Lester Coleman, for that matter. You two have in common that you have experienced almost more than virtually anyone else in history, and survived to talk about it. In your case, you have lost at least two individuals who were very important to you (your two previous husbands) and, now, due to serious health problems, you could lose the third. You and Mr. Coleman are very alike in that both of you have endured a lot, and are fearless about wanting to challenge and expose those, who have persecuted you and your loved ones.

And, your pessimism is affirmed, in that only a mass uprising would grant what you wish. No single, exceptional individual or group of them will be able to change the course of history, except inasmuch as they see an oncoming social movement and ride with it, while constantly being aware of the limitations it places on them.

What you have provided to most of us who follow your writings is invaluable, in that, it removes the veil from the corporate and statist forces which control our lives while at the same time lying to us that we, the public, have the control. The great mass of human beings are only too glad to be lied to, and told what to do, thereby, becoming unburdened of any "social responsibility".

The "controllers" are all too aware of this, and for this reason, remain silent and hidden in their "control". You will be betrayed every time, if you expect the public to rise up and protest injustice. That only occurs when there is a historical situation where the system or arrangement of control breaks down and can no longer provide the masses with the basics (bread and circuses).

Therefore, you should not carry such a great burden on your shoulders. Provide the information you do, but, also, make sure you take care of yourself. Back away from the precipice or abyss of martyrdom and self sacrifice. You have to, first and always, preserve and nurture yourself, before you can make a difference in a lasting, and sustained way, for others.

More than that, you owe to no one. I think, Nietzsche says, somewhere, "I have given the greatest gift to mankind that it can ever have expected or received--cynicism."

Again, Happy New Year--it is 9:40 PM here and I am waiting for my girlfriend, and her new Pomeranian puppy, to arrive. That is the best I can achieve, as the year 2000 expires.

DH.