To: twc-l@halmarax.demon.co.uk
From: MicA@halmarax.demon.co.uk
Subject: Re: Comments on TWC-L
In-Reply-To: <31CD2A26.6731@concentric.net>
Date: Mon, 24 Jun 1996 12:17:16 +0100
In message <31CD2A26.6731@concentric.net> Matt wrote:
> > some others, who were approached as potential subscribers,
> > quickly returned messages expressing abhorrence and distaste for the whole
> > concept as they understand it.
>
> I guess you're always going to find people like that.
I hope at least some of them join the list to put forward their thoughts
and feelings on the subject. I've had some very interesting personal
communications from people who feel unable to join the list. I believe
that Net etiquette requires me to keep these messages private, though
some of their contents would provide excellent material for discussion.
> > Maybe we could discuss our thoughts on the purpose and significance of
> > this list, as defined so far, just to get things rolling?
>
> Yeah, that's a good idea. I did not get a letter outlining the
> "mission" of the list.
The list charter, that I guess you read, is the only TWC definition
that's materialised so far, though it would be useful to build on
this foundation.
>Is it purely informational, is it activist, etc?
I hope it's going to be both and more. It's probably expedient
to repeat that the wording of the charter observes the constraints
of the "Law", though it would be impossible for me to define what this
means on a national or international basis. From my point of view the
whole exercise is an act of faith. It's right for me to do this at
this time, so I''l proceed with optimism.
> Let me know what your main goal is and I'll discuss it with you.
My goal is to participate in discussion and action that will
ultimately allow people the choice of using psychedelic drugs
in a therapeutic setting. This would include the facility to
benficially alter ones perception of reality during periods of
major critical transition, i.e. life/death.
>All I
> know is that I'm interested in the subject. I guess you just have to
> start somewhere and let the thing grow like a living organism. Maybe a
> good way to start is by informing people about Huxley's, Leary's, etc.
> beliefs about the psychedelic experience, their experiences with dying,
> and their motivation for taking hallucinogens at that crucial juncture of
> spiritual growth.
I'm not an expert. That's one of the reasons why I'm interested in helping
to develop a mailing list. It's for the purpose of educating myself,
preferably in the company of and with the support of others.
In the 70's I often used drugs. I'm more careful now but I appreciate
the benfits of wise and selective use.
I've read several of Aldous Huxleys books. I've read about Timothy Leary
and some of his contemporaries. I'm looking for more information on these
and related subjects. The construction of an informational resources file
might be generally useful.
The Tibetan Book of the Dead had the biggest effect on me, though
I had to read it several times to get the gist. I'd confidently
base my own future development on the concept that reality is a
projection of consciousness, though I'm sure that some of the
implications of this elude me right now.
> This is the first mailing list I've been involved in, so I don't know the
> typical pattern of evolution. I say break all the rules, shatter
> preconceptions--treat it as if it were the first and only mailing list.
> Don't bind its growth--my two cents.
Well put. You make the prospects sound exciting.
> Again, if I can help...
>
> Patiently,
>
> Matt
You just did. It certainly helped me to clarify a few things in my mind.
Thanks,
-- MicA