#Orionist structure

[swordoforion]

Thomasian Proposals, by DKTC-FL

Below are three essays I have written as an informal introduction and summary to each of the three structures I intend to introduce and describe in some measure. The Orionist Model you already know; the other two are the Reconstructive Approach and the Codex of Eom.

The Reconstructive Approach is a set of theorems and proposals previously described in issues of the Digest that suggest bringing a chosen model of eco-socialist federation to the world rather than gradually proceeding towards it through the natural process of public opinion, due to the will of the public being compromised by indoctrination of traditional and oppressive values. To steer the world away from crisis, so must our societal structures and cultural values shift to those more adequately suited to deal with problems on a global scale.

Afterward, the Codex of Eom describes the concept of Eo, the enlightened human ideal, and the concepts of good and evil as they relate to human nature. More spiritual and philosophical in nature than its counterparts, it suggests that the attitude of Eos, those who follow Eom, should be that of kind but firm pursuit of justice and stability. That which benefits the most people and does not harm, oppress, invalidate, or exploit the individual is morally right, and should be encouraged and taught across all human society, for the benefit of those within it.

It is this collection of models and theories that I propose to you as a full set, but it is entirely up to you to pick and choose aspects as you see fit, or to come away choosing none at all. I believe that to deal with the end of the world that seems to be rapidly befalling us, it will take a common belief in the potential for good within humanity, and a necessary shift in structure helped along by an organization built for that purpose in order to heal our damaged environment and reach societal enlightenment, so that we may emerge from this chrysalis of history wise and ready to face the future.

- DKTC FL

The Orionist Model

The Model is the basis of Orion, in terms of theory, philosophy, and structure. It is our bread and butter, our core beliefs, our central mission, and the manner in which we organize. It only covers the basics, as to define too specifically would make it less applicable to times and circumstances outside of that of its origin. Don’t worry, we’ll get to the details later on in this document, when we get to the Reconstructive Approach. But for now, let’s see what defines Orion specifically.

First, let’s start with theory. Human society is composed of four central factors – economy, government, sustainability, and socialization. The first, economy, is how resources get turned into goods and services through labor that can be used to fulfill the needs, physical and psychological, of citizens that in turn provide labor. The second, government, defines a set of limitations that prevent behavior that will create conflict between people organized within a culture or economy, for the stability of their organization. The third, sustainability, refers to the balance between human activity and the rest of the natural world – basically, how a society uses their resources, whether responsibly or irresponsibly. Finally, socialization is how someone interacts with society – what they are taught to uphold and believe in, and how they contribute to the three mechanisms listed above.

This being known, we believe that the efficiency of all four factors is what makes an ideal society. Efficiency doesn’t mean how much you can make or how tightly you can control your people; efficiency in Orionist theory is ‘the maximum fulfillment of citizens’ collective needs with minimum input’. The systems that you use for each factor will tend to have either lower or higher efficiency, and so, we propose eco-socialist federalism as the system that will generally tend to have the highest efficiency. Eco-socialist federalism is defined as “a democratic federation of socialist states united with the express purpose of human rights and environmental protections.

Philosophy boils down to five levels of realization, that deal with the human concept of purpose, and the responsibility that comes with empathy and suffering. First, we must realize that despite the many different definitions of the ‘meaning of life’, everyone will observe the world around them and develop conclusions about themselves and their place in the world, coming to find some sense of satisfaction in their actions and goals. That being understood, we realize that if everyone shares fundamental experiences, we can relate and connect to them, seeing ourselves in their own lives, and learning from their example.

Understanding and recognizing oneself in another means that when they suffer, you are faced with a moral responsibility to provide the kind of helping hand that you would want in your own life, for if you foster a world where people look down upon their less fortunate neighbors, who’s to say that the world will not look down upon you in your failings? To turn your back on another in need is to turn your back on yourself. To fully realize one’s ability to make change and help others, they must fully realize themselves through discipline of the body and mind, through which they can hone their passions and thoughts through temperance of negative emotions. Those willing to take on the charge and mission of Orion must accept the final level of realization – the sacrifice one will have to make for the sake of the world and its people, to devote oneself to the undying flame of Orion.

Structure is divided between regions of chapters and higher, organization wide levels of command. Thematic and symbolic structures exist overlayed across the whole of Orion, known as ‘branches’. They are embedded within the usual structure of Orion, but define specialization and intent of different members – the Sword of Orion is the media and communications branch, Liberius is the service and activism branch, and the Museion Institute is the research and development branch. To pledge oneself to a branch means to assign oneself to that specific function, to its cause, and as such, Liberius and Museion require training to apply.

The structure of a chapter reflects the qualities and functions of the branches – in addition to a democratically elected chapter head, there must also be a Service Officer, a Research Officer, and a Communications Officer, in order for a grouping of members to be recognized as a chapter. Chapters are organized by geographic region, and overseeing a region is a regional command chapter, or REGCOM. A REGCOM heads Sword and Liberius activities in the region, and the head of a REGCOM, elected by all members in their region, serves on a council of other ‘Flagbearers’ that dictate the activities of all regions and chapters. Meanwhile, all of Orion votes to elect an Instruist, who appoints another council to oversee the activities of the branches, recordkeeping, and finances. This council, Sword COMMAND, oversees the Museion Institute, a concentrated research institution that collects data from chapters’ research teams.

The overall mission of Orion is, till our last member falls, to uphold the survival and prosperity of humanity and life in general.

The Reconstructive Approach

Moving on, the Reconstructive Approach is a set of proposals and theorems more specific to the times in which Orion finds itself – a world tearing itself apart and yet not sufficiently united to recognize such problems and solve them. Faced with a world that must be taught, we realize that our own citizenship in this world means that our logic may be flawed, and our knowledge limited, but we cannot wait around until we believe we know enough to act. We must decide a direction to aim towards and move rapidly toward it.

There are multiple paths to progress and to eco-socialist federation, but the path that we must take must not be one fraught with compromise and appeasement – the federation must start from a constitution that is strict and uncompromising on the legal requirements of each member nation in order to form a more civil society. Future members will then have to change to fit the model, or be denied entry, and in order to strengthen the federation, we must appeal and rationalize with the people of our neighboring nations to recognize the limits and flaws of their circumstance, and get them to enact the necessary change to join with us in democratic unity.

This necessary structure must possess several necessary attributes. First, the representatives of the people who act as the deciding members of government must not simply be chosen from among the people at random, but at least a portion must be first educated properly in the study of law and ethics at state institutions, so that they are prepared for the enormity of the task placed upon them, and so that through their training and conditioning, they are dissuaded from being swayed by abuses of power, and are instead directed to use their position for the advancement of the mission.

Secondly, the economies of the nations must conform to a hybrid-planned economic structure, in which the resources of production are accountable to the people through management by the state – businesses must be registered and apply for use of land and capital, rather than haphazardly leaving power in the hands of a few profit-oriented elite. Such resources and leverage will do better, used alongside international organization, to deal with humanitarian and environmental crises, rather than relying on debt and goodwill. It will also keep a market active for the sake of innovation and efficiency, while preventing the evolution of corporate power through bureaucratic management.

The final attribute is not structural, but instead a matter of policy – for the sake of environmental recovery, we must de-escalate our industrial and population growth, and decrease our emissions as much as is feasibly possible and necessary. We must first make sure that we stop making the problem worse before we begin to make it better, and make it better we must through research, replanting, cleanup, and no shortage of whatever action is suitable to allow ecosystems to recover and repopulate. Such a colossal effort and shift in human activity will require an equally titanic state to manage it, and it is only with time and healing that such a state can start to decrease in size and reach.

However, before the state becomes less absolute, the people must be taught to abandon their destructive tendencies engrained in them by millennia of flawed societal practices, and instead learn over the course of generations to live and organize efficiently, and to self-govern. They must learn to live in harmony, and so another important aspect of the reconstructive approach is that the people must culturally be reconditioned into more ideal citizens. Once again, we cannot be sure of what this ideal we must strive toward is, but right now, a flawed image of progress is better than a nightmarish image of decline. If we get it wrong, it will be better if we are alive to learn from our mistakes.

Reconditioning as a process requires, to some degree, a level of monoculture. Culture encompassing everything about our learned behavior, there must be a universal sense of morality, justice, and freedom spread across the whole of humanity, and particular to these coming generations, there must be a sense among the survivors of the mission of repair and recovery. However, a full monoculture is harmful, as it hinders development, innovation, and growth of humanity. Our differences are not a thing to scorn, but at the same time, if we wish to work together, as we must in order to deal with the coming crisis, we must not waste our energy against each other. Already, we see a spreading of morals in terms of ‘equality’ and ‘justice’; these are a method of monoculture, and so we must see it completed.

The tremendous task that awaits us is one that relies upon the altruism and selflessness of many people; if it were that easy to make people act in the interest of the collective and not in their own self-interest, then the world would have been saved already. People are not necessarily to blame for being self-interested in a world that so often makes people fight for their lives; but this mindset cannot be allowed to perpetrate oppression, corruption, and inefficiency. Therefore, as part of this reconditioning and reconstruction, there must be the spread of a common set of beliefs and the awareness of the necessary steps of this mission that has been outlined, with the sort of moral and incentive that has spurred so many throughout history to act possessed by a goal that offers no obvious physical benefit, but rather, that of spirituality.

Codex of Eom

Eo; the enlightened ideal. Eom; the pursuit of Eo. Eos; those who participate in Eom. These words are chosen to describe this concept because of their simplicity – so that no matter what nation or language, they could find their place on the tongue of whoever says them.

Human nature, despite what many try to peddle or believe, is neither slanted towards some sense of good or evil. We, like all life, are creatures of complex needs. We seek survival first, and happiness after, though the true peak of our fulfillment is spiritual, some greater sense of purpose or belonging in life. Someone can be turned to evil or good depending on the conditions around them; will a wild dog not bite if it means the guarantee of its dinner? And will that same dog, when well fed, not still bite the innocent if cruelty is all that it knows to be beneficial? In many aspects, we are not above this state, and we can be swayed either in our development or by cruel desperation forced upon us. In this regard, much of our behavior can be attributed to what our circumstances make us into.

This is not to say that we have no input or choice in the matter, and that we should not be held accountable for our actions, but that no one is born predisposed to commit violence or injustice upon another. Whether they are misguided, desperate, or unattended, humans have the potential to become monsters, and it is in this knowledge that even the most detestable among us could have been cherished friends and family that injustice gains a greater tinge of tragedy. But from that we learn that, given the right conditions, anyone can grow to be morally upstanding citizens. Learning how to foster and encourage those conditions can bring greater peace and unity to society as a whole.

For good and evil do exist, and it is through human nature that we can understand them. If our innate, instinctual purpose is to fulfill our needs, then what is good is that which allows people to fulfill those needs with conflict, without danger, and without risk. That which enriches all people by turning their energies not against each other, but by combining those energies for first survival, then comfort, then spiritual attainment. When one is not starving and not fighting for their life, they can glimpse a greater design at work in the universe, a complicated tapestry created by all who have lived, all who live, and all who will live, and it is good that they should be able to comprehend and find their place in that tapestry.

Evil being the opposite of good, a conflictive and oppressive society is one that not only must not stand, but in the end, will not stand. Eventually, the insufferable pains one endures at the hand of oppression will drive them to fight back, to strike against the pillars that uphold the flawed and wicked foundation of the world. For if one’s survival, physical or psychological, is threatened, do not forget that they will fight back, and if not them, then their descendants. Eventually, there will come those that find wickedness intolerable and turn on the notion of peace in hopes of instead accomplishing liberation.

And yet, there might be those that do evil in the dark, that steal and harm their fellow human where no one can see, and go unpunished from birth to death. Where is justice there? Can good be thwarted in the end? And I say not, because even if they die innocent in the eyes of the public, they will fail truly by having their spirit tainted. In bringing oneself to harm and hate unjustly another, they leave themselves forever at a distance from the world, forever knowing that the rest of the world is their enemy, or at best, their plaything, and in that they die having missed a fundamental aspect of their humanity, a life never truly fulfilled. Evil, whether loud or quiet, is intolerable for the victims and perpetuator alike.

To aspire to Eo is no easy task, for there is much in the way of common argument and strife that is not inherently evil. It is better defined as such intentional acts of exploitation, harm, and denial of one’s freedom to express themselves that restrict or endanger one’s fulfillment of their basic needs, rather than spark and move along their mental development. To argue a point may anger someone else, but if done solely for the sake of the point, there is nothing that betrays deeper sentiments against someone for who they are, or any intention of harm. Nor is defense inherently evil either; if one’s safety is threatened, they are right in making an attempt to secure it. Additionally, Eo is an ideal, and one cannot be expected to be always and in every moment perfect; only to pursue the ideal and seek to embody it to the best of one’s ability.

We are a species of great potential, and it is within our ability to create a peaceful and prosperous society. To do so would require a culture of wisdom and kindness, entire generations cultivated to be aware of the harm that past evils have done and could do again, while raised to accept others and be tolerable of their differences, and to be firm in stamping out hatred and oppression wherever it stands. They must know to forgive the heart of the one who sows hatred, but not the actions. They must be those who use every possible path and exhaust every opportunity for peace, but strike fast and merciful when the only option is conflict. To live in ignorance of depravity is to invite it, and so we must be kind without being soft.

So, there must be a culture that spans the globe and every citizen, in some respect, of Eom, the pursuit of Eo, the enlightened human ideal. For a species to embody Eo is to be enlightened; to find a pattern of life and a state of mind that ensures satisfaction, peace, and stability eternal, and so we must ourselves make every effort to encourage enlightenment in others and seek enlightenment for ourselves. To be compassionate and help one’s neighbor, but to be wise to the ways of the world, to the depths people will sink when dragged there by the tides of life. To be ready to defend and end a fight, but never to start one. To teach future generations to be who they are, and to be proud of themselves while still humble and respectful of others. These things are what define Eom to me, and such things I will continue to write in future collections.

#thomasian proposals #thomasian #orionist model #reconstructive approach #eom #eo #eos #codex of eom #reconstructive #reconstruction #de-escalation #hybrid planned economics #theory #philosophy #structure #orionist theory #orionist philosophy #orionist structure #good and evil #essay #eco-socialist federalism #eco-socialist federation #orion

[my-cas-world]

Teaching English

///Service, Creativity

I consider speaking and communicating fluently in English to be one of the most crucial and useful skills to master as a teenager. In my country, English is deeply rooted in our educational system and is commonly taught from the age of 6. Throughout my school years I have been given multiple chances to advance my comprehension of the English language and I believe I seized the opportunity and greatly benefited from my experiences. This in turn made it possible to me to choose an international baccalaureate program. It’s obvious that my English is not flawless, but I would say it is sufficient enough to try to share my skills with others.

I am aware that not all of the other schools in my city and the rest of the country can provide the same English education as I was fortunate enough to receive. This pushed me to make an effort and give free lessons to teenagers as supplement to the usual school education. I had little experience with teaching, as the only tutoring I did was during the summer before ib for a girl two years younger than me that needed a few additional lessons so she could pass. Now I decided I wanted to give lessons to someone who could not otherwise afford or attend extracurricular English lessons. I chose the Orionist Pedagogic Centre for Adolescents (Młodzieżowy Ośrodek Wychowawczy Księży Orionistów) located on Barska street in Warsaw. It is an all-male middle school for troubled youth.

My first step to start the process was to contact the institution and determine the size of the group I was planning to teach. With the help of Mr. Artur I managed to actually plan and conduct the first lesson. My group consisted of six students from the school who showed any enthusiasm to learn and improve their English. The main goal at the beginning was to establish a connection with the students. On the first lesson, I asked them various questions in English in order to get familiar with them and their level of English. The questions were about their favourite food, movies, books, sport, etc. The guys were very friendly towards me and they were eager to answer even though it was not that easy for them to understand what was saying.

On the next few lessons we were playing various games in English so that they could stay engaged in learning English. Beforehand I prepared different speaking exercises, one of them was a “would you rather” game were I asked them questions starting with that phrase that was giving them a choice between two things. After each answer, I insisted they elaborate on the topic.

Each lesson lasted for about 1 hour and 45 minutes with a 20 minute break in the middle for eating dinner. I visited the school each Sunday at 4pm starting in the middle of September. The lessons stopped in Novemeber, as I was hit by a car and was not able to walk properly for 3 months. In that time, I watched a few TED-Ed videos and I planned out some topics around them. After I came back to teaching English at Barska, I showed the short films to my students. They were given 5 questions (on paper) about the videos and I asked to fill it out individually. I specifically did not want to assess their as I felt they have enough of it at school. We all compared the answers and it turned out that in the group there were able to answer all of the questions. We watched some clips of the video to make sure the answers were correct. Then I tried to spark up a conversations about the videos. I asked them whether they enjoyed the contents or what did they think about the topics.

The first video I showed them was called “History’s deadliest colours” (link: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/history-s-deadliest-colors-j-v-maranto). The video was incomprehensible for them at some points, mainly because it mentioned the names of chemical compounds that were not familiar with. Then we talked about other deadly and poisonous substances across the world. The second video was about different types of modern robots that are able to jump and run just like real animals. Their design is based on the skeletons and muscle structure of different animal species (link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO4In7d6X-c). The students greatly enjoyed this video. Afterwards we were discussing whether robots could take over the world and our everyday jobs and recalled a bunch of movies concerning the topic.

Another thing I was practising at the lessons was describing photos. I showed them weird, funny or otherwise interesting photos and let them figure out what’s going on and I encouraged them to make up a story about the people on the photos. Some of the pictures I took were from different tv series, other were from British comedy panels and other were a display of various countries across the globe.

During the lessons it was crucial to me that the guys were talking as much as possible so they could practise their English. Throughout the time I was visiting them, I listened to them and observed the reasons they had for wanting to improve their spoken English. One of them had some family members living in England, another had a sister living in Ireland. Others wanted to learn in case they ever go abroad to work and English becomes the language they have to use regularly. Another reason was to be able to communicate properly while being on vacation in a foreign country. One of the students even said that he wants to learn English to flirt with girls abroad, which made me laugh. When they felt like they were fed up with English, became impatient or were just slacking and wanted to abandon all their efforts I always tried to remind them of all the reasons they had for studying the language. It worked almost every time.

Overall I was delighted with the outcome of the lessons. This series of CAS experiences made me happy because I was able to pass some of my skills to the students. I hope they enjoyed it too and will all continue studying and developing their English.

[swordoforion]

The Orionist Model; an Essay by DKTC-FL

The Orionist Model is the baseline for Orion. It defines our goal, our ideals, and our composition - how, why, and what we do. This is why, above all else, the Model is so essential, because without a clear reason for what we do, without a unified vision of how we bring about improvement, and without a cohesive system for organizing, Orion would tear itself apart in disagreement and confusion. 

It is composed of three parts - THEORY, PHILOSOPHY, and STRUCTURE. Theory defines the mission to which we are dedicated, philosophy defines the ideals for which we stand, and structure defines the method by which we organize and act. It must stand upon all three legs, as if you are to remove one, the other two are worse off for it. Without theory, the intent of Orion might prove unsuccessful. Without philosophy, change is pursued with no moral center to ground it. Without structure, we are but a loose collection of believers with no path forward. 

But together, we are given a goal, a reason to pursue it, and the means to accomplish it. How we get from this foundation to the end result is up to the ones who make use of this tool; in this way, the Orionist Model is only half the solution. The rest is up to how it is used - the creativity and ingenuity of the members and founders who create their own chapters and teach their own communities, as well as the leaders who they elect to direct the collective. We stand with the Model as the hammer in our hands above the metal to be fashioned, and yet, it is the mind of the smith that determines what shape it will take, and how well it will be crafted. 

There is no one way to follow the Model, as it was designed to be interpretative. What is laid down is basic truths, but the finer details are vague, for while Orion was created amidst chaotic times, it was not created solely for those times. It was created to serve its goal for as long as it is able, no matter what shape the world around it takes. After all, its central concepts are universal and timeless - society is most efficient when it benefits the people, and our shared experiences give us cause to foster kindness. The structure, too, is simple yet effective - while having a centralized focus and command, the chapter system allows for autonomy and specialization according to region. 

We begin with theory, which posits that society is composed of four fundamental factors - economy, government, socialization, and the relationship with the environment. Society, of course, is a construct created by humanity to streamline the process by which our physical and psychological needs are fulfilled. The most efficient model of human society is that which fulfills its objective - achieving maximum fulfillment with minimum input - and so the improvement of society to reach this ideal is our goal. Socialism and world federalism provide the most stable models of economy and government, and a more environmentalist approach to balancing society with the natural world is best for life in general. Because of this, Orionist political theory is called eco-socialist federalism. 

Eco-socialist federalism, or ESF theory, is not merely a collection of theories, but a synthesis. It can be best summarized as “a democratic federation of socialist nation-states formed with the express purpose of standardizing human rights and environmental protections.” In the interests of both the survival and prosperity of all humanity, there are certain qualities that must be made universal across the nations of the world, to ensure that all people, no matter what they look like, who they love, where they come from, or who they are, are given the same opportunities and freedoms. In addition, if we neglect to take a careful approach to our own growth and presence, we will not only endanger other life on Earth, but ourselves as well. Something of this scale touches every part of our lives, and thus, it will require not only a legal shift, but a sociological one, as we train ourselves to be kinder and wiser as a species.

Philosophy dictates five levels of realization about the self and its connection with the wider world, and the responsibility we hold as Orionists to better the world for ourselves and others. We first realize that no matter your conclusion, everyone finds meaning in the world by observing beauty, and determining the self in relation to the rest of the universe. Following from that, if everyone searches for some form of satisfaction and the fulfillment of their needs, we can relate and understand each other as humans. If we can relate, we can understand the apprehension towards suffering, and thus it follows that we should provide the helping hand that we would want in our time of need, for we can see ourselves in the lives of others. To accomplish this, however, requires discipline - as so many people let our differences divide us, it requires a temperance of our more negative emotions to hone our passions and give us strength. Finally, dedication to this mission requires a degree of sacrifice - a kinder world cannot come about spontaneously, and we must be willing to work for it so that our dreams can be fulfilled by those around us, and those that come afterwards. 

Philosophy and theory both tie into the idea of the Mission - the enduring and unending goal of Orion. The mission, simply, is to uphold the survival and prosperity of humanity, from now until our last member falls. Everything we do is about not only ensuring that the human race survives what could be our potential extinction, but that it learns, evolves, and flourishes equally. Survival alone is not the goal - for people could live full lives in bondage and suffering, and that would be a truly terrible existence. People could live forced down and treated as less than human, given a lesser lot in life for factors outside their control. Thus, prosperity is also important - to be given the chance to live a happy and satisfying life, not without struggle, but without unjust struggle.

Structure is divided between the chapters, the most basic element of Orionist organization, and the command structure, which is divided between executive and representative authority. A chapter consists of at least a Service Officer, a Research Officer, a Communications Officer, and a Chapter Head. The three officers and their respective teams represent the three branches of Orion - the Sword of Orion, our media and communications branch, Liberius, our service and activism branch, and the Museion Institute, our research and development branch. Chapters themselves are divided into geographic regions, with a regional command chapter, or REGCOM, at the head of each region. The head of a REGCOM is a Flagbearer, elected by the members of their region, and the various Flagbearers of Orion form the representative house of command, the Council of Flagbearers. 

REGCOMs act as a hub for Sword and Liberius operations in their region, while Museion is centralized into the titular institute, as well as any necessary secondary locations. The branches themselves are overseen by Branch Heads, appointed officials who serve on the council of Sword COMMAND, the executive house of command. While Flagbearers are only elected by a regional vote, Sword COMMAND’s head, the Instruist, is elected by an organization-wide vote, and the rest of the staff is selected for appointment by the Instruist themselves, with the Council of Flagbearers’ vote of approval. These staff members include the individual heads of each branch, a Financier (who handles financial matters) and a Parliamentarian (who handles record-keeping), each with their own offices, as well as the Instruist and a Lieutenant, who acts as an Instruist in training. In the event of the death or resignation of the Instruist, the Lieutenant will hold office until an election can be run, where they will run against a candidate of the people. If the Lieutenant wins, they will become the new Instruist, while if the people’s candidate wins, then the Lieutenant will continue to serve their position, and act as a guide and informant for the new Instruist. 

It is a simple and yet endlessly important idea that people, as complicated as they can be, deserve the opportunity to live their lives and express themselves freely, and if they fall by the wayside, to be given a chance to learn, grow, and recover. No one is perfect, because if we were perfect, we would not truly be alive. Life is that quest, through good times and bad, to understand oneself, and it takes some trial and error. Yet, with all this talk of freedom, we must not allow the mistakes of some to hurt others so seriously as they have in the past. The ability to live life comes hand in hand with the inability to outright deny it to others, and it is that balance we find ourselves charged to protect. 

To protect something so fundamental, and to seek change to monumental, may seem like an impossible task. What we seek is nothing less than a complete revolution in the way we live, the way we think, in the way we conduct ourselves, and in the way we see the world. To achieve peace and to undo our past mistakes will require unlearning what we have learned, understanding those we think far distant from us, and dismantling structures we deem so essential. But there is a strength we hold that surpasses the difficulty of our mission. We are not alone. You are not alone. 

I know as I write this that there are many others out there, who wish for a better world, who dream of a land untainted by bids for power and cycles of revenge, where two people from distant lands can stand hand in hand, united by what they share. Whatever drives them - hope, fear, love, guilt - there are those off on missions of their own, and with this, I take comfort, for as long as there is hope, my fire shall never die. With the Orionist Model in mind, no matter how big of an impact you make, know that you have a place among us, and that there is always room for new friends and faces in our ranks. The more who are willing to work so that others may be given hope, the closer the dream becomes to reality. 

And yet, even when federation is established, the world is reformed and the climate is saved, the mission will not conclude there. It may never end, for the role of an Orionist is twofold. We seek to protect that great journey of life, true, but it is equally as important to partake in it. To appreciate the value of life, one must learn to appreciate their own, and as the world moves towards the future and towards the stars, we will be right there with them, ready to help and guide whenever we are needed, but ready as well to experience the joy of discovery firsthand. That is what the Model means, that is what the Mission means, and that is what Orion means. 

Respice ad futurum, respice ad astra.

- DKTC FL

#orion #orionist #orionist model #theory #philosophy #structure #orionist theory #orionist philosophy #orionist structure #regcom #hope #future #model #eco-socialist federalism #esf theory #sword command #instruist #flagbearer #council of flagbearers #chapter #sword of orion #liberius #museion institute #museion #branches #environmentalism #socialism #world federalism

[swordoforion]

#orion #sword of orion #orionism #orionist theory #orionist philosophy #orionist structure #museion #liberius #museion institute #what is orionism #politics #political #theory #model #youtube #video #link #media

[swordoforion]

Orion Digest №47 - Chapters and Community Organization

While the scale of eco-socialist federalism is global, there are significant disadvantages to tackling issues primarily on the largest levels. To the average civilian, a global movement in name only is something they may see online or on the news, earning maybe a few minutes of their attention, but disappearing from their attention soon after. It is not something that, for most people, will earn significant support, nor continuous attention, unless you constantly find some way to recapture it. This is not simply apathy; the world today is so full of changing sights and distractions that one cannot expect every person to become stuck on a mere passerby attraction.

A majority of the mission will end up as a bid for attention and awareness, and though it may sound like a popularity contest, it is not out of vanity that we seek this. At the end of the day, politics is about how many people you can convince to do what needs to be done, whether inside or outside the confines of a legal system. Inside is typically easier and more streamlined, but if the system proves insufficient, the difficult task of maneuvering outside the law becomes necessary. Either way, it's an avenue where strategy will only carry you so far without numbers. We seek a combination of inside and outside support, and for both cases, we need to convince people to join or support us, our allies, and our cause.

However, simply inflating one's appearance to appear in mainstream media, while somewhat helpful, is not a sure fire solution, especially for a task set upon us so large and with so little time. The world needs to be aware that our planet is on the brink of collapse, and that the structure of society that we have become so stuck to and dependent on needs a major overhaul if we are to survive. We don't need to just accept a truth; we need to break illusion after illusion and assemble together as a species swiftly. We don't need a passing thought or recognition; we need a collective drive to change, dedication to fixing our mistakes that could consume the lifetimes of a generation, for the sake of our increasingly potential future.

The true answer to grabbing people's attention lies on a much smaller scale. The simulated world through media is a large part of our lives, but it is often still so distant from ourselves, only semi-realistic. On the other hand, the people around us, the neighborhood and locale where we reside - that has a far greater impact on the individual, and if we are to capture the minds and hearts of the world, that is precisely where we need to start. Community involvement may affect only a small area, but it is far more meaningful and impactful to those within the area then any voice on the TV screen.

Massive organizations and movements in the past saw people join not because of sensationalist stories on newspapers or from stories, but from that neighbor down the block who talked you into it. The rally in the park, the meeting at a community center, the posters on the street. The image of the movement is much larger than the community, but your involvement with it will still be contained to the area you live, simply ensuring that the goals are accomplished in your sphere of influence. The simple seed of an idea, planted over and over again in select locales, could result in many small chapters that added up to one large widespread movement, hard to pin down or find the center of. For better or worse, these movements have proved effective in the past.

Such is a similar idea with the idea of Orion's chapters. Barring Museion, a chapter will feature elements of the other two branches - the Sword and Liberius - centered specifically on contributing and aiding to their respective communities and regions. Whereas the online element of branches focuses on ESF theory and progressivism in general, a chapter will focus on how it applies and relates to the people around them. Your town is not a federation, sure, but it could always work on being greener, on providing aid to those in need and beneficial job opportunities. The people of your town could always show support for the cause, and work on self-improvement to be more accepting and respectful of underrepresented groups inside and outside of the community. In some ways, a chapter would be a miniature Orion, contained within its own little sphere.

Just like past movements, it would merely take a 'seed', or in this case, one member in an area willing and able to make their own chapter of Orion. With time, I hope to make more reading material and online resources available to streamline this process, but with the structure, theory, and philosophy laid out, my hope is that future members can apply this model to their surroundings, and build their own chapters for the improvement of their community. In such dark times, it is good to focus on accomplishing a simple task and making at least one pocket of the world a bit more hopeful. However, when done many times, in many chapters, across many parts of the world, it can add up. Democratic structure exists for coordination, so that Orionist communities can come together and work through voting and organization for larger impact.

Community interaction is not merely about asking people for support and membership. It is about giving to and helping the community with no expectation or requirement for reciprocation, merely the intent on bettering the area and all who live within it. Exactly how this will happen will depend on the region and culture itself, but the advantage there is that whoever starts the chapter will know better than I do how to approach their community. The chapter's Sword team can point out and make people aware of issues and how to fix them, while members of Liberius can provide teaching, assistance, and guidance to people on practical methods of improvement (i.e. growing food, medical aid, self defense, mental health practices, et cetera). With time, being a beneficial presence in the community will do more to build a reputation with people than a 30 second ad on television ever will.

The elephant in the room is the fact that we have little time to make change before it is too late in the grand scheme of things. The threat of climate change always hangs upon us, and the combination of government and economy only serve to worsen that threat. It is best not to put all eggs in one basket, and mere community-centric change is only one part of the structure. Orion is designed to cater to a small scale while still organizing online to fight on a large scale, and constant pressure from us and allies must be kept upon national governments to be more firm on environmental regulation, to reform the structure of the United Nations, to revamp economic systems of ownership and standardize stricter definitions of human rights and freedoms. If anything the two scales feed off and benefit one another - the more Orionist communities there are, the larger a base for online support, and the larger an online influence, the more seeds that can be planted for further communities.

A key part of the experience that I intend is for future members and chapters to fill the gaps in the human experience that I am unable to. I do not know the specific struggles of your area, nor how to fully approach them. I do not fully know the depths of the human experience when it comes to people of different identity than myself. I have not been in each house, spoken each language, or walked the same paths you might have walked. However, I believe firmly in the model lain out, that the world should be greener, united, and geared towards the benefit of humanity. I believe in helping other people not for gain but out of solidarity and kindness. I believe that, if we pull together and learn from our past, we can survive and do great things. And I believe certainly that there are people out in the world willing to make change in their city, their neighborhood, or at the very least, in their own home, and because of that belief, I entrust that these ideals can be applied by chapters to help in the way that only they know how.

More over, it cannot be stated enough that the world and its various nations are not composed of their governments and owners; they are composed of its people. The most important voice is not that of a leader, but rather the combined voice of those that follow. It is not some castle or office that holds the most importance in a nation; it is all the land and homes that belong to the people. The world is in a crisis right now, and this is only the beginning. We need to be there for the people around us, and the only way we can pull through this is together.

- DKTC FL

#chapters #community benefit #community service #community aid #chapter #orion #orionist #orionist chapters #orionist communities #greener #green #climate change #climate action #human rights #respect #orion digest #sword of orion #liberius #online hub #democratic structure #eco-socialist federalism #eco-socialist federation

[swordoforion]

Orion Digest №45 - Alternate Models of ESF: What is Essential?

Eco-socialist federalism was founded on, and still relies upon, its central tenets. Regardless of the method by which it is implemented, it is important to understand that the nations of Earth must be united under one federation, that economy cannot serve the people adequately unless the means of production are available to public use, and until the system created is focused upon the preservation of Earth's ecosystem to allow humanity's continued survival. Everything else, much of what has been introduced in past issues, is merely models and suggestions on how this much could realistically be achieved.

I stand firm on the idea that the basic description listed above is true and necessary, but I also understand that the methods previously disclosed could be susceptible to my personal biases or lapses in my knowledge. Many have tried to implement the above concepts and met with some degree of failure, though the ideals are not to blame; simply the way they were handled. Similarly, I intend to keep writing and proposing more details on eco-socialist federalism as I envision it, but at the same time I am entirely welcome to alternate interpretations and approaches to the application of ESF to the world's political systems, as well as suggestions for improvement upon my own models.

It is not that I consider what I have written incorrect, but one person's perspective on such an issue might not compare to the perspectives of many. The two may align, but I find that the insights and experiences of others can make a collaborative piece of theory or art all the greater, and the juxtaposition of two differing perspective on an issue can prove a great testing ground for the merits of an individual theory. I believe that there are multiple ways that eco-socialist federalism can be achieved, and that different models can be more effective at accomplishing the goals of Orion.

While our membership leaves us currently unable for such a democratic assembly, the aim is to spread across the world and accumulate members that can reach a consensus on a strategy forward, and when the time comes, I am prepared to make my case not just through essays, but to members of Orion from every region, in hopes that I will find a majority that is in agreement with my plan. At the same time, to not leave my strategy up to democratic review would be a disservice to the spirit of the mission - we aim to build a world that serves the people, and if it is found that my judgement is lacking, and that current ESF models are inefficient in putting people and progress first, I am welcome to new and fresh ideas.

Similarly, when the time comes where Orion's structure has been filled out and established, I intend not to continue to serve as Instruist (as derived from the Esperanto word 'instruisto', the elected chair of Sword COMMAND, the executive house of Orion's command structure - represented by the office's seal, DKTC) until properly and democratically re-elected by such an assembly. My intent is to lay down the foundations of Orionist theory, philosophy and structure, as well as to propose my own approach to them, and leave it up to future members of this organization as to what path they shall choose to take.

So then, how might other models differ? While a federation must remain democratic, the structure of Parliament, the Judiciary, and the Executive Bureaucracy are not set in stone, let alone are the presence of such houses assured. Models that still allow for citizens to have a say in every level of government still accomplish the basic purpose. An economy can still be socialist while ridding itself of the market, so long as every citizen that falls beneath the livable threshold is provided for, and that the means of production are accountable and available to the public, rather than to private ownership. Finally, while de-escalation is one proposed strategy for environmental revitalization, there could exist both more and less extreme alternatives to save the ecosystem, especially as more and more advanced technology is developed.

It is important to understand that these models may need to change with the passage of time due to the unpredictability of the future. Certain circumstances may arise that require Orion to adapt and change, whether political, social, or environmental. For example, should the federation established one day be distorted into the antithesis of its ideals, it would be foolhardy to simply try once more with the same exact strategy; it is of vital importance that Orion can learn and grow with time. Just as a federation may be fallible, it is important for each member to understand that so too could the organization become doggedly stuck on an incorrect path, and as a member, it is important to stand up and fight even their fellow members on issues of importance to the organization and the world.

Outside of eco-socialist federalism, the other two primary components essential to Orionist thought are those of philosophy and structure, both of which have been laid out. Digest No. 41 detailed the basics of Orionist philosophy - the five levels (beauty, empathy, responsibility, discipline, and sacrifice) that detail the duty to fight so that the people of the world can truly appreciate the world around them and find greater meaning in their lives. Structure is listed already in several places - the two house command structure of Orion (Sword COMMAND, of which the Instruist is elected and the other positions are appointed; and the Council of Flagbearers, of which regions elect their own representatives), as well as the three branches (Sword of Orion, Liberius, Museion Institute) and their respective chapters.

Beyond this, I anticipate that over the course of Orion's existence, the words and theories written down in the Digest may be subject to change and evolution, and while I may find myself in disagreement, I am open to the idea of being proved wrong. However, it is vital that the theory, philosophy, and structure remain essential. We cannot forget that people deserve to enjoy the world, and that we owe it to each other to be kind and work together. We cannot neglect the precious balance between us and our natural habitat. We must make sure that our society is one that is united and puts accountability in the hands of both the individual and the community. Finally, as long as there are those who are willing to strive for these ideals, Orion must fight for the survival and prosperity of humanity, and for that unending pursuit of beauty and knowledge.

- DKTC FL

#eco-socialist federalism #ESF theory #orion #orion digest #sword of orion #liberius #museion #museion institute #instruist #DKTC #models #model #ESF models #Sword COMMAND #Council of Flagbearers #theory #philosophy #structure #Orionism #Orionist thought #Orionist theory #Orionist philosophy #Orionist structure

[swordoforion]

Orion Digest №41 - A Short Treatise on Orionist Philosophy

While not a topic broached yet, I am of the personal conviction that the methods and structure laid out for eco-socialist federation are of little use without the motive for implementing them. There are those, belonging to the movements from which ESF theory is inspired, who already have their own individual motivations and desires associated with world federalism, socialism, or environmentalism. However, if the point of these ideas is to spread and attract attention so that one day, the ideals of a united and just world may be realized, so too must there be a reason why people should concern themselves with the struggles of others.

A more philosophical piece than others, below is what I consider to be a combination of previously introduced theories as well as an observation on human existence itself, and what I have come to consider the essential theory of Orion - the responsibility we have, as humans, to help others, and the resultant fight for eco-socialist federation that Orion is pledged to take on. I had written this separately from the Digest as a personal essay for purposes of elaboration and cohesiveness between the content of the Eco-Socialist Federalist Handbook and the Orionist's Creed, but I believe it fitting and necessary to publish publicly.

------------------------------------------------

The purpose of Orion is to protect the survival and prosperity of the human race, and should our world expand, all sentient life. We were founded upon the desire to alleviate the suffering of the world, and what followed naturally from that desire were both the means of doing so and the reasoning behind the goal – the ‘how’ and the ‘why.’ The former is our founding political theory – eco-socialist federalism, and the latter our essential moral philosophy – Orionist thought. Both are essential to each other – federation cannot be established unless people believe in the cause, and mere intentions are hardly useful without the necessary action.

Eco-socialist federalism is a synthesis of previous theories of environmental policy, economy, and government, designed to both tackle the problems of our current age and remain as a stable structure long after they are solved. The developments of the Industrial Revolution resulted into an economic structure that has a) grown at an exponential rate at the cost of damage to our ecosystem, and b) shifts power over time to a small population of elites and owners without political confines to implement moral restrictions. Incapable of dealing with the consequences are the various governments of the world, that fight for power through force or policy, and usually side with the wealthy that grant them advantage in the game of nations. The constant threat of war and the economic divide that thrusts many into unlivable conditions feeds into the social divisions that pain humanity, and all the while, the damage we’ve done to the natural resources upon which we depend threatens to wipe us out while we fight amongst ourselves.

Thus, the theory poses political and economic reform on a global scale, in order to strike back at abuses against human rights (prosperity) and to stave off our extinction due to the climate crisis (survival). A democratic government between nations would be formed, with members required to conform to the constitutional standards of rights and freedoms, as well as standardized economic structure. This structure would involve the public ownership of means of production via the democratic state, which would lease resources for use to registered businesses, following a worker cooperative model and required to meet labor and wage standards. The chief policy of this new government would be to aid impoverished areas of the planet while de-escalating the production rates of the most industrialized nations in waves, until the course of every nation’s production was kept low enough to cut back on emissions, until public research and revitalization programs yielded positive results.

The combination of the three approaches would be necessary – economic reform would put some nations at risk of conflict with other nations were it not for federation, ecological action would be ineffective without a long-term change in industrial practices, and a federation alone would still be at the will of those with large pockets without removal of private ownership. While it borrows from environmentalist concerns, socialist theory, and the cause of world federalism, it recognizes that each must rely and feed off of the other if effective change is to be established.

However, while the implementation of such would be beneficial for the whole of humanity, it would still require great effort and cost to do so, and the question arises of why we should bother with taking a fresh start, rather than just letting the snake eat its own tail and to have the species die off. More specifically, some wonder why they should bother themselves with helping others at all. In comes the second theory of Orion, which is properly known as Orionist thought, or Orionism for short.

From the second we are born, we are observing and discovering the world around us, and to know joy is to see the beauty in the world around you. Different people see and appreciate the world differently, but we all have things we hang onto, things we value, and we all try to find some meaning or answer about ourselves from the universe around us, as well as the people we meet. Every person will experience some combination of pleasure and pain in their unique journey that leads them in pursuit of some sort of satisfaction, whether it be to write a book, to see sights, or simply to find peace and understanding. It varies for everyone, but all find whatever they believe to be their meaning and purpose, and learn about themselves in the process. As we possess the ability of empathy, we are able to understand and relate to others, and in them, we can see elements of ourselves – their hopes and fears, their habits and desires.

Since we can understand others, we can understand also why they might shrink from pain, and why they might experience elation at comfort. As we all seek to fulfill our various needs, from physical to psychological, we may sometimes be blinded to the fact that others are like us as we struggle against each other to assure our survival, but if we look past that, we can see others, like ourselves, trying to survive and figure out the puzzle of existence. Realizing that we’re both just trying to make it, we can find some joy in helping others with their own experience, as it is a helping hand that we would want in our own lives. If we would want the pains and burdens to be a little lighter, and for the highs of life to be a little sweeter, we can understand why they would want it as well.

By showing kindness and improving the lot in life of others, we demonstrate the basic concept that we are not alone in this journey, and that kindness does exist. People can work together to fulfill their needs, to understand themselves and each other, and to find that personal happiness. It is not simply about personal benefit – helping others does not necessitate that they help you back. Rather, making the world better is something we must do because we see ourselves in those that suffer, whether we suffer ourselves or fear the possibility of suffering, and we act in solidarity as the change we want to see, as the voice we would want to hear, the hand we would want to lift us up. As we would want our burdens lessened, we work to lessen the burdens of others like us.

It is our responsibility, if we be able, to save the world from destruction and division, for the sake of our fellow citizens today, and for the future generations to come. To do this, we must strive for the establishment and protection of eco-socialist federation, as well as assistance and security to those in need of it. To serve others who, used to the constant fight for survival and the age-old bid for power, might never show us the same courtesy, and to push down our own desires for comfort, we must possess discipline to tame and hone our passions. Anger must become drive, greed must become temperance, restlessness must become patience, and so on. We must be willing to stand kind and firm in the face of the misguided and the grieving.

The final level of Orionist philosophy follows necessarily from the others – if we hold a responsibility to help others, it will require sacrifice to fight and change the world. It is not an easy task to convince others so set in their ways, to take on titans that burn the world and chain the people, to approach age-old empires and get them to side with ancient enemies in one fight, as one people. We cannot wait for gradual improvement, for our devastation of the environment has ensured that we are facing a ticking clock. Thus, it will take dedication beyond a simple afternoon of effort, and very likely, sacrifice of those willing to give their happiness so that many others can appreciate the beauty that they dream of seeing. Our dreams of a united and peaceful world will be lived out by those that succeed us.

The envisioned Orion is an organization that stands from now until its last member, dedicated to upholding and, whenever necessary, fighting for the survival and prosperity of humanity. Its charge is the world; not one specific people, not a select few, but all the world. Its members see the beauty in the universe around them, use empathy to understand the thoughts and dreams of others, take on the responsibility of bettering the world, temper their passions through discipline to better help the people, and are willing to sacrifice so that others may be free to explore themselves and the unending cosmos.

- DKTC FL

#orionist thought #orionist philosophy #orionism #orion #sword of orion #orion digest #eco-socialist federalism #eco-socialist federation #ESF theory #philosophy #beauty #empathy #responsibility #discipline #sacrifice #economic reform #environmental revitalization #purpose of orion #political

[swordoforion]

Orion Digest №46 - Climate Health and Human Rights: Our Primary Focus

The most pervasive modern problems are consequences of human action; we struggle with the damage we have done to the world around us, as well as how we can survive and get along with each other in this chaotic global environment of our own. The potential of humanity is astounding, and it is with firm belief that I state that, with collaboration and ingenuity, we can overcome even the dire situation we are in today in time. However, in the time that it will take to move towards permanent change, the problems will not simply wait around or go away. The most grave dangers and grievous pains await resolution, and while addressing them will not fix the problem permanently, it can only help to stave off a far worse eventuality, and bring the world partway to peace while working on the rest.

The first matter is bettering the condition of the environment, for our sake and that of all life around us. It cannot be understated how vital to all aspects of life and society the environment is - from the resources upon which our economy depends to the conditions that enable humanity to survive, our greatest mistake as a species has been bringing us so close to the brink through its destruction. Not just humanity, but all of life relies on such delicate conditions, and even if we stand at the top of the natural hierarchy, we have a duty to respect all others below us, and the balance between. The pattern of unsustainable industry means that this is a front on which we are constantly losing ground, especially because the negative effects present today are only the tip of the iceberg - the worst is merely a delayed reaction.

The second matter is standardizing universal human rights and protections that would better the quality of life for all people of Earth. So long as we view other humans as the ultimate enemy, we will be left wasting energy on a useless and costly fight. While economics plays a large part in disparity between different population groups, much of it is caused by difference in social perception, opportunity, and treatment of peoples based upon factors of their identity, from race to gender to sexual orientation. Matters of sociological dispute are difficult to approach anywhere but through teaching and convincing, but in terms of actual concrete policy, a guarantee of protection and assurance under the law can go a long way in giving at least a foundation for equality and equity.

It is important to understand that, without a more permanent solution, the accomplishment of these tasks alone will prove insufficient at assuring peace. For example, if we were to organize a worldwide push for sustainability and ecosystem health, we could make a noticeable change, but without legal protection and a major change in the way we handle industry, the work will be undone, and will simply require constant rectification. On the other hand, even with legal protections for underrepresented populations, social stigmas can still remain or evolve, and with the passage of time, even legal precedent can change with the development of governments and nations. The intent with these priorities is not that they should fix the problem, but rather, that they should prevent the problem from getting worse while the problem is fixed all the while.

Allowing such problems to get worse would mean that, by the time a hypothetical federation had formed, there are lives that could have been enriched or even saved by previous action, and the job of climate control made much less a hassle for our potential future federation, which we expect will already be faced with a tall order. In addition, the idea of "establishing federation" is not some grand building project; it has no exact deadline or necessity for supplies. Rather, federation cannot be established until there is ample enough support and leverage for it, and to do so will require Orion and allied organizations to build enough popularity and credibility with the public to push for proper steps and action. Most of what we can do in the meantime is simply to help in whatever way possible, and if we are to ascertain where we can help until the path becomes apparent to the public, it is with improving the human condition with any and all resources at our disposal.

Other matters, such as those of nationalism and economy, will inevitably be touched by the extended effects of the two primary focuses. To seek a standardized and enforced code of human rights means to seek common ground across all nations, and having such can do well to bring nations closer together, socially and politically. Economy, unbalanced as it is, stands directly in the path of a greener Earth, and thus it will be our primary adversary. To achieve some measure of sustainability means to better our economy, and while the structure itself may still be flawed, measurable improvement is still a lesson learned for the future. The bridge will only be half crossed on long term reform, but being halfway there means it will be easier to go all the way, when the time comes.

Now, while the ideal is laid, how exactly will grassroots organizations such as Orion fight and assure climate health and human rights? Attention and awareness of issues, while only half of the fight, are still the first half of the fight. The small contributions of many people add up to a force to be reckoned with, and making clear the economic side of environmental troubles as well as the full scope of the danger can do well to shift the tides of support for the worst offenders. Organization of clean-up, replanting, and lobbying for preservation and regulation will be more effective with a greater workforce - not simply masses of people organizing in one place, but many groups of people, armed with the knowledge of where they can help the most, all working in their own areas for widespread recovery.

In the case of human rights, it should be acknowledged that among the nations of the world, there is an element of strength and power that weighs on negotiation, for better or worse. Powerful nations that are more open to the idea of cultural change and equality can be the primary battlegrounds for true equality; perception will always be the most pivotal element to treatment, so once again, publicization and awareness of the varying realities for different groups will be the method by which deeply engrained behaviors will be unlearned. From public support comes legal change, and if these nations can be turned and made to embody this sense of unity, they can provide pressure upon more stubborn nations to follow the example. Few nations want actual interference and trouble, and so, simply the idea of force can be enough to get the ball rolling, and the citizens of these nations, if given their own push, can keep the ball rolling all the way.

Every victory won in these causes will provide more momentum for the ultimate goal, and so, the pursuit of climate health and human rights not only lessens the damage for the sake of humanity, but builds ground for the establishment of federation. These ideas in mind, it is the primary focus of Orion that, in addition to the spread of Orionist ideas, we push and fight for climate action and legal standardization of human rights in whatever way we can.

- DKTC FL

#climate change #climate health #climate #human rights #universal human rights #rights #human freedoms #freedoms #protections #change #fight for change #essential #reform #equality #equity #civil rights #orion #orion digest #sword of orion #communtiy #world #politics #political #political reform

[swordoforion]

Orion Digest №43 - The Danger of Appeasement

It is important to understand the strategy by which the elites within a democracy operate. They do not simply oppose the will of progressives outright - to do so would garner them less support. Rather, they want to reach as much of a voting crowd as possible, and so they respond not with indifference but in small nods - enough to lower the standards of the masses to where they will accept ultimately meaningless victories. We are taught to believe that meaningful change is "too hopeful" or "too much, too fast," and that we risk angering those in power by ever asking for more. It is a strategy employed to breed weakness in a progressive audience, and must not be taken too seriously.

Our situation could be likened to a leaky hose. Every time a hole bursts on some part of the hose, we rush to fix it, and expend effort trying to patch up the hose, and feel contented once the hole is gone, no matter how much water we lost and what damage has been done. The hose is fixed now, and even if we'd like the hose not to break, it's too much to ask for the hose to be completely hole-proof, right? At the very least, we can be gentler, and hopefully, that will be the last time, we say before the hose breaks again. We expend so much effort and in the end, lose so much water when the simplest solution is simply to replace the hose. We fear what will happen if we do, because to fail will mean a large loss in water, and we might not know how to even use the new hose. But failing to rip off the band-aid will only result in more pains over time.

Just like with the hose analogy, injustice will spread and people will expend all their time and resources just trying to convince the indifferent elites to fix one problem at a time. It will be dangled over the heads of the crowds, and when they finally receive it, the damage will be done and the masses will simply be told to be thankful for what they got. Soon enough, the time will come again when the cycle repeats, and though people will still be angry, it's the best they can do, right? Their new leader may be unhelpful, but at least they were the lesser of two evils. It could always be worse. These are the kinds of thoughts that keep a people in submission, and they must not be fooled.

Think back to the violent deaths of the past year in the United States, where a man was choked to death with a knee on his neck for the world to watch. All the outrage, and yet the true problem - lack of accountability and thorough vetting within law enforcement - is hardly touched, with only a few memorials and arrests made to make the public feel that some semblance of justice has been served. People hope so fervently for gradual change, that if they go through the democratic process, a better world will come about eventually, but in this war, for every move that progressives make, the opposition makes a hundred, and gave the progressives allowance of that one move so that they would not get too wise.

This does not change the fact that in many situations, the 'holes' cannot be abided by while large scale reform is sought. To fight and fix problems one at a time is not exactly something we can avoid, because to do so would be to abandon those in need, to go against our express purpose. If there is a city in the summer experiencing electrical outages, the true cause may be a faulty power system, but the immediate concern is still preventing citizens from suffering heat stroke. People come first - that is the primary concern of change, and if at all possible, it is our responsibility to assist those in need. We are torn between two responsibilities - the endless fight for small victories is a distraction, but we cannot stop fighting, for if we do, it will spell opportunity for those that would take advantage as soon as we lay down our weapon.

There are two paths that we must take if we are to overcome this dilemma. The first lies in grassroots organization. Not simply the creation of grassroots movements and political funds, but the unity and coordination of different movements for achieving shared goals. There are a thousand different causes in the world, all aiming towards some kind of problem that must be fixed. Anti-war movements, anti-child trafficking movements, pro-choice, anti-gun, environmentalism, socialist, federalist, human rights activists, etc. Many are small and have limited reach, but they still have some reach. With common ground, activists could have more of a front to dig in their heels and push for greater recognition, and if they succeed, we are one step closer to our goal, and if they fail, then the appeasers have shown their hands for the world to see, as sympathetic only to money and power.

The second is an emphasis on community aid and benefit. Civilization is organized on various levels, and while we have become more connected to the rest of the world than ever, we must not forget that the people around us - on our street, in our town, at our school - are some of the people we interact closely, and we must remember to care for them. A community can be a family, and when people are in need, it should be the responsibility of all within it to solve problems when systems of government and economy cannot. If large chains and businesses prove unwilling to offer suitable wages, support local businesses and offer a helping hand to those struggling. Get to know people, and if you want to see a problem fixed, talk to them, convince them. If there are those in your neighborhood who feel unsafe, take action and put in the work to understand why and make your community more welcoming. A community pulling together is no easy task, but it is a small change that is worthwhile, for if the practice becomes widespread, it will garner a large impact.

People fear asking authority for anything more than they have been given, and even the worst of desperation only leads to a dangling prize on a string, an appeasement to keep the anger of the public at bay. As always, ignorance and fear are our true enemies, and we must do well to combat them by relying on and trusting each other. A united front will keep pressure on the political side, earning gradual change wherever they can, while people work to fight and help on a local level, within their own homes and neighborhoods, providing what security and aid they can where larger institutions prove incapable. The more we are able to help those in need get by, the more credence our argument for foundational reform will have with them. Likewise, the more we learn to lean on each other, whether between organizations or between neighbors, the better we can come to an understanding in the future. At every level, we must be willing to recognize the problems of others, and extend a hand to help them, or else when we fall, there will be no one to catch us.

Orionist structure is built on this strategy. Both through the model of a Civilian World Parliament and through communications, the Sword of Orion is intended to communicate and coordinate with relevant organizations to push for certain agendas - livable wages, healthcare, welfare, climate action, international peace and unity, etc. Meanwhile, Liberius is intended to interact, organize, and bring aid to individual communities - wherever there is a chapter, its members will seek to offer guidance and assistance wherever it is needed. However, both of these functions are not operating on the assumption that doing so will bring about the change we seek. Rather, they are to supplement absent and necessary functions as best as we can, while working towards our true goal of federation.

Only when democracy exists from top to bottom, only when the market is balanced, only when we put long term investment in our climate at the highest priority, and only when we live and work together as a united world will the tide be turned. While we must remain on guard and expend effort to ensure the safety of others, we cannot settle at baby steps. The ultimate plan must be to permanently change the structure of the system, not to rely on it. Until then, it is a matter of spreading knowledge and tiding the world by with the help of each other.

- DKTC FL

#appeasement #democracy #United States #us politics #protests #short term aid #aid #long term reform #reform #political reform #political strategy #change #community #community aid #community service #grassroots organizations #grassroots united #orion #sword of orion #orion digest