Dharma Combat - no 11

Magazine Overview

Title: DHARMA COMBAT
Issue: #11
Date: Undetermined, but references 'October '90 issue of Exposure' and 'Art Futura '90', suggesting a publication around 1990-1991.
Content Focus: Spirituality, metaphysics, reality, conspiracies, art criticism, and social commentary.

Editorial Stance

The staff of Dharma Combat states that they 'do not necessarily agree with the loose talk in these pages, but they don't necessarily disagree, either.' This suggests an open-minded approach, allowing for a wide range of controversial or unconventional ideas to be presented without explicit endorsement.

Articles and Features

Virtual Reality: A Critique by Len Bracken

Len Bracken offers a critical perspective on Virtual Reality (VR), questioning its claim to be avant-garde art. He describes VR as the simulation of reality through '3-D' stereoscopic computer graphics, likening it to a gimmick similar to mid-century stereoscopic movies. Bracken argues that VR's goal is to erase the distinction between representation and reality using technology, contrasting it with authentic avant-garde movements that opposed the status quo. He notes VR's collaboration with entities like NASA and Mattel.

Bracken discusses the technological aspects of VR, including stereoscopic displays, head movement tracking, and gloves that register tactile input. He touches upon Timothy Leary's view of VR as a technology for liberation, allowing participants to create environments. However, Bracken expresses concern that this could lead to imprisonment by programmers rather than liberation from TV network oligopolies. He foresees TV networks adopting VR for mass spectacle.

A significant portion of the critique focuses on the potential for VR to facilitate disembodied telepresence and its implications for human connection. Bracken is particularly critical of the idea of VR enabling sexual interaction through computer characters, arguing that it leads to alienation from bodies and disallows unconscious communication. He contrasts this with authentic sexual intercourse and human connection, which he believes are more profound and genuine.

He references Rebecca Allen's view that computer-generated characters realistically simulate 'human-like' logic and behavior, questioning if human behavior and logic are truly reconcilable. Bracken also discusses Luis Racionero's perspective, which links VR to Judeo-Christian millenarianism and a quest to escape reality through a 'religion of science' based on quantum physics. Timothy Leary is quoted as linking new information devices with human evolution, a notion Bracken finds suspect, comparing it to a zoo keeper taming an animal.

Bracken concludes that the goal of making representation indistinguishable from reality is not a worthwhile objective. He argues that traditional arts, through distortions and exaggerations, can bring us closer to reality by illuminating human experience. He expresses concern that VR, with its cyber lenses and data gloves, can make simulations appear more real than reality itself. He cites Jaron Lanier's statement that technology making people more powerful or smart is an 'evil technology,' suggesting the opposite: that 'good technology makes the user weak and stupid.'

Bracken warns that VR could become 'another way to get even further into the consumer than we already have,' with toys like the Power Glove socializing children to consume technological spectacles and alienating them from their bodies. He advocates for interaction with low-tech forms like books instead of multi-media education, believing screens sap imagination and promote illiteracy.

Give Up Art Save the Starving by Tony Lowes

Tony Lowes presents a radical argument for the abolition of art, viewing it as a dangerous addiction and an opiate that distracts humanity from real-world problems. He posits that art provides glamorous escapes and transformations that shield people from the harsh realities of injustice, disease, famine, and war.

Lowes contends that art has replaced religion as the opiate of the people, and the artist has replaced the priest. He argues that people are regulated by their addictions and that art has become one, leading to a 'drugged dream' in search of escape. He criticizes the elite market for art, which commodifies it for the wealthy while enriching artists, contrasting this with the suffering of the poor who have never heard of art.

He controversially states, 'Artists are murderers! Artists are murderers just as surely as the soldier who sights down the barrel of a gun to shoot an unarmed civilian.' Lowes believes that without art, humanity would be forced to transform the world and seize power, as 'seeing and creating are the same activity.' He asserts that in a world where art is forbidden, deserts would flower. He urges readers to 'Give up art. Save the starving.'

Comic Strip: "Art-wotta-loada-CRAP!"

This comic strip satirizes the art business and the role of art dealers. It follows two characters, Bill and Jim, discussing the art world. Jim reveals that selling art is easier than selling sausages because one can sell 'bad art' with enough hype, and that the art industry has 'nothing to do with art' but is about 'moving product.' The comic highlights the perceived dishonesty and commodification within the art market, suggesting that 'art really is what you can get away with.' It concludes with tips for aspiring art dealers, emphasizing the idea that art is merely a commodity.

"CREATE PARADISE" and "SMASH CIVILIZATION"

This section features two interconnected manifestos. "CREATE PARADISE" explores the subjective nature of paradise, suggesting it's an individualized, eternal situation that can be created by anyone, contrasting it with the stagnant nature of civilization. It views paradise as a collection of dreams striving for perfection or fun, and contrasts it with the 'Web of Domination' and the commodification of visions and dreams.

"SMASH CIVILIZATION" is a call to action to shed the 'shackles of authority' including the state, war, religion, environmental destruction, work, patriarchy, factories, propaganda, money, police, advertising, the market economy, experts, and institutions. The goal is to 'play with our dreams and create futures and presents/presence.' It warns of the dangers of co-option, pacification, or being crushed if civilization does not end.

Production Credits and Subscriptions

The magazine lists its 'PRODUCTION DRUIDS' (staff and contributors) for this issue, including Vicky Bolin, Jarod O'Danu, Lau, Nigelra, Leetha, Rev. Sam Hains, Chad Way-Hybarger, Michael Way-Hybarger, Thomas Kinyon, Cathy Chamberlain, Keith, J. Christ, and Michael Drax, with brief appearances by others. It also acknowledges the efforts of Greg Krupey, David Crowbar, Peter Lamborn Wilson, Matt Love, Mike Gunderloy, and Occult War Against the IRS.

Information is provided for subscriptions: $12 per year (4 issues) payable to Keith, P.O. Box 20593, Sun Valley, NV 89433. An additional $1 is required for outside the US. The magazine also offers trades for items that enhance the editor's image, such as ancient religious artifacts, anarchist books, and artistic T-shirts. A special offer is made to artists to trade a subscription for an original camera-ready ad.

Advertising rates are listed: $50 for a full page, $25 for a half page, $15 for a quarter page. Declassified ads are $1 for up to 50 words, with 10 cents per word thereafter.

Art credits are detailed, listing contributors for specific pages and elements, with many items noted as having 'mysterious origin.'

Demolition Derby

This section features "DEMOLTRON DERBY" with the slogan "ADVOCATING THE ABOLITION OF THE STATE." Contact information is provided for Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It also includes a quote: "SMASHING." – DHARMA COMBAT.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Dharma Combat strongly critiques contemporary culture, particularly the art world and emerging technologies like Virtual Reality. The recurring themes include:

• Critique of Commodification: Both art and technology are viewed as commodities that are exploited by the wealthy and used to distract from genuine human experience and pressing societal issues like starvation.
• Alienation and Escape: VR and art are seen as forms of escape that alienate individuals from their bodies, genuine connection, and reality itself. This is contrasted with a desire for authentic experience and direct engagement with the world.
• Anti-Establishment and Anti-Authority: The magazine advocates for dismantling existing structures of power, including the state, traditional institutions, and even the concept of art as it currently exists. There is a strong anti-authoritarian and revolutionary undercurrent.
• Rejection of Technology's Promises: While acknowledging the power of new technologies, the magazine is deeply skeptical of their purported benefits, viewing them as tools for control, manipulation, and further alienation rather than liberation.

The editorial stance, as stated, is one of open-mindedness, allowing for radical and challenging ideas to be presented. However, the content clearly leans towards a deeply critical, counter-cultural, and even anarchistic perspective, urging a fundamental re-evaluation and dismantling of societal norms and structures.

This issue of IMMEDIATISM, dated Spring 1991, presents a series of essays and manifestos exploring themes of mediation, alienation, and the nature of art and experience in contemporary society. The central focus is on the concept of 'Immediatism' as a counter-movement to the perceived over-mediation and commodification of life and art.

Immediatism: The Core Concept

The lead article, likely titled 'IMMEDIATISM', defines mediation as the mechanisms through which experience is perceived, including sense perception, mentation, and language. It posits that all art is a form of mediation. However, it distinguishes between degrees of mediation, with direct sensory experiences being less mediated than those involving media like books, telescopes, or records. 'Live' arts like dance and theater are considered less mediated than TV, CDs, or Virtual Reality. The intervention of 'Capital' is seen as a further degree of mediation, leading to a split and 'alienation'. The distribution of music for free or at cost via mail networks is presented as less alienated than live performances in large venues, and even less so than recorded music consumed by distant listeners.

The text argues that the tendency of 'Hi Tech' and 'Late Capitalism' pushes arts towards extreme forms of mediation, widening the gap between production and consumption and increasing alienation. It notes that with the disappearance of a 'mainstream' and 'avant garde', advanced art experiences are quickly recuperated by the media and turned into 'trash'. The concept of 'Trash', once a source of ironic fun and folk culture, is now seen as having lost its radical potential and become disgusting.

The author questions the possibility of being 'SERIOUS BUT NOT SOBER', suggesting that the 'New Sobriety' is merely the flipside of 'New Frivolity', and that chic neo-puritanism is a form of reaction. Irony and despair, it is argued, lead to a 'Purge Society' and a '13th step' of the gallows. The text laments that everything from Surrealism to break-dancing is fodder for advertising, with art becoming a 'dried locust'. Media-wizards are accused of feeding on 'Trash' like vultures.

Real art is equated with play, an immediate experience. Those who cultivate play cannot be expected to give it up. However, the extreme alienation in the arts, particularly in media, commercial publishing, and galleries, is repelled. There is a worry that involvement in writing, painting, or music implicates individuals in a 'nasty abstraction' and a removal from immediate experience. The directness of play, the feel of bodies in motion, is missed.

Computers, video, radio, and other technologies are seen as potentially useful toys but also terrible addictions. The realization is that one cannot 'reach out and touch someone' not present in the flesh. Media should be controlled by users, not control them. The text advocates for a psychic martial art that stresses the realization that the body itself is the least mediated of all media.

As artists and 'cultural workers', the authors declare the founding of a 'movement' called 'IMMEDIATISM'. They intend to practice it in secret to avoid contamination by mediation, while publicly continuing their work in publishing, radio, painting, etc. Privately, they aim to create something else, shared freely, with no commercial potential, something occult yet woven into everyday life.

Immediatism is defined not as an aesthetic program but as dependent on situation, not style or content. It can take the form of any creative play performed face-to-face. All spectators must also be performers, and expenses and products are to be shared among participants, not sold. The best games will use minimal mediation, favoring physical presence and direct communication.

The party is presented as a matrix for Immediatism. A meal, ancient Chinese odor parties, linked-verse parties, quilting bees, and other convivial rituals are cited as examples. The difference between a 19th-century quilting bee and an Immediatist one lies in the awareness of Immediatism as a response to alienation and the 'death of art'. The mail art of the 70s and zine scene of the 80s are seen as ancestors, attempting to go beyond art-as-commodity but failing to overcome the isolation of players.

Immediatism is not condemned to powerlessness, and 'Poetic Terrorism' and 'Art Sabotage' are seen as logical manifestations. The practice of Immediatism is expected to release forgotten power, transforming lives and eventually merging with more public, mediated art.

The Art Strike and Beyond

Another section, titled 'THE SUPERCESSION OF THE ART STRIKE', critiques the Art Strike movement. It argues that the Art Strikers' context for 'desperation' was limited to the elitist structure of the art gallery, and that most people are already living as 'Art Strike participants' without noticing it. The Art Strike is compared unfavorably to the conquest of Jericho, and more accurately to flagellants. The author finds the Art Strike game 'isn't enough fun', lacking sensual pleasure and bound by elitist parameters.

However, the willingness of disaffected intellectuals to play such games offers encouragement, as it 'opened the door for adventure, albeit just a crack'. The author proposes throwing this door wide open, suggesting that revolutionary situations saturate the planet, but many are oblivious due to generalized and commodified 'desperation'.

Creativity is not controlled by 'serious culture' but by a global economic system based on property. 'Serious culture' is a smokescreen for this system, with underground culture as its loyal opposition.

The author then proposes a new, more interesting, and sensual game, starting with the 'project of abolishing property'. This leads to the 'PERMANENT UNIVERSAL RENT STRIKE' (PURS), where people stop paying rent, mortgages, tithes, and taxes. This is seen as the only real practical way to abolish property. Following this, the 'PRICELESS ECONOMIC SYSTEM' (PES) would be created, where people stop working for wages and give services for free, receiving everything for free in return. The profit motive would cease to exist, and most work would disappear.

These two projects, PURS and PES, are proposed to begin on Columbus Day, 1992, and January 1, 1993, respectively. The ultimate goal is the creation of the 'NEW AMOROUS WORLD', where sensual experience overshadows the accumulation of profit.

The author dismisses politics and history as lacking sense, suggesting a move away from them. The current arrangement of civilization is questioned, with the possibility of other arrangements after it, not necessarily involving nuclear holocaust. Revolutionaries are seen as seeking only to control society, whereas the point is to do away with it altogether.

Miserabilism and Anti-Miserabilism

A piece titled 'Miserabilism and Anti-Miserabilism' outlines characteristics of the current period and proposes possibilities for Surrealist intervention. It identifies extreme economic dislocations, the expansion of advertising, and the omnipresence of commodities like automobiles and junkfood. It suggests using surrealist objects to challenge commodity-fetishism, free thinking, and reawaken poetry through collage and other methods.

Political stagnation, authoritarian regimes, bureaucratic paralysis, and the rise of fascist groups are noted. The text calls for participation in revolutionary and anti-racist struggles, affirmation of communist alternatives, and support for workers' actions. It advocates using humor to attack pathological politics and unmask 'true terrorists' like the capitalist class and the state.

The rapid industrialization of the Third World, global extermination of native peoples, and destruction of the environment are highlighted. The rise of neocolonial government and 'torturocracy' is mentioned. It calls for defending and celebrating the cultures of 'primitive' peoples and the Third World against industrial onslaught, and developing theories of 'pure psychic automatism' and the resolution of contradictions.

The catastrophic increase in the influence of the profit-hungry culture industry is discussed, stifling innovation except by marginal groups. The rise of 'minimalism' and neo-fascist trends, and the sterilization of popular culture are noted. Music, drawn from Third World and minority cultures, is increasingly restricted by commercial requirements.

The text emphasizes highlighting innovations by surrealism and its allies outside the bourgeois cultural apparatus, exposing 'artistic' sterility, and defending the surrealist revolution in music and other arts. It calls for disrupting and sabotaging official culture and asserting the prerogatives of poetry.

Rapid development of information technology, including communications, computers, and video, is seen as an indispensable adjunct of state power. The text urges demystifying the 'neo-technocrats' manipulative mythology and turning oppressive devices to emancipatory advantage. It calls for attacking the 'deadly TV fantasy-life' and defending dreams.

Universal militarization, nuclear proliferation, and the 'crypto-military "Space Race"' are seen as tools for fostering cold war paranoia and legitimizing domination. The reappearance of 'patriotic' delusions is noted. The myth of a 'Free World' worth nuclear terror is to be combatted, along with global devastation. Surrealist research and tactics are proposed for anti-draft and anti-war agitation.

Established religions are making a comeback using technology, with the reappearance of religious politics and neo-fascist cults. Poetry's incompatibility with religion is emphasized, and religious imposture is to be attacked.

An increasing number of women are becoming 'super-exploited wage-slaves', and the women's movement has entered a conservative phase. The text calls for providing information and analysis on organizing women's resistance, promoting direct action, and defending women's emancipation. It renews the promise of social transformation implicit in erotic revolt and mobilizes humor against the patriarchy.

Regressive developments in sexual understanding and increasing political exploitation of sexual problems are noted. Politicians' manipulation of sexual repression is to be exposed, and absolute sexual freedom defended. The sexual implications of dreams and unconscious life are to be explored.

Schools and universities are integrated into the repressive apparatus, dominated by government and capital. Knowledge for truth and human improvement is ignored. A mass campaign is proposed to inform children and youth that education is for profitability, subservience, and death, not freedom. The dominant role of those with vested interests in promoting ignorance is to be exposed. Alternative educational opportunities are to be created, and the pedagogy of revolt developed.

Daily life is characterized by a speed-up, longer hours, less pay, and 'free' time dominated by trivia and consumerism. Workers' point-of-production revolt is encouraged, and awareness of the potentiality of poetry versus alienated labor/leisure is promoted. Surrealist games are to be played to annihilate the work-ethic and advance collective pursuit of pleasure and discovery. A boycott of high-pressure commercial 'leisure' activities is called for, and pre-industrial uses of free time revived.

Increasing interconnectedness and monolithism of the repressive structure are noted, contrasting with the separation and competition between groups seeking radical social change. Consciousness of existing rebellious currents is to be expanded, and the failure of parliamentary and reformist solutions explained. Combat alliances are to be formed with groups opposed to the social order, unifying all anti-miserabilist forces.

Advertisements and Submissions

The issue also includes advertisements for 'KULTCHA' and 'GOLDEN ISIS' literary magazines, soliciting poetry and fiction. 'KULTCHA' is described as a 'Packrat Press' publication from Atlanta, GA. 'GOLDEN ISIS' is edited by Gerina Dunwich and is accepting submissions, with sample copy and subscription prices listed. There is also an advertisement for 'MUSIC-BOX * CZECHOSLOVAKIA', offering music of all kinds for exchange or sale, and advertising services for Czechoslovak state radio.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critique of mediation and alienation, particularly as exacerbated by late capitalism and technology. There is a strong emphasis on the potential for direct, unmediated experience, often framed through the lens of play, sensuality, and surrealist principles. The publication advocates for radical social change, challenging established political and economic systems, and promoting a vision of a 'New Amorous World' based on pleasure and freedom from property and profit.

The editorial stance is clearly anti-capitalist, anti-establishment, and revolutionary, advocating for a subversion of dominant cultural and economic structures through direct action, creative play, and a re-evaluation of human experience beyond commodification.

This issue of TOTAL WAR magazine, identified as issue #10, delves into the concept of modern conflict as primarily an 'Information War' rather than traditional political or military engagement. The magazine posits that a pervasive 'Control Process' operates independently of individuals and political facades, manipulating societal beliefs and actions for the benefit of vested interests. The core argument is that this control process is the true enemy, and breaking its hold requires individual maturity, critical thinking, and a move towards reasonableness and logic.

The Nature of Control and Information Warfare

The magazine argues that politics is merely a facade, designed to make people feel secure and in control of their own destinies, which is a misconception. The 'Control Process' is described as an invisible, subtle force that has become ingrained in human metabolism. Its primary strength lies in controlling information, making those who possess and manage information the most powerful entities. The issue highlights the paranoia surrounding what is secret and what information is withheld from the public, suggesting diplomacy is largely about managing this.

Breaking the Control Process

The only way to break the 'Control Process,' according to the magazine, is through individual maturation. As individuals mature, they gain the ability to think for themselves, accept responsibility, and make decisions. The magazine expresses antagonism towards being controlled by a process that nobody consciously wants. It suggests that the 'Control Process' needs antagonism and people fighting against it to maintain its power, and that its strength is not in armies or police, but in information control.

The Role of Outsiders and Creativity

The publication contrasts the rigid, one-directional view of those in control with the 'mutant ability' of outsiders, referred to as 'genetic terrorists' or 'control agents,' to make conceptual leaps. These individuals, like creative people, artists, or talented criminals, can perceive things from a wider spectrum, analyze structures, and manipulate knowledge. The magazine suggests that the control process develops machinery and equipment that these outsiders can use for their own ends, leading to a parallel progression of philosophical and creative development, which in turn can be co-opted by the controllers. This creates a symbiotic, albeit antagonistic, relationship where the system needs a questioning minority for its own development.

Themes of Reality, Consciousness, and UFOs

Several articles and letters explore broader themes of reality, consciousness, and the nature of existence. One piece discusses the concept of 'personal reality' being a choice influenced by genetics and societal pressures, particularly the influence of material possessions and capitalistic culture. The idea of a 'conformist sheep' is presented, defined by a need for peer acceptance and a reliance on material wealth. The future is described not as a result of the past, but of present actions and words, with awareness existing in the 'everpresent now.'

There is a significant focus on UFOs, with one article discussing the potential establishment of a National UFO Museum. Another piece entertains the idea of 'alien' invaders being 'atmosphere indigenous gargantuan plasma whales,' suggesting that infrared photography and heat sensing equipment might be key to interacting with them. The magazine also touches upon the idea of an entire ecosystem existing at a level yet undiscovered.

Social and Political Commentary

The issue includes commentary on the political climate, noting an increasing 'lurch to the right' and questioning the unquestioning support for military actions, such as the invasion of Kuwait. It critiques the use of torture by police and the erosion of democracy. There's also a critique of gender roles, challenging the notion of 'natural' aggression in men and passivity in women, and advocating for wrestling with cultural biases.

Reader Contributions and Letters

The magazine features several letters from readers, including Dharma Combat, Scott C. Harbaugh, Jake Berry, and Len Bracken. These letters offer diverse perspectives, ranging from critiques of articles and personal challenges (like a proposed wrestling match) to reflections on the magazine's content and broader societal issues. One letter humorously details a challenge for a wrestling match between 'Bob Black and the great Bobbie hordes.' Another letter discusses the increasing right-wing political climate and the threat to democracy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is the critique of control, particularly through information manipulation, and the call for individual awakening and resistance. The magazine adopts an antagonistic stance towards systems of control and encourages critical thinking, self-awareness, and a questioning of societal norms. There's a recurring interest in alternative realities, consciousness, and phenomena like UFOs, suggesting a belief that conventional understanding is insufficient to grasp the true nature of existence. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting radical self-reliance and challenging established power structures through awareness and non-conformity.

This issue of Dharma Combat, identified as issue number 11, features a cover with the stark declaration "NO WORLD ORDER" and an accompanying illustration. The content spans a range of critical and often controversial topics, including conspiracy theories, critiques of capitalism and consumerism, and discussions on Holocaust revisionism.

Letters to the Editor

The issue includes several letters from readers. Larry Lofton from Norridgevock, Maine, expresses excitement about the latest issue, particularly praising an article on 'Autonomystics' and John Judge's piece, while also offering a nuanced critique of Judge's tendency to overemphasize conspiratorial connections. Lofton suggests that many radical movements failed due to their own internal issues rather than solely government plots, citing the spread of pot and acid as an example of something that got out of hand. He also touches on the Jonestown event, believing it received attention from government or CIA sources but wasn't necessarily a CIA experiment. Lofton values Judge's research for piecing together current reality and encourages keeping 'DC' (presumably referring to the magazine or its focus) going, suggesting that important input comes from varied and surprising sources.

David Crowbar from Greenwood Lake, New York, also writes in, with his address suggesting a connection to 'Popular Reality'.

Irina Migunova from Sevastopol, USSR, expresses gratitude for the magazine, stating she is new to spirituality and metaphysics and finds the issue very interesting and unusual, noting the lack of similar publications in her country.

L.A. Rollins from Port Townsend, Washington, addresses a letter to Keith, commenting on a previous letter by Thomas Izaguirre concerning Loompanics' publication of Bradley R. Smith's 'Confessions of a Holocaust Revisionist'. Rollins strongly disagrees with Izaguirre's assertion that Loompanics published Smith to 'expose' him, stating that Loompanics, and its proprietor Mike Hoy, are skeptical of 'the Holocaust'. Rollins criticizes Izaguirre's use of name-calling rather than rational criticism and questions whether Izaguirre can engage Smith's views effectively.

The Customer Is Always Right!

This lengthy article, presented as a critique of modern capitalism and consumer culture, begins by comparing a retail chain to a 'whorehouse' running 'red light specials'. The author describes the 'work-consume treadmill' as a visceral education in capitalism, where individuals are caught in a cycle of working to buy things they believe will improve their lives, only to find themselves in debt. The marketplace is depicted as an arena of 'clashing illusions' and 'media created anxieties and desires'.

The piece delves into the psychology of both workers and consumers. Workers in the 'public service sector' are described as having two bosses: the employer and the customer, with the latter's perceived rightness being a cardinal rule. Rudeness from employees is seen as a form of rebellion against this system. The article suggests that workers, after enduring exploitation, often become exploiters themselves in their role as customers, seeking to dominate others and regain a sense of self-respect.

The author draws parallels to ancient Roman Saturnalia, where roles were exchanged, and contrasts it with modern consumerism, particularly Christmas, as an 'anti-climax to the longest consumer orgy of the year'. The customer-clerk relationship is likened to a form of 'emotional/psychological S&M', where individuals can enact fantasies of dominance and repression in a 'socially sanitized manner'. The article concludes by suggesting that a more overt display of dominance and submission, perhaps through 'studded leather or rubber bondage gear', might expose the capitalist system and spur action against it.

Questioning Ecology

This article critiques the prevailing discourse around progress, modernism, and industrial development. It argues that the idea of nature as a 'capital' for human beings to use and mold serves a system of domination. The author contends that technological and industrial development are driven by the need to sell and stupefy, producing 'riches for capitalism' rather than human riches, and that these processes lead to alienation and the reduction of human faculties.

The article then turns to ecology, questioning whether superficial improvements like adding filters to smokestacks are sufficient. It argues that capital is a human-created system and that even ecological improvements are often permitted only if they serve capitalism by providing a 'breathing space' and maintaining social peace for continued production and consumption. The author expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of minor ecological gains in addressing the fundamental issues of oppression and damage caused by industrial society.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Dharma Combat consistently adopts a critical stance towards established societal structures, including capitalism, consumerism, and dominant narratives surrounding historical events. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards authority and a focus on uncovering hidden or suppressed information, as evidenced by the discussions on conspiracy theories and Holocaust revisionism. The magazine appears to champion counter-cultural perspectives and challenges conventional wisdom, particularly concerning economic systems and social dynamics. The editorial stance seems to favor radical critique and a questioning of the status quo, encouraging readers to look beyond superficial explanations and to critically examine the forces shaping their reality.

Absolut Magazine, Issue 1, dated July 18 - August 14, 1987, is a publication that critically examines the intersection of ecology, politics, and economics. The magazine features a cover headline "Quit While You're Ahead" and presents a collection of articles and advertisements that challenge conventional notions of environmentalism and political action.

Critique of the 'Ecological State'

The lead article, "Ecology's narrow outlook," argues that the concept of an 'ecological state' is fundamentally flawed. It posits that such a state, rather than offering a genuine solution to environmental degradation, merely perpetuates the existing capitalist system. The author contends that the state, regardless of its political leaning, is an expression of capitalist development and that laws implemented by the state ultimately serve its future and contribute to public impotence. The article criticizes the focus on minor reforms and the avoidance of questioning the underlying world order, suggesting that discussions of ecology are often limited to evoking nuclearism while ignoring other, less media-friendly dangers. The author warns that an ecological state, like the current industrial state, would be a "life-killing machine" and a form of "national ecotopia."

Green Politics and Economic Adoration

The section "Green Politics" extends this critique, suggesting that the political fringe of ecology is aligned with those who aim to run a state. It argues that "greens" support an "ecological economy" that functions according to "economic laws" and seeks to "liberate the country from the agony of unemployment." However, the magazine questions the nature of this economy, describing it as a neutral, pervasive force that has become indivisible and uncriticizable, akin to a "monster holding us in its claws." The article asserts that the economy is synonymous with isolation, dividing life into fragmented sectors administered by specialized apparatuses. Economic laws, it claims, express human relationships through inequality, competition, and domination, which are presented as inevitable.

The Limits of Reformism and Environmentalism

Another article, "Ecology, Environmentalism ... and Reformism," questions the seductive premise of ecology that it would "finally unmask civilization." It suggests that the desire to survive in the face of environmental destruction leads to a "realistic" sense of resignation rather than a fundamental questioning of the system. The author criticizes the idea that environmental problems will be solved by specialists and green parties, arguing that this approach avoids the real issues of how to combat the forces that have destroyed the environment and human beings. The piece critiques the attempt to reconcile the natural world with democratic society, viewing the human species and its environment as a juxtaposition of atomized groups whose relationships are reduced to legal and economic formalisms. It highlights how nature is presented as a universal therapist, but only after being "marketed" and transformed into commodities or recreational industries. The article concludes that "green politics is ultimately a guarantee of a moratorium on social change" and that a true ecological perspective must go beyond this type of politics.

Review of Raoul Vaneigem's "The Book of Pleasures"

The issue features a review by Bob Black of Raoul Vaneigem's "Contributions to the Revolutionary Struggle... The Book of Pleasures." The review is accompanied by a striking cover illustration depicting a head with a snake, surgical instruments, and a helmet, symbolizing a critique of control and manipulation.

Advertisements and Other Content

Several advertisements are included, such as one for "BlueWick Candles," described as "HAND MADE SCENTED, COLORED, AND ANNOINTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAGICK," with various options like Love, Money, Luck, and Health. There is also an advertisement for "CIABASE," a computer database on the CIA, and for "The Cactus Flower Gazette," offering "Zen. Anarchy." Another ad promotes a "UNIQUE POPULAR REALITY ADVENTURE CATALOG!" for "ARMCHAIR NIHILISTS!" The "Interrogations" section provides contact information for the publication.

The Libertarian Party and Freedom

A piece titled "FREEDOM... IT DON'T COME EASY" presents the philosophy of the Libertarian Party. It quotes Thomas Jefferson on vigilance and liberty, arguing that freedom is hard-fought. The article positions the Libertarian Party as the "ONLY Party of vision and opportunity" for entrepreneurs, dismissing critics as "power-mad yuppies." It laments that the masses fail to see the difference between the State and the Libertarian Party, and that they refuse to support the party despite its advocacy for individual freedom, including the right to take any drug or engage in any sex act. The piece concludes that some people expect Utopia without working for it.

Experimental Audio Cassettes

Page 8 is dedicated to "Experimental Audio Directions" and lists various audio cassettes for sale, primarily by Jake Berry and other artists. These include titles like "Idiot Menagerie," "Fetic Porn," "3 Talkers," "Void of Course," "Anomaly," and "Devastating Dream Soundtrack," all described with terms suggesting avant-garde, noise, or experimental content. The section also mentions forthcoming projects and provides ordering information.

"ANOTHER ARMCHAIR ACTIVIST" and "Art of the State"

Page 4 features a graphic with the title "ANOTHER ARMCHAIR ACTIVIST" and the subtitle "Art of the State SINCE 1893," along with the "dadata" logo, suggesting a commentary on historical or artistic representations of state power.

"HI-TEK UNIKULTUR!"

Page 6 presents a large graphic with the slogan "ALL HAIL THE GLORIOUS HI-TEK UNIKULTUR!" accompanied by images and text related to "MAN POWER," "Stability through sound growth," "Vitamin research," and "The American girl." The text emphasizes industrial progress, national defense, and the development of a competent citizenry.

Part I: Catechism of a Revolutionary

Pages 10 and 11 begin a section titled "Part I: Catechism of a Revolutionary." The first question asks if the reader has suspected that the project of joining proletarian revolution with cultural radicalism has never gotten off the ground, noting the difference between talk and action, the defense of the social division of labor, and the affinity between the vanguard and the avant-garde. It critiques the "Old Left's kitsch-populist aesthetic" and argues that the proletariat is indifferent to Socialist Realism and Trotskyist Surrealism. The second question explores why revolutionaries reject Marxism but cling to the tenet of imminent revolution, suggesting that Marx was a "dutiful child of an age of evolutionary progress" and that the modern left substitutes aggregates for individuals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Absolut Magazine adopts a strongly critical and anti-establishment stance, particularly towards "green politics" and the concept of an "ecological state." The underlying theme is a critique of capitalism, the state, and economic systems that are seen as inherently exploitative and alienating. The magazine challenges the efficacy of reformist approaches and advocates for a more radical questioning of societal structures. There is a consistent emphasis on the illusion of progress and the need to look beyond superficial solutions. The publication also showcases avant-garde and experimental art and audio, aligning with a counter-cultural and anti-mainstream editorial direction. The inclusion of content from the Libertarian Party, while seemingly distinct, also aligns with a critique of state power and a focus on individual liberty, albeit from a different ideological perspective than the more radical critiques of capitalism.

This issue of Popular Reality magazine, published by Popular Reality in the USA, presents a complex and often controversial mix of social critique, political conspiracy theories, and commentary on radical movements. The cover boldly declares 'NOT ALL NAZIS ARE LIVING IN SOUTH AMERICA,' accompanied by imagery suggestive of far-right or neo-Nazi affiliations, and a call to 'GET READY NOW!' The content delves into the ideas of the Situationist International, critiques of work and capitalism, and extensive allegations of post-World War II Nazi infiltration into Western intelligence agencies and governments.

Situationism and the Critique of Work

The magazine explores the Situationist International (SI) and its key figures, Guy Debord and Raoul Vaneigem. It notes a renaissance of interest in the SI, partly due to Ken Knabb's 'Situationist International Anthology.' The text discusses Debord's 'Society of the Spectacle' and Vaneigem's 'Revolution of Everyday Life.' A central theme is the critique of work, which the Situationists saw as the fundamental coercion of class society. The magazine quotes Saint-Just on the dangers of 'half a revolution' and argues that the abolition of work is a necessary goal, as representatives must be masters of those they represent, and work itself is the 'core coercion and prime mover of class society.'

It is suggested that the SI's partial success in May-June 1968, when ten million French people walked away from work, ultimately proved their undoing. The magazine contrasts Debord's 'classicist' analysis with Vaneigem's more 'romanticist' approach, noting that Vaneigem later quit the SI in 1970, citing a 'taste for pleasure.' The issue reviews Vaneigem's 'The Book of Pleasures,' finding it to be a diluted version of his earlier work, criticizing its 'Manichean dualism' and 'anti-economic moralism.'

Conspiracy Theories: Post-War Nazi Infiltration

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to detailed conspiracy theories about the post-war activities of Nazis and their alleged integration into Western intelligence and governments. The article 'GOOD AMERICANS' by John Judge traces the flow of the Russian royal treasury from 1918 to 1932 into the armament of Germany, suggesting a long-standing connection between monarchist and fascist forces. It claims that after the fascist offensive failed at Stalingrad, 'cold-warriors,' Klansmen, and other elements formed plans for a 'cold war' of propaganda and spying.

The text alleges that powerful conservative elements within the Catholic Church, such as Opus Dei and the Knights of Malta, worked to undermine the Soviet government and supported the rise of Franco, Mussolini, and Hitler. It claims that US firms continued financial trade with fascists throughout WWII, targeting Russia. The article asserts that after the war, Nazi spymaster Reinhard Gehlen, along with 350 Nazi spies, formed the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in 1947. It further states that the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and National Security Agency (NSA) were created later, with covert groupings operating domestically and abroad.

The magazine lists various organizations and individuals allegedly involved in an 'international fascist network of terror,' including Mafia figures, drug traffickers, and mercenary armies drawn from refugee populations. It names groups like Alpha 66, Omega 7, DINA, the Koumintang, Hmong peoples, Phalangistes, and Grey Wolves. Interpol is described as an international police intelligence agency begun in collaboration with Nazi war criminals and J. Edgar Hoover.

Organizations such as the World Union of National Socialists, the Asian People's Anti-Communist League, and the World Anti-Communist League are cited as meeting internationally, with 'journalists' like Clair Sterling and Marvin Kalb providing cover. The magazine also implicates evangelical fronts like 'World Vision' in funding the heroin trade and providing training from CIA experts and former Nazi torturers. Weapons are said to come from a lucrative gun-smuggling trade assisted by intelligence agencies.

The article connects these alleged networks to historical events and operations such as 'COINTELPRO,' 'CHAOS,' the framing of the Rosenbergs, 'Operation Garden Plot,' Alger Hiss, the 'Houston Plan,' and 'MKULTRA.' It suggests that the 'massive cold-war lie' engineered by the Dulles brothers justified excesses in the direction of fascism. The text quotes Malcolm X on Vietnam, stating 'the chickens are going to come home to roost,' and claims that under the World Anti-Communist League, fascists unite to bring about war, deception, and dictatorial rule, aiming to crush the Soviet revolution and leading to the brink of WWIII.

Specific Allegations and Individuals

The magazine highlights the case of Klaus Barbie, the Nazi 'Butcher of Lyons,' who was allegedly welcomed into service with Western intelligence agencies after the war. It claims that Barbie, charged with sending 97,000 Jews to their death, served as an advisor to the Chilean dictatorship and helped set up the DINA secret police. The article notes that Barbie was put on the US government's payroll years after working for Hitler, with Ehrhard Dabrinhaus of US Army Intelligence allegedly sheltering him and paying him to run a spy network in France before helping him escape to South America.

Other figures mentioned in connection with post-war Nazi activities and intelligence networks include Otto Skorzeny, who allegedly helped shepherd old Nazi comrades out of Europe through organizations like Odessa, Kameradenverk, and Die Spinne. Josef Mengele in Paraguay, Adolf Eichmann and Hans Ulrich Rudel in Argentina, and Walter Rauff in Chile are also named as loyalist operatives.

The Posse Comitatus Patriotism Quiz

Included in the issue is 'The Posse Comitatus Patriotism Quiz' by Neil Genzlinger. This quiz presents a series of provocative and politically charged questions designed to test a reader's 'patriotism.' Questions range from 'Does the Bill of Rights get on your nerves?' to 'Should the army use surplus puppies for target practice?' and 'Was Hitler right?' The scoring system categorizes respondents as 'KGB dupe,' 'A.D.A. dupe,' 'Reasoned patriot,' or 'Hard-liner,' with accompanying derogatory descriptions for the lower categories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine exhibits a strong anti-establishment, anti-capitalist, and anti-authoritarian stance, deeply rooted in radical critique and conspiracy theories. There is a clear distrust of mainstream political and intelligence structures, which are portrayed as being compromised by fascist elements and serving the interests of profit and power. The critique of 'work' and 'exchange' aligns with Situationist thought, while the extensive allegations of Nazi infiltration and global fascist networks suggest a worldview where hidden forces manipulate world events. The 'Posse Comitatus Patriotism Quiz' indicates a provocative and perhaps intentionally inflammatory editorial approach, aiming to challenge conventional notions of patriotism and political allegiance. The overall tone is one of deep suspicion and a belief in pervasive, often sinister, hidden agendas.

This issue of 'Fight Back' is a political exposé, primarily focused on the alleged infiltration of Nazi individuals and networks into the United States government and intelligence agencies following World War II. The magazine presents a narrative of a hidden history, suggesting a deliberate effort to integrate former Nazis into American society and its power structures, often under the guise of combating communism.

Key Figures and Allegations

The publication meticulously lists and details the roles of numerous individuals, many of whom held significant positions in government, military, and intelligence. Among the most prominent figures discussed are:

• Allen Dulles: Described as heading the CIA and later serving on the Warren Commission investigating the assassination of J.F. Kennedy. He is also implicated in introducing Ngo Dinh Diem to the U.S. government.
• John J. McCloy: Identified as the High Commissioner of Germany after the war, who allegedly pardoned key Nazi criminals. His career is characterized as being the "Godfather of the American establishment," with involvement in the Pentagon's construction, setting up Japanese concentration camps in America, and blocking military attacks on Nazi death camps.
• General Lucius Clay: The military commander of Germany at the war's end, he is accused of undermining the prosecution of Otto Skorzeny and training Eastern European revanchists and Nazis into a "Special Forces" unit against communism, which later became the Green Berets.
• Henry Kissinger: Alleged to have worked with General Lucius Clay and U.S. Army Intelligence to bring Nazi spies into the country. He is described as having a "mentor" in Fritz Kraemer, a figure with a long, silent career in the Pentagon.
• Fritz Kraemer: Described as Kissinger's mysterious mentor, with a 30-year career in the Pentagon plans division, possibly concealing his identity as a former Lieutenant of Hitler.
• Alexander Haig: Identified as a special Lieutenant of Hitler and a protégé of Fritz Kraemer, he is linked to fascist cells in Italy and the assassination of Chilean diplomat Orlando Letelier.
• C.D. Jackson: Associated with Henry Luce's publishing empire and Life magazine, which allegedly published doctored photos of Lee Harvey Oswald.
• Richard Nixon: His work with Navy Intelligence at the end of WWII is linked to the importation of Nazi criminals.

The magazine also implicates figures like Senator Pat McCarran and Senator Joe McCarthy in introducing legislation for "detention and internment camps" in the U.S.

Post-War Strategy and Nazi Integration

The publication argues that the post-war strategy of U.S. and British intelligence was not to end the Nazi regime but to find a new common enemy, with communism serving as a convenient scapegoat. It details how thousands of individuals with Nazi ties were brought to work for U.S. propaganda outlets like Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty, as well as the CIA and Voice of America.

International Connections and Cover-ups

'Fight Back' highlights international connections, including the role of the Vatican and organizations like Opus Dei and the Knights of Malta. It suggests that these entities aided Nazi war criminals in escaping to Argentina. The magazine also touches upon the alleged involvement of intelligence agencies in political assassinations, including that of John F. Kennedy, and the manipulation of media to control public perception.

Specific Incidents and Operations

Several specific incidents and operations are mentioned:

• The alleged role of Allen Dulles in the Warren Commission.
• The importation of Nazi criminals through the Gould family estate.
• The CIA's involvement in the plan to overthrow Allende in Chile.
• The fascist cell in Italy, P-2, and its connections to high government officials.
• The assassination of Chilean diplomat Orlando Letelier.
• The "Rocket Team" developed by Werner von Braun, and its subsequent work for NASA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of the magazine is the exposure of a hidden, powerful network that has manipulated events and infiltrated democratic institutions. The editorial stance is one of alarm and a call to action, urging readers to recognize the historical parallels and resist what is perceived as a state-sponsored repression. The cover art, with its imagery of police, skulls, and the slogan "FIGHT BACK WHILE YOU STILL CAN," encapsulates this urgent and confrontational tone. The publication appears to be a form of investigative journalism aimed at revealing perceived conspiracies and holding powerful figures accountable.

This document is Issue 15 of 'Ab:Prophetics', titled 'A Madman's History of the United States of America', published by X. Sharks Despot in July 1982. It functions as a bibliography or reference list, citing numerous books, articles, and media sources that explore themes of political conspiracy, historical revisionism, and alleged hidden agendas within the United States and globally. The content is presented as a dense list of references, suggesting a deep dive into interconnected narratives of power, control, and covert operations.

Content Analysis

The majority of the document consists of numbered entries, each referencing a specific publication or media piece. These references span a wide range of topics, including:

• Historical Figures and Events: Entries frequently mention figures like Henry Kissinger, Martin Bormann, Patton, and historical events such as the Malmedy Massacre, the SS, and World War II. There are numerous references to Nazi Germany and its post-war influence, including alleged connections to the Vatican, the CIA, and various international organizations.
• Conspiracy Theories: The references point towards a deep-seated belief in widespread conspiracies involving entities like the CIA, the Vatican, the KGB, and international banking cartels. Specific topics include mind control experiments, assassination plots, and the alleged manipulation of political events.
• Political and Financial Networks: The issue highlights alleged connections between political figures, intelligence agencies, and financial institutions. For instance, the Vatican Connection, the Ambrosiano Scandal, and the role of organizations like the World Anti-Communist League are frequently cited.
• Media and Publications: The references include a diverse array of sources, from major newspapers (New York Times, Wall Street Journal, LA Times) and magazines (Life, Playboy, Gung-Ho) to academic journals (Bulletin of Atomic Scientists) and more niche publications (Parapolitics, Fealist). This suggests an attempt to draw from and connect a broad spectrum of information.

Review of 'American Psycho'

Pages 6, 7, and 8 of the document contain an extended review and defense of Bret Easton Ellis's novel 'American Psycho'. The reviewer, identified as 'Spartacus', argues that the book is a significant piece of social commentary, comparable to Jonathan Swift's 'A Modest Proposal'. The review criticizes the "bad press" the book received, attributing it to "anti-AmPsych lobbying" and "special interest groups," particularly "feminists." The reviewer contends that the book is "offensive" in a way that "righteous" people deserve, and that attempts to discontinue it are a form of censorship. The review includes a lengthy anecdote involving a debate with a feminist about the book's content and its perceived violence towards women.

'Ab:Prophetics #15' Poem

Page 5 includes a short, abstract poem titled "Ab:Prophetics #15" by Jake Berry, featuring evocative and somewhat disturbing imagery.

Cover Art

Page 9 displays the cover art for "A Madman's History of the United States of America" by X. Sharks Despot. The artwork is a black and white illustration with a Native American figure on the left, a fortified tower with winged figures and a small building on the right, surrounded by decorative borders and symbolic imagery. The title is prominently displayed.

Political Conspiracy Analysis

Page 10 delves into a discussion of political conspiracy theories, noting how different groups, despite varying specific beliefs (e.g., Catholicism as a Communist Plot, Judeo-Christianity as a Satanic-Communist plot), often converge on similar perceived enemies: bankers in New York or Boston, the Council on Foreign Relations, and major television networks. The text critiques the idea that East Coast bankers are the sole masterminds of world conquest, using David Rockefeller and the Chase Manhattan Bank's lending practices as an example of what the author deems an "absurdity." It also touches upon the CIA's alleged failures in mind control experiments and attempts to influence foreign leaders, as well as the FBI's COINTELPRO operation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are political conspiracy, hidden power structures, historical revisionism, and censorship. The editorial stance, as suggested by the title and the nature of the references, is one of deep skepticism towards official narratives and mainstream media. There is a clear focus on uncovering alleged clandestine operations and interconnections between seemingly disparate events and individuals, often with a critical view of established institutions like the government, the CIA, and large financial corporations. The defense of 'American Psycho' further underscores a willingness to challenge societal norms and perceived "political correctness."

This issue of 'The Watcher' (January) delves into a complex web of alleged conspiracies, focusing on the purported connections between the Mafia, UFO phenomena, political assassinations, and media manipulation. The articles explore how these elements might be intertwined to influence public perception and control.

The Mafia-UFO Connection

The central thesis of the issue is the potential link between the Mafia and UFO sightings. It begins by examining the JFK assassination, referencing the book "Mafia Kingfish" which suggests the Mafia's involvement and the subsequent investigation by New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison. Garrison's trial and book, "On the Trail of the Assassins," are discussed, noting his implication of Kerry Wendall Thornley.

The narrative then shifts to Fred Crisman, a witness called by the Grand Jury, who had previously written to 'Amazing Stories' in the 1940s. This section details the 'racial memories' phenomenon popularized by Richard Shaver and 'Amazing Stories' editor Ray Palmer. Shaver claimed to receive telepathic messages about two races, the Deros and Teros, from within the Earth. Crisman's own account of being attacked by a 'ray' from Deros, causing burn marks similar to laser beams, is presented. Furthermore, Crisman's claim of being a harbor patrol man attacked by flying saucers, which killed his dog, is mentioned. It is revealed that Dahl and Crisman later admitted this was a hoax to sell the story to 'Amazing Stories'.

The issue posits that Garrison's reliance on witnesses like Crisman, with his obvious connections to Ray Palmer and the UFO world, suggests a "clear Mafia-UFO connection." However, it also notes that since leading UFO promoters are supermarket tabloids, and the 'National Enquirer' allegedly received a loan from the New York Mafia, the connection might be more complex or even a deliberate promotion.

JFK Assassination and Conspiracy Theories

The article revisits the JFK assassination, noting that the Mafia is often implicated. It discusses Kerry Wendall Thornley and his alleged involvement, which Thornley denies. Thornley's connection to E. Howard Hunt, a Watergate burglar, is explored. The Church Committee's conclusion that the Mafia likely assassinated JFK is mentioned, though the investigation's short duration is criticized.

Watergate and Political Intrigue

The ineptness of the Watergate burglary leads to speculation about the CIA's potential involvement in targeting Richard Nixon. The article touches upon Laurence O'Brian and Howard Hughes's involvement in political influence, and the controversial underground testing in Nevada that caused earthquakes and radioactive contamination, which President Lyndon B. Johnson allegedly classified.

Mafia, CIA, and International Plots

Robert A. Mahue, Hughes's associate, is presented as a liaison between the Mafia and the CIA in a plot to assassinate Fidel Castro. The incident involving Sam Giancana, Phyllis McGuire, and Dan Rowan, which led to CIA intervention and a request to the FBI, is recounted.

Celebrity Culture and Media Influence

The issue draws connections between Hughes, Sammy Davis Jr., and the Church of Satan, founded by Anton Szandor LaVey. It also links LaVey to Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner, suggesting a broad network of influence involving the Church of Satan, Rat Pack members, and the Mafia-UFO nexus.

The article highlights the role of the 'National Enquirer' and 'Weekly World News' in perpetuating UFO beliefs, suggesting this is a deliberate strategy by the Mafia or ruling classes to promote a particular narrative. The influence of celebrities is emphasized, with the idea that they possess the imagination to shape public perception and potentially 'rule the world'.

Weak Connections and Broad Strokes

The article acknowledges that many of the connections drawn are "weak," including those involving Jack Benny, 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World' actors, and writers like Mel Brooks and Woody Allen. However, it argues that the point is to show how attempts to find a conspiracy often lead to Hollywood and supermarket tabloids, where celebrities hold significant sway.

Other Content

Footnotes

A comprehensive list of footnotes provides references for the claims made throughout the articles, citing various magazines, books, and authors.

Advertisements and Announcements

Several advertisements and announcements are present:

• Uncle Fester's Feast of Treason: A cassette release advertised.
• Earth Religion, Earthly Concerns: Subscription information for the 'Merrymount Messenger' and 'Broadsword Bulletin'.
• Correction: A note about a grant to preserve Lawrence Welk's boyhood home.
• The End of Reality...: An advertisement for a publication funded by ETHIC, an organization against infant circumcision.
• National UFO Museum: Information on obtaining copies of their quarterly journal.
• "The Abolition of Work and Other Essays" by Bob Black: Advertisement for a book.
• OVO / Post Office Box 23061: An advertisement for information and samples.
• Profane Existence: Advertisement for an LP by England's SOFA HEAD.
• CNF "Your Sins Killed Him": An advertisement for money orders to CYF.
• "Counterfeit Currency" by M. Thomas Collins: Advertisement for a book published by Loompanics Unlimited.
• The Gemstone Archive: Information on obtaining various "GEMSTONE FILES" related to conspiracies, JFK, and UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are conspiracy theories, the alleged influence of the Mafia, the promotion of UFO narratives, and the role of media and celebrities in shaping public consciousness. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards official narratives and a belief that hidden forces, particularly the Mafia and powerful media outlets, are manipulating public perception. There is a strong undercurrent of distrust towards government and established institutions, suggesting that the public is being deliberately misled or amused to maintain control.

Title: GENDER STRIKE
Issue: 1990-?
Date: 1990
Publisher: Not specified (Contact: Gender Strike, c/o Wooden Shoe Books, Philadelphia, PA)
Country: USA
Language: English

This document is a manifesto titled 'GENDER STRIKE 1990-?', presented as a publication from an organization named Gender Strike. The cover features bold, stark lettering and a provocative headline, setting a tone of radical social critique. The content is a philosophical and political statement against patriarchal society and its imposition of gender roles.

Core Arguments and Concepts

The manifesto begins by quoting an unnamed individual who suggests that societal comfort with established gender differences can lead to threats when these differences are challenged. This quote posits that the breakdown of sexual roles can lead to a breakdown of the mystique of heterosexuality, and that homophobia is a barrier to eliminating common gender roles, emphasizing that biology plays a lesser role than socialization in shaping behavior.

The core of the text delves into the concept of civilization operating through the 'splitting of certain entities' into separate, dualistic categories. These categories, such as DEATH/LIFE, PARENT/CHILD, THINKING/FEELING, WORK/PLAY, are defined by their social context and are made to appear as opposites that must have each other to exist. This process, according to the manifesto, creates extreme tension that civilization exploits for oppression. The authors express interest in how these entities are confused and mystified into concepts that control behavior and function in relation to others.

A fundamental and insidious dichotomy identified is FEMALE/MALE, imposed by gender roles. This dichotomy is seen as dividing humanity into two battling halves, with those in power benefiting from the resulting confusion and pain. The manifesto asserts that these dichotomized entities are created and defined by a ruling elite who control language and mass media, maintaining patriarchal control through codified behavior.

The text argues that the categories of female and male have little bearing on individual inclinations or biological differences. Instead, they force individuals to adopt certain behaviors based on their genitals, rather than their internal feelings, desires, or needs.

The 'Gender Strike' Action

The organization 'Gender Strike' states its intention to question the role of gender itself and its relationship to the dynamics of power within patriarchal society. They issue a call to action for all participants in what they term a 'contrived fiasco' to 'put down their roles, costumes, and masks, their assumptions, notions and standards of gender-oriented behaviour.'

This action is described as the early part of a 'strike' that must not remain static. It must continually shift in a 'puzzling and dizzying conglomeration of behaviour and appearances' designed to disorient the observer's gender-based judgments, and eventually those of the striker themselves. The ultimate aim is for the gender role to lose its meaning as a criterion for reality assessment.

The manifesto concludes by stating that this action is intended to 'shake patriarchal civilization to its very foundations.'

Contact Information

Contact for Gender Strike is provided as: Gender Strike, c/o Wooden Shoe Books, 112 S. 20th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme is a radical critique of patriarchy and the social construction of gender. The publication takes a strong anti-establishment stance, advocating for the dismantling of traditional gender roles and the power structures they uphold. The editorial stance is revolutionary, calling for direct action and a fundamental shift in societal understanding of gender and identity. The text emphasizes the artificiality of gender roles and their function as tools of control and oppression within a patriarchal system.