It's good to note that Rep. Alan Grayson is speaking up against the US taking military action in Syria. See HERE for one example; and a link to his online petition appears on THIS blog.
I looked at his natal chart in 2010 in a post titled Election Go-round when preparations for the 2012 General election were gearing up.
Now's a good time to look again. It's a 12 noon chart so Moon and ascendant positions are not reliable.
His gentle Pisces Sun belies the forceful and outspoken politician we've come to know and admire. Neptune, ruler of Pisces, now resides in its home sign, but will not conjoin his natal Sun until around 2022. We still cannot be 100% certain what a transit of Neptune might have in store. Neptune has the reputation of illusion, delusion and general fogginess, so can present a bit of mystery in transit history.
Natal Mercury (communication)is in the first degree of Aries, known as The Aries Point, thought to be a strong position. Perhaps this is the source of the forthright communication style we recognise as Grayson's. His Mercury was right in the path of transiting Uranus, planet of unexpected change a couple of years ago. Alan Grayson lost his seat to the opposition in the 2010 mid-terms - one unexpected event! He regained his seat in 2012. If Alan Grayson were born before or around noon, transiting Pluto was within range of his natal Moon during the run-up to the 2012 election. It almost seems (tongue in cheek) that Uranus ousted him and Pluto reinstated him.
Long may his raised voice be heard ! I wish we had a Representative like him in our district of Oklahoma.
22 comments:
A very complex person, with any number of current transits that will reshape him somehow.
He has two yods:
Mercury-Mars, Pluto apex
Jupiter (& Neptune)-Pluto, Mercury apex
Transiting Mars will conjunct his Pluto in October, activating both yods. Conflict.
He's been having heavy Saturn transits to Jupiter-N Node-Neptune that just completed. Transiting Mars will conjunct his Uranus, but square transiting Saturn for T-square to his Venus (fireworks!) in a week.
His Moon is between 1 to 13 degrees of Capricorn, so hard to tell when the Uranus-Pluto square transit has or is affecting him.
I think there is a huge potential for Grayson to have troubles personally and maybe professionally, too. His Pluto is a wild card...could bring him to the world's stage nicely or finish him off...poof!
mike ~ Thanks for your astro observations. I think you meant to say Mercury/Venus apex Pluto for the first Yod mentioned.
Maybe troubles, maybe challenges, maybe bravely putting himself in the spotlight and therefore becoming vulnerable to much criticism (and scheming) by those powerful individuals in the opposite camp.
(It's not by accident I put a quote by the late Paul Wellstone in the sidebar today.)
No...Mars @ 28 Cap, Mercury @ 2 Aries, with Pluto 1 Virgo...Mars is out-of-sign, but still a yod and is a much tighter yod than Mercury-Venus-Pluto (I debated about calling that one a yod, too!)
On too many occasions I have witnessed individuals that fought the good fight for what was surely to be a "truthful" victory, but alas, it was not to be. Not the right timing or others' interests were too high to allow for the truth to win-out, even if it meant advancement and betterment for all.
I wish Grayson happy trails in his pursuits! And particularly any of our representatives that can persuade the notion of no Syrian involvement.
mike ~~ Oh yes - sorry - I see now! Out-of-sign trap caught me again.
Dennis Kucinich is also speaking out - which was to be expected. He's long been an anti-war voice, but has now lost his seat in Congress - via gerrymandering (another way those really in power have of making sure such voices do not carry too far). I think he now contributes at Fox TV - a voice in the wilderness on most issues then!
Some Republican reps and senators do seem likely to vote against, for all the wrong reasons, but beggars can't be choosers.
This will bring forth a very mixed, dazed and confused bag of tricks when it comes time for them all to vote.
While I'm grateful for Representative Grayson's current position on Syria, he remains a hold-out on another very significant issue, that of making healthcare affordable for all Americans. If the list is correct, it appears in 2013 he signed on very briefly as a co-sponsor of HR676 (Expanded and Improved Medicare For All Act) but then withdrew his support less than a week later. The bill is reintroduced each year by Rep. John Conyers. http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d113:H.R.676:@@@P
He also supported the Affordable Care Act (the insurance mandate) by using the same questionable political rhetoric that, whether intentionally or not, left many Americans with a wrong impression of what the act will and won't do.
As Mike said, a complex person whose thinking and motives remain unclear - which doesn't mean we shouldn't support him for taking a stand on Syria, only that he needs our encouragement to re-think his position on other important humanitarian issues.
Here's another link you might find interesting: http://www.healthcare-now.org/index.php?s=Grayson
I was going to say Good for Him till I read SB's comment. if he's against the health care bill- to hell with him .
LB ~ He was in much the same position as Dennis Kucinich then as regards the healthcare issue. Kucinich was taken on a flight of Airforce 1 with the President and on his return had changed his mind and was ready to vote for what's now called Obamacare.
I was very, very disappointed in him then, but have since relented. We have no means of knowing what kind of pressure was put on Kucinich and maybe on Grayson - maybe others too.
We simply have to take what we can get at each turn of the sorry tale we're in the midst of just now, I guess, and not expect our politicians to be perfect all the time on every single issue.
As you say, we should support him on this issue NOW. This issue involves imminent possibility of horrendous death and destruction of property for maybe thousands of people - and for no good reason. It could be said said, re threat to life, "so does the health care issue", yet for me the wanton, immediate, destruction of life in a land not threatening us in the least, is far, far worse.
Sonny ~~ Please don't disregard him and his stance now because of some issue in the past. Healthcare and the Syria issue are two completely different matters, with different ramifications and different potentialities in outcome - are they not?
Twilight ~ It's true what you say about Dennis Kucinich (reluctantly) changing his mind and throwing his support behind the Affordable Care Act's passage at the last minute. Like many others, I was very disappointed. Having said that, it's important to keep in mind that unlike Alan Grayson, Kucinich *also* continued to sign on as a co-sponsor of HR676 each year it was re-introduced, without ever having withdrawn his support (so far as I know).
HR676 has been around since 2004. To be clear, Grayson does *not* support HR676 (or any other form of universal healthcare) and to my knowledge, only supported HR676 for about a week in 2013.
While I don't expect perfection from anyone -including our elected representatives- I do believe the choices we make (as well as the *why* behind them) tell us something important about what it is we truly value. It's easy to do the right thing when we have the support of our peers, not nearly so easy to withstand social or political pressure and go it alone and act without it - that's one of the tests of integrity. It's also what makes us trustworthy.
I agree with you Twilight, the issue of war is gravely important, especially now as we stand on the brink of the abyss. But other issues continue to matter as well, including the challenge of providing affordable access to healthcare, regardless of income, age or health status.
Although I don't personally think Congressman Grayson's record makes him someone I'd vote for or trust to represent the voiceless among us, the point of my former comment wasn't to diminish the value in a NO vote on the Syria issue. I'm with you on that count and wish more would do the same.
LB ~ I understand your position, cannot entirely disagree regarding Alan Grayson because I truly don't know enough about him.
It seems to me, though, that he's one of the few - very few - who show some inclination to support left-wingers rather than Obama-apologist Democrats. I'm not a Democrat, and have problems identifying anyone at all I can relate to in congress. Bernie Sanders and Grayson are the only two who get anywhere near my own
views. Neither is an exact fit, but the best I can see at present. Elizabeth Warren is beginning to be a disappointment already, though I had high hopes for her. She is supporting the President in his push to use military force in Syria.
Hmmmmmm...and now it comes that the Saudis are VERY willing to pay for this intervention:
Kerry said that kind of scenario is "not in the cards," though did not rule out accepting some money from Syria's Arab neighbors to cover costs of a military action. He said the offers have been "quite significant -- I mean very significant."
The majority of the 9-11-2001 terrorists were Saudi nationals, yet Saudi Arabia was treated as an American ally. Many Saudis within the USA at that time were given special air escort out of the USA by our military.
Maybe Bush and Obama have pledged with the Arabs and the Arabs are big daddy.
Should have been in quotes as a Fox News quote:
"Kerry said that kind of scenario is 'not in the cards,' though did not rule out accepting some money from Syria's Arab neighbors to cover costs of a military action. He said the offers have been 'quite significant -- I mean very significant.'"
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/09/04/kerry-warns-failure-to-approve-syria-strike-would-embolden-assad/?icid=maing-grid7|main5|dl1|sec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D368694
Twilight ~ There isn't anyone whose positions I identify with either. Our world isn't there yet and neither are our elected representatives.
To *some* extent, our laws, systems and structures, the leaders we follow, thinkers we believe, people we elect, celebrities we emulate, and businesses we buy from all reflect our values as a society. Chris Hedges has spoken of our "intellectual and moral paralysis" - I think the reality has taken many of us by surprise, which is probably why so many of us continue to not only tolerate, but also actively support the intolerable.
Adding how *choice* is a luxury not everyone has, though *not* choosing the lesser of two evils when it comes to voting is one way most of us still have available. I still struggle and fail on a regular basis - generally related to what I consume and purchase.
Actions speak louder than words. There are far too many of us that implore our leaders to lay-off the Mideast conflicts, correct global warming, stop fracking, etc. Each of us has our excuses as to why we are limited in our every-day actions, or worse yet, our valiant efforts to reduce our consumption by a tiny fraction.
Every gallon of gas consumed produces 20 pounds of carbon dioxide, which equals global warming, conflict in the Mideast, and fracking. Any commercially grown meat produces methane, which equals global warming. Most electricity consumed equals global warming, conflict in the Mideast, and fracking.
I recently read that one smart phone uses as much electricity as a refrigerator does in one year, when the relay tower is factored-in for that one phone. Digital electronics have been responsible for large increase in electricity consumption.
http://science.time.com/2013/08/14/power-drain-the-digital-cloud-is-using-more-energy-than-you-think/
It's very difficult to contemplate our various "footprints" as consumers, particularly us American consumers. It's an essential task toward understanding how our choices undermine our politics and oppose our personal beliefs in "humanitarian efforts".
LB and mike ~~ Our choices in what we each have consumed/bought in our lifetimes, if guided by the true long term results as mike lays out, and with so many people making similar choices: consequences = where we find ourselves at present. Up a creek without a paddle.
To be fair, until relatively recently - around the 1970s, we were completely unaware of where we were headed. By that time ways of life were ingrained so deeply that it was difficult, impossible for many, to, for instance, limit use of vehicles and therefore gas, and use of electricity.
Even now, when we know the dangers the limits we put on ourselves have to be minimal in order to get to work, school, stay warm or avoid cold or heat-related illnesses, or have any kind of pleasure activity.
It's much easier to "be good" in other countries, such as the UK, where public transport is a way of life, and the climate is more temperate.
I wasn't aware of the kind of electricity digital electronics
consume - I'd assumed it was a tiny amount. Now digital has become a way of life too, in addition to all our other "sins".
I don't know what the answer is - how to be "good" enough to qualify to protest and try to make others aware. I'm not "good" enough that's for sure.
I think it's part of the same dilemma brought up by LB when we feel disappointed in some congress people for certain of their votes.
Perfection, moral or physical isn't real - there's no such thing. All I can say, for myself, is that I am aware of what we're doing when we take off on our road trips, when I buy stuff from corporate stores, and when I switch on the AC or furnace. I'm aware, but to make my life worth living I need to use these things, or I may as well be dead....which I shall be, sooner than most anyway, with a footprint which is very, very small by US standards until 2004.
which doesn't excuse me for being profligate now.
mike ~ Good points.:) Especially about electronic waste and the fuel it takes to produce it. It's why I've held onto the same (old and dumb) phone for around 10 years. It's so big, people laugh when they see it, but it works! Unfortunately, the plans available for our older phones no longer work for us so I'm being forced (for economic reasons) to finally give in and purchase a newer model - just your basic, not a smart-phone, which I'm quite sure won't last nearly so long.:(
We have a car, but I don't drive and refuse to live anywhere where we're forced to to get around by car. Again, I do realize not everyone has the choice. . .
Another 'choice' I made was to divest my modest retirement funds from the private health insurance industry. We're still trying to encourage the plan itself to offer a socially responsible investment vehicle that doesn't include these businesses.
We also *try* to purchase non-GMO foods and to stay away from farmed salmon as much as possible, although I wish we had better access to local organic farmers in our area. Usually we do the bulk of our shopping at Trader Joe's to save time and money (less gas). For these same reasons, there are *very* few places we choose to eat out at.
Still, there are many other ways in which I could improve - for instance, after reading how Amazon treats their employees, I've tried not to order from them. Yet there are some things I can't find anywhere else and it bothers me. I do try to be aware and am willing to change. I think the most important changes we can make involve becoming more informed and aware, then treating others as mindfully as we'd hope to be treated.
Twilight ~ It would be very difficult to go back to living the way previous generations did - without modern conveniences. We were short-sighted in our planning and didn't keep the bigger, long-term picture in mind.
There are ways we can improve though - some of the businesses we support (including the movie theater), are solar-powered, which seems like something. It's only important that we try in the ways that we can. None of us is perfect or could ever hope to be. The times I feel like I've failed are those times when I knew I had another relatively easy choice I could've made, but didn't.
Alan Grayson spoke on Democracy Now today.
http://www.democracynow.org/2013/9/5/rep_alan_grayson_on_syria_congress
Extract of transcript:
REP. ALAN GRAYSON: Secretary Hagel, there’s been a report in the media that the administration has mischaracterized post-attack Syrian military communications and that these communications actually express surprise about the attack. This is a very serious charge. Can you please release the original transcripts so that the American people can make their own judgment about that important issue?
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE CHUCK HAGEL: What transcripts are you referring to?
REP. ALAN GRAYSON: The transcripts that were reported that took place after the attack in which the government has suggested that they confirmed the existence of an attack, but actually it’s been reported that Syrian commanders expressed surprise about the attack having taken place, not confirmed it.
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE CHUCK HAGEL: Well, that’s probably classified. Congressman, I’d have to go back and review exactly what—what you’re referring to.
REP. ALAN GRAYSON: Well, you will agree that it’s important that the administration not mislead the public in any way about these reports, won’t you?
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE CHUCK HAGEL: Well, of course. But I’m not aware of the administration misleading the American public on this issue or any other issue.
REP. ALAN GRAYSON: Will you agree that the only way to put that matter to rest is to release the original reports in some redacted form?
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE CHUCK HAGEL: Well, I’m not going to agree to anything 'til I see it and ’til I understand better what it is. But most likely it's classified.
REP. ALAN GRAYSON: I understand that.
*************
REP. ALAN GRAYSON: Well, I think that the forces of warmongering and the forces of the military-industrial complex are headed for an historic defeat in the House. According to the New York — The Washington Post whip count as of this morning, there are 19 members of Congress in favor of this resolution and 174 against. And the reasons are simple: It’s not our responsibility, it’s not going to do any good, it’s expensive, and it’s dangerous. And those arguments are winning the day among House members, both Democrat and Republican. The margin among Democrats right now in the House is four-to-one against. The margin among Republicans is over 10-to-one against.
AG comes in at around 15 minutes, and thereafter.
...am still watching the rest of the video.
Twilight ~ There's a lot going on, with much debate. Hopefully knowing they have the support of the American people will embolden *more* of our elected representatives to take a stand.
Been watching the news this evening, hearing lawmakers talk about the overwhelming number of phone calls (emails, tweets, etc.) they've received from the public voicing strong opposition to the president's proposed military action in Syria. Apparently, the response has been unprecedented, with phone lines flooded.
I also ran across an older online article discussing the most effective ways to influence Congress and other organizations. Admittedly, the last time the post was updated was several years ago, though I suspect the point it makes about the value of phone calls over mass emailing campaigns -at least when it comes to Congress- probably still holds true. In the past, I've signed a lot of online petitions directed at Congress, so it's good to know.
Social Media is mentioned as an option as well (at the end of the article), although it says it's "a tactic with a short shelf-life." Maybe things have changed since then?
http://www.epolitics.com/2006/07/03/online-tactics-influencing-decision-makers/
The bottom line is our phone calls to Congress *can* make a difference. Our representatives can't claim they didn't know how we felt. As I type this, CNN is reporting the proposed attack *could* be much larger than initially thought.
LB ~ A line from Evita comes to mind:
"Dice are rolling, the knives are out.....
I'm so pleased that the voice of the people is being heard at last, whether it'll be acted upon remains to be seen - fingers crossed is about all we're able to do now.
Thanks for the link. Will read in the morning - our internet connection was lost this afternoon and early evening, so am quickly catching up before bedtime. :-)
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