I have chosen "The New Psychedelic Movement" to refer to the groups of individuals who inhabit message boards like these.
In my opinion, our "movement" has become stong enough that it will be remembered as an effector of historical change. I would be surprised if people like Murple and MGS, websites like erowid, and so forth, were not mentioned in future historical texts.
We are at a unique point in history. In my opinion, modern politics and culture is catalyzing a zeitgeist, perhaps reminiscent of "the sixties." We will play a similar role to the followers of Timothy Leary in that era.
Now, it is clear to me that we are, on the whole, in denial of this truth. We, in fact, abhor what Leary did for the psychedelic "movement." Because of this, we long to avoid the mistakes he made. Ideally, we would like to not be a movement at all, but more of an underground society. Throughout the nineties and early naughts, this is precisely what we have been, hidden from the sight of "normal" individuals, government, and the media. But times are changing fast. If you have not caught on to this, read the Guardian article posted on the BL home page today.
As I see it, the question now becomes: How do we survive? Many potential revolutions of the "sixties" were easily squelched by government and societal agendas in the years following. Leary's movement is a perfect example. The Equal Rights Amendment is perhaps another.
We can't hide forever. How do we avoid the mistakes of history? We would all like to avoid making a negative impact on the universe. But, as Leary has demonstrated, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
We have a choice to make. Despite some of our best efforts, the things we like to do are now part of a growing commercial enterprise. Our governments are going to try to make all our favorite pastimes highly illegal, it's inevitable. At this point we are, in my opinion, ill prepared to stop this from happening. What are we to do!??? I'd like to see some serious discussion in this vein, this is both the time and the place.
In my opinion, our "movement" has become stong enough that it will be remembered as an effector of historical change. I would be surprised if people like Murple and MGS, websites like erowid, and so forth, were not mentioned in future historical texts.
We are at a unique point in history. In my opinion, modern politics and culture is catalyzing a zeitgeist, perhaps reminiscent of "the sixties." We will play a similar role to the followers of Timothy Leary in that era.
Now, it is clear to me that we are, on the whole, in denial of this truth. We, in fact, abhor what Leary did for the psychedelic "movement." Because of this, we long to avoid the mistakes he made. Ideally, we would like to not be a movement at all, but more of an underground society. Throughout the nineties and early naughts, this is precisely what we have been, hidden from the sight of "normal" individuals, government, and the media. But times are changing fast. If you have not caught on to this, read the Guardian article posted on the BL home page today.
As I see it, the question now becomes: How do we survive? Many potential revolutions of the "sixties" were easily squelched by government and societal agendas in the years following. Leary's movement is a perfect example. The Equal Rights Amendment is perhaps another.
We can't hide forever. How do we avoid the mistakes of history? We would all like to avoid making a negative impact on the universe. But, as Leary has demonstrated, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
We have a choice to make. Despite some of our best efforts, the things we like to do are now part of a growing commercial enterprise. Our governments are going to try to make all our favorite pastimes highly illegal, it's inevitable. At this point we are, in my opinion, ill prepared to stop this from happening. What are we to do!??? I'd like to see some serious discussion in this vein, this is both the time and the place.
), the key is not forming a movement that will try to convince people (The government) to reform. This will not work.
