" the guardian 's take on arizona "

Tom Dart from the Guardian


27 - February - 2014

 Arizona governor Jan Brewer has struck down a controversial law that opponents said would have allowed businesses in the state to discriminate against gay and lesbian people for religious reasons. 

Senate bill 1062 was passed by the Republican-controlled Arizona legislature last week but vetoed by Brewer on Wednesday.

 It would have given business owners with “sincerely held” religious beliefs the legal right to refuse service to anyone if it would conflict with those beliefs.

 Critics said the measure was anti-gay and would prompt boycotts that could be bad for business. Those in favour of the bill claimed that it was intended to safeguard religious freedom and was simply a reinforcement of existing state law.

 Brewer told a news conference in Phoenix that she vetoed the bill because it “could result in unintended and negative consequences” and that it “does not address a specific and present concern related to religious liberty in Arizona. I have not heard of one example in Arizona where a business owner’s religious liberty has been violated”.

 “I call them like I see them despite the cheers or the boos from the crowd. I took the necessary time to make the right decision, I met or spoke with my attorneys, lawmakers and citizens supporting and opposing this legislation.

 “To the supporters of this legislation, I want you to know I understand that long-held norms about marriage and family are being challenged as never before. Our society is undergoing many dramatic changes. However I sincerely believe that Senate bill 1062 has the potential to create more problems than it purports to solve.”

 The Obama administration had earlier weighed into the controversy when secretary of state John Kerry told MSNBC that he was “counting on the governor. I cannot imagine how that law would withstand the scrutiny of the supreme court of the United States, so I would hope that she’ll make the right decision.”

 Large companies were opposed to the bill and warned that it could damage the state’s economy, among them Apple, American Airlines, Marriott and Delta Airlines. Sports Illustrated reported that the NFL had started to investigate the possibility of moving next season’s Super Bowl away from Arizona. Major League Baseball issued a statement condemning the legislation.

 Prominent Republicans also argued for a veto, including Arizona senators John McCain and Jeff Flake and former presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

 Brewer had not offered any prior hints regarding her decision, but pressure to reject the legislation had mounted this week and it was clear that Arizona’s image was in danger of being severely tarnished if the law passed. The Hispanic National Bar Association said earlier on Wednesday that it had scrapped plans to hold its annual convention in Arizona next year, calling the bill an “injustice”. 

“We strongly support the right of every person to exercise their religious beliefs, but religious freedom doesn’t give any of us the right to harm others,” Eunice Rho, advocacy and policy counsel with the American Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement. “The massive public opposition to this, as well as several other failed bills across the country, shows that Americans of all political persuasions and religions feel the same way.”

 Amid the intense national focus on Arizona, a similar bill was withdrawn by politicians in Ohio on Wednesday. They conceded there was a risk that what they had envisaged as a law to protect religious freedom might encourage discrimination.

 The news came a couple of hours after a legal ruling in Texas that appears to be a significant boost to proponents of marriage equality. A federal judge voided the state’s ban on gay marriage, saying it did not comply with the US constitution and demeaned the dignity of gay people.

 However, the decision remains on hold pending an appeals court ruling expected later this year, and Republican politicians pledged to fight the judgment. The issue is ultimately expected to head to the Supreme Court.

 The Associated Press contributed to this report

Source : http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/27/arizona-governor-vetoes-anti-gay-bill

" pentagon shrinking the army to its pre-war II levels "

towards global peace,  :)



Thom Shanker and Helene Cooper

NYTimes

23 - February - 2014



WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel plans to shrink the United States Army to its smallest force since before the World War II buildup and eliminate an entire class of Air Force attack jets in a new spending proposal that officials describe as the first Pentagon budget to aggressively push the military off the war footing adopted after the terror attacks of 2001.

 The proposal, described by several Pentagon officials on the condition of anonymity in advance of its release on Monday, takes into account the fiscal reality of government austerity and the political reality of a president who pledged to end two costly and exhausting land wars. A result, the officials argue, will be a military capable of defeating any adversary, but too small for protracted foreign occupations. 

The officials acknowledge that budget cuts will impose greater risk on the armed forces if they are again ordered to carry out two large-scale military actions at the same time: Success would take longer, they say, and there would be a larger number of casualties. Officials also say that a smaller military could invite adventurism by adversaries.

 “You have to always keep your institution prepared, but you can’t carry a large land-war Defense Department when there is no large land war,” a senior Pentagon official said.

 Outlines of some of the budget initiatives, which are subject to congressional approval, have surfaced, an indication that even in advance of its release the budget is certain to come under political attack.

 For example, some members of Congress, given advance notice of plans to retire air wings, have vowed legislative action to block the move, and the National Guard Association, an advocacy group for those part-time military personnel, is circulating talking points urging Congress to reject anticipated cuts. State governors are certain to weigh in, as well. And defense-industry officials and members of Congress in those port communities can be expected to oppose any initiatives to slow Navy shipbuilding.

 Even so, officials said that despite budget reductions, the military would have the money to remain the most capable in the world and that Mr. Hagel’s proposals have the endorsement of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Money saved by reducing the number of personnel, they said, would assure that those remaining in uniform would be well trained and supplied with the best weaponry.

 The new American way of war will be underscored in Mr. Hagel’s budget, which protects money for Special Operations forces and cyberwarfare. And in an indication of the priority given to overseas military presence that does not require a land force, the proposal will — at least for one year — maintain the current number of aircraft carriers at 11.

 Over all, Mr. Hagel’s proposal, the officials said, is designed to allow the American military to fulfill President Obama’s national security directives: to defend American territory and the nation’s interests overseas and to deter aggression — and to win decisively if again ordered to war.

 “We’re still going to have a very significant-sized Army,” the official said. “But it’s going to be agile. It will be capable. It will be modern. It will be trained.”

 Mr. Hagel’s plan would most significantly reshape America’s land forces — active-duty soldiers as well as those in the National Guard and Reserve.

 The Army, which took on the brunt of the fighting and the casualties in Afghanistan and Iraq, already was scheduled to drop to 490,000 troops from a post-9/11 peak of 570,000. Under Mr. Hagel’s proposals, the Army would drop over the coming years to between 440,000 and 450,000.

 That would be the smallest United States Army since 1940. For years, and especially during the Cold War, the Pentagon argued that it needed a military large enough to fight two wars simultaneously — say, in Europe and Asia. In more recent budget and strategy documents, the military has been ordered to be prepared to decisively win one conflict while holding off an adversary’s aspirations in a second until sufficient forces could be mobilized and redeployed to win there.

 The Guard and Reserves, which proved capable in their wartime deployments although costly to train to meet the standards of their full-time counterparts, would face smaller reductions. But the Guard would see its arsenal reshaped.

 The Guard’s Apache attack helicopters would be transferred to the active-duty Army, which would transfer its Black Hawk helicopters to the Guard. The rationale is that Guard units have less peacetime need for the bristling array of weapons on the Apache and would put the Black Hawk — a workhorse transport helicopter — to use in domestic disaster relief.

 The cuts proposed by Mr. Hagel fit the Bipartisan Budget Act reached by Mr. Obama and Congress in December to impose a military spending cap of about $496 billion for fiscal year 2015. If steeper spending reductions kick in again in 2016 under the sequestration law, however, then even more significant cuts would be required in later years.

 The budget to be presented Monday will be the first sweeping initiative that bears Mr. Hagel’s full imprint. Although Mr. Hagel has been in office one year, most of his efforts in that time have focused on initiatives and problems that he inherited. In many ways his budget provides an opportunity for him to begin anew.

 The proposals are certain to face resistance from interest groups like veterans’ organizations, which oppose efforts to rein in personnel costs; arms manufacturers that want to reverse weapons cuts; and some members of Congress who will seek to block base closings in their districts.

 Mr. Hagel will take some first steps to deal with the controversial issue of pay and compensation, as the proposed budget would impose a one-year salary freeze for general and flag officers; basic pay for military personnel would rise by 1 percent. After the 2015 fiscal year, raises in pay will be similarly restrained, Pentagon officials say. 

The fiscal 2015 budget will also call for slowing the growth of tax-free housing allowances for military personnel and would reduce the $1.4 billion direct subsidy provided to military commissaries, which would most likely make goods purchased at those commissaries more expensive for soldiers.

 The budget also proposes an increase in health insurance deductibles and some co-pays for some military retirees and for some family members of active servicemen. But Mr. Hagel’s proposals do not include any changes to retirement benefits for those currently serving.

 Under Mr. Hagel’s proposals, the entire fleet of Air Force A-10 attack aircraft would be eliminated. The aircraft was designed to destroy Soviet tanks in case of an invasion of Western Europe, and the capabilities are deemed less relevant today. The budget plan does sustain money for the controversial F-35 warplane, which has been extremely expensive and has run into costly delays.

 In addition, the budget proposal calls for retiring the famed U-2 spy plane in favor of the remotely piloted Global Hawk.

 The Navy would be allowed to purchase two destroyers and two attack submarines every year. But 11 cruisers will be ordered into reduced operating status during modernization.

 Although consideration was given to retiring an aircraft carrier, the Navy will keep its fleet of 11 — for now. The George Washington would be brought in for overhaul and nuclear refueling — a lengthy process that could be terminated in future years under tighter budgets.

Source : http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/24/us/politics/pentagon-plans-to-shrink-army-to-pre-world-war-ii-level.html?_r=1

" situation on Earth, different kind of time "

SaLuSa through Mike Quinsey

 21 - February -  2014.

 You are present on Earth at a most important time, and as Lightworkers many of you have specific roles to play to help manifest the changes. Each of you volunteered to serve the Light at such an important time, and be assured that every contribution is essential to the whole.

 Providing you can stay focused on your task, you will be doing your bit to help bring about the changes that are essential to manifest the Light. It is a fact that, because so many individuals are helping in this way, the dark Ones are losing their battle to maintain their rule.

 Although they concentrate on the larger picture, we have them under total observation and are fully aware of their plans. Our combined efforts will eventually result in a bloodless coup that will force the dark Ones to accept their defeat. They will be totally overwhelmed by the progress made by us, and we know exactly when to play our hand.

 The situation upon Earth is demanding a lot from you, but bear in mind that there are immense changes taking place. You may rest assured that the outcome is known by us and indeed is often set up with our help. So do not be distracted by what is happening around you, knowing that a successful outcome has already been planned.

 We are obviously aware that the dark Ones will fight to the bitter end, but we have matters under control and we will not allow them to get out of hand. For karmic reasons we cannot interfere in some matters that have to play themselves out to clear outstanding responsibilities.

 As the vibrations begin to lift upon Earth some of you will find that your psychic powers increase, and that generally you are becoming more intuitive. It will help you to decide what to do when faced with a number of choices, and you will be able to go forward with confidence.

 Remember that we are also on hand and never far away if you require some help. However, do not try to anticipate exactly how it would be given or when, simply accept that we will do what is best for you. We have the advantage of being able to see the larger picture and act accordingly. Sometimes for example we need to introduce changes in your life, and getting them into place can be difficult. Humans seem to have a strong mindset and do not always welcome change.

 Time is still speeding up but you are now getting used to coping with it. It means being better organized and making full use of it. In the future you will live in an entirely different time, where the day to day chores that you now experience will no longer be necessary. Most of your needs will simply be provided by pure thought and it will be instantaneous.

 Even now you often unknowingly project powerful ones that do bring you the results you desire. That is why we already advise you to carefully watch your thoughts, as you have more power than you presently realise. In time you will be able to control them, and at a certain high level of vibration nothing less that positive ones would enter your mind. Already those souls on the path of Light are subconsciously or consciously working towards a condition which excludes anything of a negative nature.

 If what is expected of you sounds difficult or demanding, be assured that all changes will manifest when you are ready. No one will rush you into phases of upliftment until you are, and much help is always available to you. The fact that you are here at this most important time, is in itself a sufficient indication of your ability to make adequate progress.

 Needless to say, every contribution is helping the Light to manifest and spread the knowledge that will establish the truth of your history and the future that awaits you. We have told you many times that nothing happens by chance that impacts upon your life. All happens for a reason and is intended to further your progress towards the Light.

 We will confirm once again that President Obama is playing a major role in bringing the Light to Earth, and in a holding position that will ensure the truth comes out. More importantly he is also playing a balancing game between the dark and Light, until the time is right for the next great step to be taken. 

As you must realise from past experience, we have inexhaustible patience and no move is made until the outcome can be assured. After such a long time working to turn the tide, we are not going to make any errors now that the finishing line is in sight. Your patience has worn thin at times, but we have been overjoyed at the rising levels of understanding that you have achieved.

 I am SaLuSa from Sirius, and pleased to tell you that we have tight control over the activities of the dark Ones. If you get the impression that we do not, be aware that by seemingly allowing them to proceed with their plan, we are setting them a trap. By the time they realise how they have been fooled, it will be too late for them to recover. Then at last we shall have the stage to ourselves and rapidly proceed with the changes that have been long awaited. It will be a most exhilarating time with great happiness and joy.

 Thank you SaLuSa,

 Mike Quinsey

 Source : http://treeofthegoldenlight.com/First_Contact/Channeled_Messages_by_Mike_Quinsey.htm

" Obama, valentine's day, clean-up on the human realm "

Archangel Michael through Linda Dillon

An Hour with an Angel

13 - February - 2014

Graham Dewyea: Hello, and welcome to An Hour with an Angel, with Linda Dillon, the channel for the Council of Love and author of The New You: Emerging into the Brilliance of Humanity’s Heart Consciousness. Joining her is Steve Beckow, founder of the Golden Age of Gaia and author of Building Nova Earth: Toward a World that Works for Everyone.

 Our guest today is Archangel Michael. So, with that, I’ll pass it over to you, Steve.

 SB: Thank you very much, Graham. And welcome, Archangel Michael.

 AAM: And welcome to you. Yes, I am Michael, archangel of peace, warrior of love, sometimes bringer of news, throughout the multiverse. And welcome to all of you.

Welcome to this time of joy, of laughter, of new beginnings, of expansion, of new reality; welcome to this time of the fulfillment of you — for it is not simply the Mother’s fulfillment of the promise and her plan that we have spoken of so many times. It is the fulfillment of you, and not merely, my beloved friends, of what you think of as your plan, your mission, your purpose, but also your joy, the sheer joy of being alive and being in form, of being in form at this magnificent time upon Gaia, upon this planet known to many as Earth, as Terra Gaia.

 The winds of change are upon you, and they do not knock you over. But they caress your face. They make you look and breathe and inhale the scent in the wind — the scent of change, the scent of love, the scent of expansion, the scent of becoming — the truth of your inter-dimensional, multi-dimensional self.

 Beloved friends, you are throwing off the shackles that have bound you for so long. You are throwing off the shackles of the old 3rd dimension — some of you consciously and joyously; some of you not. But look to how your thought patterns, your emotional patterns, your spiritual patterns, your relationships, your inter-relationships, the vision and the love for your sacred self, look to how these change and are changing. It is a miraculous time, above and below.

 Do I suggest to you that the chaos has ended, that all the paradigms, false grids and belief systems upon your planet have been eliminated? No. But they are rapidly dissolving. And you are partners in love and co-creation. You love-holders, love-bearers, you are bringing this to fruition. Do not doubt your role in our partnership with thee.

 Are our roles identical? Most certainly not. And that is true even on this side, between the angelic realm, the various realms, the archangelic realm, the thrones, the seraphim, your star brothers and sisters, the ascended masters, those who have simply evolved to sheer energy. Each being, unique in the beauty and divinity of their creation, the creation and the reflection of the Mother, has a unique role.

And you, sweet angels on Earth, I remind you — and you may scoff and you may laugh and you may hit your forehead, but I remind you — each of you has a unique role, not only in terms of your divine self, your integrated self, but also your human, hybrid self.

 We cannot, and we certainly choose not to, go forward without you. This Ascension, the shift, is a co-creation. Yes, you have been downloaded, imbued, enfolded, infused with the divine gifts directly from the heart of the Mother — her clarity, her purity, her blue diamond. Now you are immersed in the bath of pink by your star brothers and sisters. St. German ignites his torch all around the world. But we do this with you.

 So often you have a tendency — and I do not say this in a critical matter — to believe that you are the junior partners, that in that old reality that you are “less than,” my family. My friends, my legions, my circle, ignite your blue flame of truth and see the wholeness of who you are, and know that you are in sacred, full partnership with us.

 Yes, what is sent to you, what is done on behalf of the Mother, is different for each of us. But do not doubt your role. And please, do not doubt the critical, essential nature of your role. And your role is not merely surrender and clearing. Your role is action, your role is stepping forward and claiming the totality not only of what you desire but of what you wish and what you came here for.

 Now, having said that, I would be remiss if I did not also say to you how well you are doing. There are times, simply giving the scope of what you are able to see and perceive, that you do not have the broader picture of how well — individually, uniquely, but also as a collective and certainly as groups, as groups and circles of way-showers and pillars and gatekeepers and teachers and channels and healers, and communicators — you do not always see how brilliantly you truly are doing, how well you are proceeding.

 And so from our perspective to your hearts, we want you to know, you are moving not at the speed of light, but at the speed of love. And we, dear heart, are moving with you. Be clear in this, because there has been much discussion with us, with the masters, with your star brothers and sisters, of this concept of leveling the playing field, as it were, of frequencies being raised, frequencies being lowered, so that we can be together. That is not what I am saying this day. I am saying that we, all of us, are proceeding together.

 You say to me, “Beloved Michael, archangel of my heart, please show me.” And we understand your desire for demonstration. Never think, dear hearts, that we do not share the desire for fruition, for in our longer-scope understanding of unfoldment, we know after Ascension, after tsunami of love, how much remains to be done throughout the multiverse, and it is magnificent.

 We are anxious to move forward. Will we rush this? No. But we hear your plea, your very human desire for “Show me.” So we ask of thee, every day, not only to ignite your beautiful tri-flame, not only to open your hearts and then to ignite either my blue flame, the violet flame, the magenta flame — add a flame a day — but then go into your heart [and] listen, receive.

 Allow yourselves, please, to be shown by us, by your guides, your guardians, the answer to your prayers. Some will hear; some will know. But allow the showing, the demonstration in a wide variety of ways to come forth. And let that showing [of] that sign be what is significant to you. We are with you.

 Now, dear Steve, where do you wish to begin this day?

 SB: Well, first of all, Lord, if I could say to our listeners that I’ll be posting some excerpts from our excellent discussion in the personal reading that I had on February 12th on all the factors that come into play with the events that are coming up. So I won’t go into that today. But here’s what I’d like to cover.

A lot of lightworkers are still unsure about President Obama, and no action that he’s taken has confused them more than the Trans-Pacific Partnership. So I’ll be asking you about that, just briefly.

 And then seeing if you have anything you want to say on the coming of the tsunami of love, the importance of October (February) 14th, perhaps. And then I have a couple of questions on the Reval, and then we can return to the discussion of the operations, procedures and org chart for the Company of Heaven, including perhaps if we have time just a brief discussion of what you said the other day, that angels experience dimensions differently than we do.

 President Obama and the Trans-Pacific Partnership 

 So, perhaps we could start with President Obama. Many people, including lightworkers, keep seeing the bad press that he gets and thinking that he’s a part of the cabal. And the Trans-Pacific Partnership confuses most of all, because it seems to be an attack on the environment, an attack on nations’ legal procedures and autonomy, etc.

 Can you tell us, can you interpret for us, for us, what the Trans-Pacific Partnership is all about and whether President Obama is, as they say, trying to undo nations’ autonomies, etc.

 AAM: This one, your brother of the stars and of our allegiance, Barack Obama, has had a very difficult time in this position.

 Now, we are not, nor should any of you ever be, judge and jury of any being. But it is very hard, when one assumes a position of such, can we say, exalted leadership to not have actions or inactions which have been, even more sorely in this case, assessed and examined.

 And yes, this one has been stymied at many turns, but that does not mean that there are not areas that he can not go forward on.

 Have there been errors of judgment? Have there been errors of influence? Yes. Yes, there have.

 This situation, the Trans-Pacific Partnership that you are speaking of, is an attempt — and we emphasize attempt — to have people of many nations begin to think in transnational terms, to think of a world that does not have borders.

 Now, is that perhaps a premature leap, when there are so many issues related to peace? Because what you think of as economic interests, sovereignty interests, need to be addressed, and rather than resolved, simply eliminated prior to that idea of being one world, and a world that has been totally restructured — which is part of the underlying agenda — totally restructured in terms of tariffs and trade, economies, taxation and currencies.

 There is a realization at the root of this that the United States of America is no longer truly the ascendant power. And it is an attempt to secure a foothold in a very different world. Is he going about it in the most effective manner possible? No. Because it is premature, and it frightens and scares too many people. And there are too many holes between here and there.

 So he is looking many years hence and not taking into account the current climate within which he is operating. And in many ways he is thinking — or reflecting, shall I say — the way in which cooperation, cultural, trade, what you think of as goods and services, operate elsewhere. But you are not at a point of that level of ethical behavior and integrity. So that is why we suggest that is an erroneous step.

 Is it a step of the dark cabal? No. It is a step by an individual that is trying to leave the imprint of tomorrow upon his presidency. Now, whether it is this leader or any leader … because when you look at your planet, you will note that there are far more beings in leadership positions, Obama included, in this moment — and we need to emphasize “in this moment” — who are in a place of chaos or confusion or incompletion.

 Then there are those who are actually judicially balanced in integrity, in love and fairness.

 So what I ask of you — and this refers back to our sacred partnership, and it truly speaks to the question that you all posed to me — is, “Michael, how can we stop this madness?” Just take my blue flame, take the torch of St. Germain, all of you, daily, hourly, weekly, and, as one, torch these leaders! Eradicate and help to eliminate what they believe are obstacles and what are obstacles to their truly fulfilling their divine mission and purpose.

 You know you can take my sword, right now, and cut through the illusion, cut through the illusion that power, that position, for its on sake, is desirable or worthwhile. Cut through those illusions that make you believe that any action is pro-action, because it is not. Even those in containment — and yes, there are some — can be helped, assisted, by sending this energy to them, and by you, each of you, and you collectively, demanding and commanding right action.

 Now, I know what your next question is. It is, “Michael, how can this be, that this being, this man, Obama, who is guided by you, who you who have many, many beings in the White House, who is one of the star brothers and sisters, how can this occur, that there is a misstep?”

 This is part of the human experience. And what you are doing, what you are witnessing — not punishing, not judging — but what you are witnessing is how any being is caught, enmeshed, in that illusion, particularly when surrounded by those who are deemed, and who intend to be, trustworthy and ethical and honest and visionary, but who simply do not have the scope of vision that is necessary to give adequate support and advice.

 Now, how many times have you turned to me — and I speak to you, my brothers and sisters, this night — how many times do you turn to me and say, “Michael, I need greater support. I need to have a helpmate, not merely a sacred partner, a beloved. But I need help in the very practical sense that I may proceed, bravely, clearly, immediately, with my mission.”

 Do not put Obama or anybody else in a different category. Use my sword. Cut away the dross. And use my flame to light the way to truth. And in this, whether you are awake or asleep, traveling with me to the far reaches and corners of this planet, or simply to Washington, you assist me. 

Is this clear?

Valentines Day and the Tsunami of Love 

 SB: Yes, it is, Lord. And thank you for that. I can’t help thinking that tomorrow is the day of love, is Love Day, Valentine’s Day, and also a day in which we remember the plight of women in some areas of the world. Is there some significance to tomorrow in terms of the tsunami of love?

 AAM: Yes, there is.

 SB: Is it something you can discuss?

 AAM: Let me put it this way. Now, I would speak on behalf of my sister as well, and the mother {coughing], and the entire Company of Heaven, but particularly I would speak for the Council of Love, of which I am a part — as are each and every one of you. There are many days of celebration upon the planet, but is it not unusual that there is simply one day when love, in many forms, is celebrated? And so we claim this day, figuratively and actually. And we have for many years. But particularly right now, this year, we claim it. And we claim it on behalf of the Mother and her gift of love — the gift of her heart, of her very essence — to each and every once of you.

 Now, many of you have begun to feel the shift, the currents, the trickle — we do not care what you call it — the beginning action of the tsunami of love. And the Mother chooses this word so that you will know of the pervasive nature of this movement, of this wave. It is not destructive; it is constructive. It is re-construction. It is re-discovery. And it carries within it the very particles that you require, yearn for, ask for, for reconstruction, wholeness.

 Many of you have said, “I cannot do this meditation standing up.” Then we ask you, particularly tomorrow, sit down, lie down, kneel down — we do not care. We will hold you. As we have said, we are with you in partnership. We ask you to open your very heart and receive.

 Twelve-twelve (12:12) wherever you live is a very good time. But we know that this occurrence, this gift of the Mother is of a magnitude that it is far too large to be pinpointed to an hour or a moment. But there you have it. You love days and times, and I am breaking all the rules and giving it to you. Because this is our day. This is our day to celebrate love with you. And we also celebrate our love of you.

 We say that we love you, that you are loved, that you are love. It is very seldom that we perceive, as we say these words to you, that you truly receive the full import and impact of what we are sending you.

 We amplify for the Mother. Of course we do her bidding, joyously. And so do you, knowingly and unknowingly, consciously and unconsciously; you are far more guided than you think. Tomorrow a day where, if you wish to measure the quotient of love, go ahead and do so.

 But first open and receive, my beloved ones, for the floodgates are opening. So that is the significance. But first, open and receive. Open and receive, my beloved ones, for the floodgates are opening.

 SB: Okay.

 AAM: So that is the significance.

 The Reval and the Global Currency Reset 

 SB: Thank you, Lord. That’s very helpful. Now, just before we resume our discussion of the operations, procedures and org chart for the Company of Heaven, including a little discussion of angels and dimensions, two questions on the Reval. There’s really nowhere that we can go to get authoritative information on some events other than to the Company of Heaven. And I’d like to get confirmation of two events from you.

 First of all, there’s been a sting over double and triple dipping. And it appears to have led to arrests and it appears to have led to some Congressional representatives and Senators resigning. Can you confirm for us, first of all, that that is happening and has happened? And can you tell us a little bit about that? And then I’ll have my second question for you.

 AAM: Let us simply say that there is a great deal of clearing going on. And yes, it is a peculiar vision, but might you think of the Company of Heaven as doing a clean sweep?

 And that does manifest in the physical realm. Now, not everybody; let me be very clear about that! [But there] is the, hmm, sly behavior of some. And this is how they have skirted justice, in the meaning of your word, but also in the meaning of ours — and there has certainly been a clean-up in the human realm, not merely of politicians. But they are of a more visible nature. But the shift has started. So this is part of a bigger movement. A bigger cleaning.

 SB: Is there anything you want to say about the bigger movement, Lord, for us?

 AAM: Oh, no. We are not giving anyone a heads-up.

 SB: Yes. Okay. That makes a lot of sense.

 First of all, before I ask the second question, I need to make a distinction between the Reval and the Global Currency Reset. The Reval is around the Iraqi dinar, but the Global Currency Reset is around all the currencies. It has been said that President Obama signed off on the Reval last Sunday, the 9th of February. Is that correct? Did President Obama go to Reno and sign off on the Reval?

 AAM: We are not permitted to say. But let us suggest to you that this is part of the plan and that this will come to fruition. And then everyone will be saying, “Well, perhaps he isn’t such a bad guy after all.”

 SB: Right. Now, when you say “this is part of the plan,” you mean a signing by President Obama, right?

 AAM: It is an agreement, yes.

 Angels, Dimensions, Octaves

 SB: Okay. That’s very good. Well, let’s leave that then and resume our discussion of operations, procedures and the org chart for the Company of Heaven. But just before we do, you said something to me in my reading on February 12th that piqued my curiosity.

 Oftentimes, we’ll talk about — somebody will ask where they’re from, and I’ll relay that to you, and you’ll say they’re an angel and they’re from the 9th dimension. But in this reading you said that angels don’t experience the dimensions quite as we do, so it’s not proper to say they’re from the 9th dimension. Is that correct?

 AAM: We tend to say, and we have certainly often said, ‘They are from…’ Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that they anchor, they visit, they are of.

 Now, the same is true, because this is part of my favorite topic because it pertains to how do you — and we — interpret the information that we share with you? And as you are learning to speak in a different way, and vibration, with your star brothers and sisters, it is increasingly important that we be clear and you be clear.

 And, additionally, because of this and because of the expansion that you are experiencing, your being, not merely your mind or your heart consciousness, or your emotional body, but the totality of your being is more prepared to receive and integrate the information that I speak of now.

 So when you are asking about a being that is in form… so let us, for the purposes of discussion, call this person a human being whether they are a hybrid or not. When they are in human form, that does not eradicate, can we say, their angelic self. And very often — in fact, very often, most often — when you think of the universal self, which is a term we use rather than simply higher self, which feels like a connection to a part of you, but think of it as higher, your angelic self is a very large part of who you are in a universal sense.

 When you come into human form, you do so to experience the realm of the human experience — 12 dimensions, 12 planes within those dimensions, 12 rays, and so on. Now, what you are saying, and what we are saying, is where has this person primarily positioned themselves, not only in this lifetimes, but in many lifetimes? When they assume form, what is the spot that they are most joyous in and like to call home?

 And for some it is the 7th, which is the Christ consciousness and love. For some, it is beauty [the 9th Dimension of Surender, Truth and Joy]. For some it is mastery[the 11th Dimension of Mastery].

 So then we will say, “That person is from, or of…” the 9th, the 10th, the 7th, the 5th, and so on, and they carry the qualities of that dimension, of that reality. That is what they bring, particularly during the time when the old 3rd has been breaking down.

 The qualities, what you have thought of as the divine qualities have been very necessary. So, purity, creativity, ability to manage change, and so on, have been critical to breaking that illusion and the stationary, static nature of being encompassed in the 3rd dimension.

 Now, when you leave human form, when you say to me, or to the Mother or your guides, or your beloved, “I am leaving now. I am shedding this physical form. I will see you later,” there is a universe of expansion and choice. Now, does that mean that that person, that being, now this sheer energy of angel-self, leaves completely the 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th dimension? Not necessarily.

 Are they restricted to that reality? No.

 You have a free pass, and also understand, in the angelic realm, you also, like the humans and what you are becoming, you have the potential and the ability to multi-locate as well. So you may be in the 9th dimension. You may be singing with the angelic chorus in what you have thought of as outside that realm of human dimensions, which, until now, has been your definition of your experience. Now we are expanding and saying, “Wait, there is more.” You may choose to be on board ship, and that may be a dimensional reality, or you may have moved beyond that.

 So there are many choices. And you may also choose to be in all of those at once.

 Very often, particularly when one is very deeply committed — in relationship, in love, in family, in mission, in purpose — they will remain the dimensional reality of the human experience to continue to assist the Mother, not only the human beings they have left behind, although that is a very strong tie, but also to assist the Mother, and us, in helping you.

 So it is the preference and the desire in saying, “Well, after I’ve had a bit of a rest, I really want to continue what I have begun in this dimension, because I know, it feels like home to me., and it is also that I may continue my work with the completion of Gaia’s journey and humanity’s journey.” But it is not restrictive.

 Now, we know that we have introduced this day an expansion of the concepts that you are used to dealing with, but we also are very confident that you are able to grasp what we are saying.

 SB: All right. A lot of listeners are, in fact, angels, I think, Lord. And you talked about the 12 dimensions of the human realm. Are there also dimensions of the angelic realm that we know nothing about?

 AAM: Dimensions tends to be, even though you do not think of it this way, an experiential construct and they are related to a physical time/space continuum construct. So if you wish to take that in a very loose translation and say that the angelic realm has dimensional reality, we would say, “Yes, but do not make it a mirror image of what you have been thinking of.”

 SB: All right. So, now, to knit this together, this fictional person who asked of you where they were from, and you said, “You’re of the 9th dimension,” if they were to leave the human realm, they could go to somewhere altogether different than the 9th dimension, and it might be a far more expansive experience. Is that correct?

 AAM: Yes, it is correct. But also know that in angelic form — and even as you are learning right now, and this is part of your Ascension – you are free to visit all dimensions and realities as well. 

SB: Hmm.

 AAM: But within that human sphere.

 SB: Right.

 AAM: So that person from the 9th may say, “I think I’m going to go to the 12th.” “I think I’m going to reassume my role as commander on board ship, and take a different form.” “I think I am simply going to fly free as one of the Mother’s angels-at-large for a while.”

 SB: Hmm. All right. What is the difference between a dimension and an octave?

 AAM: An octave is another measure that is often used to reflect how movement takes place from one level of experience to another. So, for example, humanity, as you have been stuck in the 3rd dimension, or in a very low octave, you can think of it as the base keys or the base level of a piano keyboard. It was the lowest octave of human existence. And you have been there for a very long time.

 Now you are jumping, as my sister has said, and this is being facilitated by the new you. And all of you, dear heart, have, and are, embracing your new you. And the tsunami of love will amplify that. So you are moving, and it is not necessarily one, two, three, four. You are leapfrogging, in many ways, to a place, a higher octave of existence. A higher octave of existence gives you not only access to a higher realm of dimensionality, which includes all dimensions, but a higher realm of consciousness, of heart consciousness, of expansion, and awareness of what lies beyond the bubble of human existence.

 And the higher octave is what is required particularly for the full involvement and integration of humanity into galactic and inter-galactic existence.

 SB: Okay. Now, you used the words galactic and inter-galactic. What’s the difference between the two?

 AAM: It is a distinction that they make.

 SB: Oh, okay. [laughs]

 AAM: And so you will say, “I am North American,” and another will say, “I am European,” or one will say, “I am Australian.” So think of inter-galactic as meaning further away.

 SB: Further away. Okay. And hybrid? I think the same word, or the same meaning, is attached to composite. Is that correct?

 AAM: That is correct. The hybrid is the blend of the star being — you also often use the term starseed.

SB: Right.

 AAM: But it is the human-galactic star-being, inter-galactic, angelic self.

 SB: Okay.

 AAM: It is the integrated whole. So you have human beings who are hybrid angelics. They are not inter-galactics, they are human-angelics. You have humans who are hybrids who are very elemental — fairies, leprechauns, watersprites, etc. They are hybrids. So it is not merely the inter-galactics and starseeds. You are a wonderful mix of so many aspects.

 SB: Um-hmm.

 AAM: You are a delight.

 SB: Okay. Well, we’ll have to pick up another time. We’ve got much to learn, I know that, Lord. Thank you very much for that.

 AAM: It is my pleasure. And I invite you — come celebrate with me the day of love.

 SB: Thank you, Lord.

 AAM: We are with you.

 SB: Thank you.

 AAM: Farewell.

 SB: Farewell.
 [end]

Source : http://counciloflove.com

" many civilizations observing Earth now "

Happy Valentines Everyone, 
:)



SaLuSa through Mike Quinsey

  14 - February - 2014

 We understand your anxiety at the apparent slow progress that is being made in curtailing the activities of the dark Ones. We have in fact prevented them from causing major incidents including another war, and we shall continue to restrict their opportunities to cause serious trouble. Be assured that we have matters under our control, but nevertheless have to exercise non-interference when it is necessary. We refer of course to karmic situations where lessons remain to be learnt. However, the period you have recently entered is one that will bring major changes, leading to eventual peace. We ask you therefore to think positively and envision the love and peace which is descending upon Earth.

 Bear in mind that we are well advanced in our efforts to contain the dark Ones, and gradually they are having to accept that they can no longer do just as they like. Indeed, they are finding it difficult to stem the change in their fortunes, and are unable to act with the freedom they once had. This is in part due to the number of people who are awakening to the Light, and leaving behind any attachment to the dark Ones activities. Although you may be unaware of it, the Light is now the dominant force upon the Earth. It will continue to be so and carry on expanding until the Light is in total control. By then a New Age will truly be upon you, and you will have been prepared to fully anticipate in it.

 We are guiding and giving every encouragement to Lightworkers to push ahead with their commitments, knowing that nothing can now stop their onward progress. You will of course have been aware of the potential for success before you incarnated upon Earth. Every Lightworker who was chosen to work for the Light at this time, will have known that it was to be a special occasion and entitled to feel privileged. Be assured that you were selected because of your experience and ability to give of yourselves as required. At the same time your evolution is furthered by your new experiences, and opportunities to clear karma. Sometimes the most difficult challenges are accepted by you at such times, as with faith in your own abilities and assistance given you know that there is no reason why you should experience anything other than success.

 Earth is something of a showpiece at this time, and many other civilisations draw near to observe the period that you are in. The reason is because you are going to have an experience that has not happen on it during any earlier cycle. You have undertaken to ascend with your physical body, which will adapt to the higher energies. Your experience will be unique, and as you ascend you will find that your consciousness levels increase very rapidly. As you enter the higher energies you will be joined by Beings who have already ascended, and they will assist you. You are to join the Ascended Brotherhood and opportunities will given you to choose your own preferred path.

 At present there are many representatives on your Earth from other planets in your Solar System, and beyond. It is as you might say "all hands on deck" as the occasion calls for the most experienced Beings to ensure complete success. You will find that as you get to experience other levels of being and other civilisations, that it is normal for higher Beings to assist those below them. You Are One and help is always given to those who are also travelling your path. In fact, all paths lead back to the Godhead, and you are at liberty to experience as you choose, although at a certain level you will joyfully and willingly do the Will of God.

 Your World continues to experience birthing pains as the old has to be swept away to make way for the new, and as you are finding it can result in very trying times. However, these will only last for a limited period, following which you will find that everything becomes more settled. We and Beings from other planets will openly come to Earth and mix with you. We have much to impart and much to give you that will speed up your ascension to the higher levels. Be assured that you are never without help, and we are active all of the time even if you are not fully aware of our presence.

 We are preparing to address you on the subject of many matters that will be of importance to you in the near future. There is much that you need to keep an open mind about, as over a long period you have been deliberately mislead and misinformed to hold you back. We are in fact now doing our best to gently awaken you to the truth, but for many it will be incomprehensible and too much to take in. All we can say at this time is that it is wise for every soul to be open to new ideas and not become too set in your thinking.

 I am SaLuSa from Sirius and assure you of our help at all times. It will seem to many of you that the world is turning upside down, but this is not the case but simply the result of necessary changes that will gradually settle the Earth into a period of calm and peace. It is not only the physical aspects that are involved, but energies that continually move around it.

 Thank you SaLuSa.

Mike Quinsey

Source : www.treeofthegoldenlight.com

" future more moderate weather pattern "

SaLuSa through Mike Quinsey

7 - February - 2014

Progress is still being made to bring you release from the many conditions and restrictions that have been placed upon you by the Cabal. For the time being it suits our purpose to let certain restrictions remain, allowing us to work towards completely releasing you from their control.

 With our ability to see what is taking place we can keep one step ahead of the Cabal and restrict the degree to which they can impose themselves upon you. For example in recent times many attempts have been made to start another world war. Each time we have blocked such attempts and will continue to do so. In fact we acted recently so as to stop the commencement of intended hostilities that would have led to another world war. Be assured that there is no way it would be allowed, and such commitment by us is a guarantee of eventual world peace.

 Over a long period of time covering many years, we have been able to make you feel secure because of the presence of our ships. Now there are few people that are unaware of us and view us as a threat to humankind. It has been our intention to gradually gain your confidence and trust for many, many years, and to overcome the image that has been projected to show us a threat to you.

 There is as a result so many of you who welcome the idea of contact with us and accept our assurance that we come in peace. Indeed, we come as your brothers and sisters who have been linked with you through the ages, by a common interest in bringing Mankind the truth. Hitherto the sources that you have trusted have manipulated it in their own interests, to keep you under their control. The saddest aspect is that you have been held back in your evolution and understanding of who you are.

 Now the circumstances are different as you are being lifted up by the incoming energies, that are continually increasing in vibration. You are absorbing more Light and have an increasing ability to discern the truth. However, it also means that the gulf between you and those who refuse to contemplate it is growing wider.

 There is no need to be concerned about them, as all souls will eventually arrive at the truth in the ever ongoing journey that all souls make. Indeed, you are now urged to follow your own path, so as to be fully prepared for the enlightenment that is coming. As ever, be discerning but also open to new information as the revelations to come will open your eyes to much that has deliberately withheld from you.

 The weather in many parts of the world is causing extremes to be experienced, and this is a prelude to more settled times. In the future, all people will experience more changes that will settle into a more moderate weather pattern without the extremes you are experiencing now. This all takes place because of the higher vibrations and eventually nothing will remain of the lower ones.

 There is much to look forward to and perhaps the most welcome aspect will be the cessation of war and warlike preparations. You will no doubt realise that a vast sum of money is invested in war, and the search for new and more terrifying weapons. Dear Ones do not worry, there will be a time coming when there will be an end to everything connected with wars. Defensive needs are another consideration and we have the Galactic Forces who will keep law and order.

 The times you are currently experiencing will begin to calm down, and you may have noticed that there is a new impetus for countries to seek peace. It is a struggle as the dark Ones try to hold onto their power, but it will be to no avail as the vibrations continue to lift up.

 You will find that there will be a new mood amongst those who are in the armed forces, as the futility of war is realised. Mankind is changing his outlook and peace is being sought after millennia of destruction and loss of life. Buildings can be re-built but the loss of a soul’s life has such repercussions on all of those connected with it. It has taken Man a long, long time to come to this realisation, and the future looks bright as peace on Earth becomes the new goal.

 Some ask why they are incarnate at such a time, feeling that they have no particular purpose. However, no soul is here without reason and, whatever it may mean to the individual, all have something to learn or contribute. You are Beings capable of immense love and have a capacity for Unconditional Love of all souls. Once you have reached such a stage, you are truly a higher soul who understands the Oneness of all life, and that You Are All One.

 I am SaLuSa from Sirius and pleased once again to be able to address you. You are now opening up to the Truth and capable of understanding it, and more importantly applying to your everyday experiences. For some these end times are hectic and very trying, but it is the final clearing of karma accumulated over many lives. Be assured that you would not be is such a position unless you were capable of handling it. So accept your experiences with good heart, as they are your final tribulations in this dimension.

 Thank you SaLuSa.

 Mike Quinsey

Source :  www.treeofthegoldenlight.com

" two british articles on financial probe "

New York Regulator Demands Documents from Banks in Foreign Exchange Probe

 7 - February - 2014


 New York banking regulator Benjamin Lawsky is seeking documents from some of the biggest banks in foreign exchange trading, including Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs and Barclays, according to reports, as a global probe into possible market manipulation widens.

 At least seven other law enforcement offices and regulators internationally are investigating whether banks rigged the $5.3 trillion-a-day currency markets. Martin Wheatley, chief executive of Britain’s Financial Conduct Authority, said on Tuesday that his watchdog group’s probe could extend into 2015, and that the allegations it is looking into are “every bit as bad” as the Libor manipulation scandal.

 More than 20 traders across Wall Street have either been put on leave, suspended or fired since the foreign exchange investigations were formally announced in October. Deutsche Bank, the biggest foreign exchange trader in the world, fired three New York-based currency traders, Reuters reported. 

The probes are looking into whether senior traders at a handful of big banks colluded via online chatroom and messaging services to manipulate benchmark foreign exchange rates, or daily “fixings”. 

These fixings are a cornerstone of global financial markets, used to price trillions of dollars’ worth of investments and deals and relied upon by companies, investors and central banks.

 The probes are probably contributing to a decline in foreign exchange trading volumes in recent months. On the Thomson Reuters dealing platform, daily spot foreign exchange trading volumes fell 11.5pc in December to $92bn, the lowest level since the company started tracking the data almost four years ago. Some of that decline may be due to dealers’ handling more of their trading in-house.

 The top five banks in foreign exchange trading account for about 50pc of total volume, and the top 10, which also include Goldman, Credit Suisse, RBS and Barclays, account for almost 80pc.

 Source : http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financial-crime/10620787/New-York-regulator-demands-documents-from-banks-in-foreign-exchange-probe.html




FCA Exploring Possible Libor-style Abuse in Other Markets, MPs Told

by Sean Farrell

 4 - February - 2014

 The Financial Conduct Authority is examining possible abuse of London-based market rates on top of its investigations into Libor and foreign exchange pricing, its chief executive has told MPs.

 Appearing before the Treasury select committee, Martin Wheatley said: “These investigations are not public but there are a number of other benchmarks, London being the centre it is, that operate in London that we are investigating because of concerns raised with us.”

 Wheatley declined to say which benchmarks the FCA had added to its list of investigations until it had decided whether there was a case to answer.

 The regulator has fined banks heavily for rigging Libor, the London interbank offered rate that is used to price more than $300trillion (£184tn) of financial products across the world from household mortgages to business loans.

 A partner at the law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, Jonathan Herbst, said: “This is a very hot topic for the FCA. Was the behaviour that took place in relation to Libor unique or was it symptomatic of something deeper going on across the benchmarks? That’s the big question.”

 The FCA is also working with regulators in Europe, Asia and the US to investigate claims of rigging of foreign exchange benchmarks by banks.

 Wheatley said: “The allegations are every bit as bad as they have been with Libor. Given what has come out, no, people won’t trust the way rates are fixed.”

 He said the foreign exchange inquiry would take until next year to complete. “These investigations are complex. I would be surprised if we got to conclusions this year. I hope we will next year butthe nature of these investigations is that these things are very hard to predict.”

 The FCA launched its formal inquiry into foreign exchange rates in October after claims suggesting traders at banks had pooled information about their positions with those at other firms to manipulate a rate used by fund managers to buy foreign currencies in the $5tn-a-day market.

 Barclays, Royal Bank of Scotland and UBS are among banks in talks with the FCA about possible wrongdoing though no formal accusations have been made.

 MPs questioned Wheatley and his chairman, John Griffith-Jones, about a wide range of misconduct by banks but particularly their continued abuse of customers.

 Wheatley agreed with Labour MP John Mann that Britain had seen “the biggest series of quantifiable wrongdoing in the history of our financial services industry” and said he could not think of another industry that had an equivalent record.

 The FCA fined Lloyds Banking Group £28m in December for putting staff under pressure to sell products customers did not want or face demotion and pay cuts.

 Wheatley said the FCA was examining Lloyds’ proposed bonuses for 2013 and said there would be deductions from senior managers who encouraged staff to sell £2bn of inappropriate products. He said: “The whole concept of clawback [of bonuses] is that those involved in the decision should suffer the consequences of our subsequent enforcement action.”

 The FCA will consider tougher guidelines on financial sector pay this year but is unlikely to extend Brussels’ cap on bankers’ bonuses to asset managers or insurers, Wheatley said.

 The FCA bosses also revealed they had received complaints about RBS’s Global Restructuring Group (GRG) before Tomlinson’s report accused the division of deliberately driving small firms out of business for its own gain.

 He said: “We had had some indications that there were problems and had some complaints previously. Some of the information would have come through whistleblowers and we would have been trying to establish the facts.”

 He said the FCA was in discussions with other banks to check on the operations of their units that deal with troubled businesses operate.

 The banks have told the regulator that their corporate recovery units work differently to GRG but Wheatley said the regulator had not taken this at face value and was investigating further.

 Griffith-Jones said the FCA would only agree to a deadline for payment protection insurance compensation claims if it would speed up payment to consumers. Banks have so far set aside £22bn for the PPI, Britain’s biggest mis-selling scandal.

 Source : http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/feb/04/financial-conduct-authority-libor-abuse-market-rates-london

" 2 articles on corruption and briberies "

Dear All,
two interesting articles below showing efforts, and 
most probably transparency coming, at some point
:)
flo


4 - February - 2014

 Corruption costing European Union

 Corruption across the European Union’s 28 countries costs about 120 billion euros (US$164 billion) per year – a “breathtaking” sum equal to the EU’s entire annual budget, EU Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem said Monday.

 Malmstroem said the actual figure could be even higher, despite the estimate amounting to a little less than one per cent of the bloc’s total economic output.

 “The extent of the problem in the EU is breathtaking,” Malmstroem wrote in an op-ed piece in Swedish newspaper Goeteborgs-Posten.

 “Corruption undermines faith in democratic institutions, drains the legal economy of resources and is a breeding ground for organised crime.” Presenting the European Commission report, the bloc’s first, Malmstroem emphasised the figure was “an estimation” and said the actual amount is “probably … much higher.” She called on member states to do more to stamp out the problem, saying: “The price of not acting is simply too high.” The report does not rank the countries as to the seriousness of the problem nor suggest legal remedies, with Malmstroem saying that could follow after talks with member states.

 But “one thing is very clear – there is no ‘corruption-free’ zone in Europe,” she said.

 While Malmstroem refused to point the finger at any particular country, the EU has had longstanding concerns about corruption in Bulgaria and Romania, especially over their use of EU funds, and both were put under a special monitoring mechanism when they joined the bloc in 2007.

 The report said that “fighting corruption has long been a priority for Bulgaria” but despite best efforts, the problem “remains widespread”.

 A poll found 84 per cent of Bulgarians agreed corruption is prevalent while last year there were large demonstrations against the government’s ties with wealthy oligarchs.

 Among possible steps, the Commission “suggests that Bulgaria should shield anti-corruption institutions from political influence and appoint their management in a transparent, merit-based procedure”, it said.

 In addition, the Commission “is suggesting that a code of ethics is adopted for members of the National Assembly”.

 “In Romania, both petty and political corruption remains a significant problem,” the report said, adding that efforts to address the issue have been inconsistent.

 The Commission suggested Romania should ensure truly independent corruption investigations and develop “comprehensive codes of conduct for elected officials”.

 A poll showed “a full 93 per cent of Romanians agree that corruption is widespread,” it said.

 Among the other member states, the report named Denmark and Finland as top performers, while in France it said that “corruption-related risks in the public procurement sector and in international business transactions have not been addressed.” Germany, the bloc’s largest economy, “is among the best countries of the EU. However, more can be done,” it said, suggesting it “would benefit from the introduction of strict penalties for corruption of elected officials.” Picking up on an issue attracting a lot of domestic attention, it also suggested Germany should develop a policy to deal with the “revolving door” phenomenon, where officials leave office to work for companies they may have recently helped. 

In her Swedish op-ed, Malmstroem said Sweden “is among the countries with the least problems”.

 She said research showed that one in 12 EU citizens had experienced corruption in the past year, while four out of 10 companies regard it as “an obstacle for doing business within the EU”.

 The report reviews how existing laws and policies work and suggests what further effort could be made.

 Malmstroem singled out public procurement, notably tenders for construction projects, as a major cause of concern.

 Graft watchdog Transparency International welcomed the report, saying it marks “an important step in the EU’s collective effort to scale up its anti-corruption efforts”.

 “It is a stark warning against complacency about corruption in any EU country,” it added.

 The report did not cover corruption in the EU’s own institutions, with the bloc’s finances reviewed by the separate Court of Auditors.

 Source : http://www.news.com.au/finance/money/breathtaking-corruption-costs-european-union-185-billion-a-year/story-e6frfmci-1226817307726



 30 - January - 2014

Wealthy Nations Preserve Bribery Loophole

 Anti-bribery experts were mostly upbeat when they met last month in Paris at the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to celebrate 15 years of anti-corruption efforts. But the assembled experts agreed that work remains to be done. One of the most surprising challenges that the corruption fighters still confront: the resistance of a handful of wealthy nations, including the United States, Australia and South Korea, to abolishing one of the last legal exceptions to bribery bans. 

Facilitation payments – also known as “grease payments” – are small fees paid to low-level public officials for basic administrative tasks to which the payer is entitled. The money must be recorded by the company that makes them. While not prohibited under the OECD anti-bribery convention, the OECD encourages governments to “prohibit or discourage” such payments, calling them “corrosive” to economic development and the rule of law.

 Heeding this encouragement, more and more countries have joined the concert of nations that prohibit facilitation payments. Under the Bribery Act 2010, the UK’s Serious Fraud Office may criminally prosecute individuals and companies that use facilitation payments. In March 2013, Canada became the latest high-profile nation to declare war on grease payments, passing the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act. Out of 33 countries evaluated by the OECD, 25 report having no exemption for facilitation payments in their anti-bribery laws.

 Defenders of the exception argue that facilitation payments are a harmless necessity in countries where public officials earn meager salaries. The routine payments can be so small as to not be worth the attention and resources of national corruption watchdogs.

 “The reality is most bribery payments are not made where the payment is conceived of in a corporate boardroom,” said Mike Koehler, Assistant Professor Law at Southern Illinois University who founded and edits the blog FCPA Professor.

 Several wealthy nations continue to allow the practice.

 The USA permits facilitation payments the under Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, despite recent cases brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that found illegal bribes had been wrongly recorded as facilitation payments. In 2012, the SEC censured the Saudi subsidiary of an American pharmaceutical company for paying a customs official to release products from a port without permission.

 In Australia, a 2011 government-led public discussion on removing the exception has since lapsed silently – surprising some.

 “The whole tone of the consultation was that the Government was working to remove the exception,” said Mark Zirnsak, Director of the Justice and International Mission for the United Church’s Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.

 A number of small and large Australian businesses active in Asia, the Pacific and Africa made submissions opposing the change.

 “’Facilitation payments’ are necessary for QBE to operate in countries where governments simply do not have the resources to provide required routine government services and actions,” submitted global insurance giant QBE.

 Other companies, including large multinationals, have voluntarily prohibited facilitation payments.

 In October, New Zealand, which has not prosecuted any foreign bribery cases since 2001, was taken to task for “vague and ambiguous statutory language” that did little to discourage facilitation payments. South Korea, another country with low corporate prosecutions of foreign bribery, defends its use of the facilitation payment exception as “very narrow, and there is no confusion regarding its application”. 

Rachel Nicolson, Partner at Australian law firm Allens Linklaters and Director of the business-endorsed United National Global Compact Network board in Australia, said that the countries maintaining the facilitation payment exception are increasingly “out of step”.

 Opponents argue the exception confuses the distinction between legal and illegal payments and risks sending a message that it is “ok” to pay small bribes.

 “The reason it [the exception] exists is because for many years there was an understanding it was very difficult to get things done,” said Nicolson, “and a belief that those small payments would not be problematic.”

 But that has changed and “there is an increasing risk attached to making those payments overseas,” said Nicolson.

 Source : http://www.icij.org/blog/2014/01/wealthy-nations-preserve-bribery-loophole

" sochi, fukushima, and evolvment "

Matthew Ward through Suzy Ward

3 - February - 2014

With loving greetings from all souls at this station, this is Matthew.

 The outpouring of gratitude for “the apostle Matthew” message was cause for celebration here. Always we honor souls’ divine right to believe as they wish, and we are elated when the choice is to embrace truths put forth. Far more than our repeated assurance that you know at soul-level what is true and what is not, your personal experiences are irrefutable evidence that your soul’s knowledge is reaching your conscious awareness.

 Even more so than last year, Earth’s first year of freedom from the shroud of darkness, energy incoming and generated on the planet during this year will produce light in such abundance that souls can vault in conscious and spiritual growth, with exponential effects throughout your world. As light increases, so do the vibratory levels throughout your mineral, plant and animal kingdoms. The consciousness of every form on the planet can expand as Earth’s ascension continues—only her human residents have the choice to flow with that stirring upliftment or resist.

 Divisiveness over the most serious issues affecting your society will continue until the light becomes so strong that extreme stances no longer can deter constructive steps toward peaceful resolution. Rational discussions underway and those that will begin may bog down from time to time, but overall they will gain momentum; and what you call “common sense,” which still is not common to all, eventually will emerge in situations that in this moment are static or volatile.

 There is a great deal of talk about fear of terrorism in connection with the winter Olympic games in Sochi, and it is needless—always fear not only is needless, it is counterproductive because it creates negativity for Earth to deal with. Universal family in ships and on the ground are in constant communication about active and potential “hot spots,” and in accordance with Gaia’s wishes, they are authorized to prevent serious terrorist attempts. If any small-scale efforts result in injury or death, just as in all other such cases, they would be a matter of contract provisions of the souls involved.

 Also we want to ease your minds about the situation at the Fukushima nuclear power facility. The technology aboard spacecraft surrounding the planet is diluting the toxicity in radioactive soil and water, and the diligent crews are doing everything possible to prevent further damage to the deteriorating reactors. What is happening at that facility is a persuasive reason to end that source of energy everywhere on the planet, and you can greatly aid Earth in her healing process by moving away from nuclear power and fossil fuels and advancing toward renewable and free energy sources.

 Unusual storms, record-breaking high and low temperatures, flooding, drought, wildfires, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are cleansing Earth’s interior, surface and atmosphere, and they are leading to a moderate climate globally.

 We also have been asked to comment on two large spots on the moon. Actually, nothing is on Luna—those are shadow images of large ships, which may vanish and reappear to show the mobility. Convincing Earth’s peoples not only that other civilizations are nearby, but they are there for peaceful purposes must be an orientation process to prevent mass fear and psychic shock.

 Now then, last month’s message evoked far more responses and questions than any other message during the ten years they have been available, and it is appropriate that now I speak for myself only. 

First, I thank you on behalf of my mother—this is the first time readers have sent only positive reactions, not even one has been mean-spirited.

 I am eager to begin addressing questions because the answers will offer a great deal of insight into your lives and life in this universe. So many of you asked questions about my biblical lifetime or related topics, which you shall see pertain to everyone, so some will be included here and the rest in the next message.

 If there was no Last Supper, what is the Holy Grail? 

 The last supper story inspired individuals to seek the chalice that had held the blood of Jesus, an object considered to be the most sacred and with the most power of anything on Earth. There never was any such object, but indeed there is something sacred that is more powerful than anything else on Earth—the Holy Grail is the soul. Nothing in this universe is more powerful than the love-light energy of souls!

I never believed Jesus was going to return as the same person he was 2000 years ago, but has he reincarnated on Earth?

 No, but the love-light essence of Jesus always is on Earth and everywhere else in this universe. 

Because the timeless continuum, where multiple multidimensional lifetimes are happening simultaneously and everything affects everything else, is a nebulous concept almost impossible to grasp, reincarnation is the closest that messengers from the light could describe a process that fits into your linear timeframe. But it is not that Albert Einstein, say, reincarnates as this or that person, and I’ll do my best to explain the reality.

 Every one of the countless souls throughout the cosmos is a unique, independent, inviolate eternal being at the same time it is energetically interconnected with all others. The Beginning of every soul was the instant Creator let burst forth Its love-light Self—“the big bang”—and everything in existence is co-created by souls using Creator’s energy to put their ideas into motion and form.

 Soul A, let us say, wants to incarnate for the first time. After putting its ideas into a soul contract, it enters into an agreement—we call it pre-birth agreement—with other souls that want to share the lifetime. Then it designs and co-creates a body for its personage that fits what it wants to experience as a mortal. Thereupon Soul A becomes a cumulative soul while remaining its unique eternal self, and it shares all of its knowledge with the soul of the new personage. The term cumulative is applied to Soul A because it initiated the physical lifetime of another soul, but as you shall see, that is the start of cumulative experiencing.

 Let us call that first personage Soul B. All of Soul B’s characteristics endowed by Soul A and all experiences throughout the lifetime—intelligence, talents, body form and features, personality, ideas, relationships, education, habits, plans, accomplishments, disappointments, heartaches, joys, doubts, failures, interests, fears—are added to Soul A’s “data base” as Soul B has each experience, and everything is retained by Soul B when its body dies.

 When Soul A wants to embark upon a different kind of physical life, it goes through the same process; now it has not only its original knowledge, but also the lifetime experiencing of Soul B to share with its second personage. When Soul B wants to put into motion its own ideas, it makes a soul contract and so forth. Like Soul A, it remains a unique soul-self while sharing its knowledge, from personal experiencing and that which was endowed by Soul A, with the soul of its first personage.

 Soul A and Soul B grow in experience, knowledge and wisdom with each of their personages, each of whom is a unique, independent, inviolate eternal soul; and the composite is a force field of diverse, interconnected lifetimes that grows with new personages wherever they are throughout the universe. Souls choose contract provisions to fill gaps or strengthen areas of cumulative experiencing to balance all of the lifetimes; thus, an ever-expanding storehouse of awareness is available to all souls in the lineage.

 Evolvement comes as personages consciously tap into that storehouse, so it’s not learning anew, but rather a process of self-discovery, remembering what is known at soul level from The Beginning. And, just as you are living in this moment, so are all the beings you think of as your past or future lives—you and all of those other unique souls are living in the NOW of the continuum.

 From my lifetimes in third density civilizations, I know how difficult it is trying to understand something for which there is no conscious frame of reference, and my explanation may have added confusion rather than clarification about multiple multidimensional lifetimes. So, please know that everything I described happens simply and divinely, as someday you shall see for yourselves—again!

 If the Crucifixion and Resurrection did not happen, what was the nature of the encounter with Jesus that made his followers disseminate his teachings so fearlessly and enthusiastically?

 I can speak with certainty only for myself. Never was any fear involved, but indeed enthusiasm was because I knew in my heart that Jesus always spoke the truth and did so lovingly; and as I mentioned in my last message, I had ample opportunity to tell people about his teachings. However, from what I’ve learned—remembered—since my lifetime in biblical days, the Catholic Church’s relentless emphasis on their version of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection is the reason Christianity spread far and wide.

 Can you explain why some channels say the crucifixion did happen and others say it didn’t? 

I can offer possible reasons for the discrepancy, and one is that a crucifixion took place in a parallel world. Individuals put forth energy into the directions they are considering taking, and when they reach the point of having to decide, the conscious selves proceed in the chosen direction. But the strong energy invested in the path not taken can’t be stopped—it continues to flow in its direction and along the way manifests logical situations in accordance with what the individuals had been contemplating prior to decision-making.

 In the case of the crucifixion, as Jesus’ followers kept increasing in numbers, the leaders of state and church became more and more concerned that his teachings were threatening their hold on the populace. Some of the leaders favored ordering Jesus out of the country rather than risk making him a martyr by putting him to death, and others wanted to kill him. Thus energy was put forth in both directions and the energy focused on crucifixion proceeded to that outcome in a parallel world. Since those worlds exist in the continuum just as worlds do where factual events occur and there are no labels that distinguish one from the other, some sources of transmitted information may be reporting events in a parallel world.

 Another possibility is that a hologram of the crucifixion and resurrection, perhaps designed by Jesus and Mary or others closest to them, was displayed on Earth. That cruel form of punishment satisfied the bloodthirstiness of many living in those times and the resurrection gave hope to those who thirsted for relief from life’s harshness.

 Still another possibility has to do with the power of the mind. If channels— receivers is more accurate because all of you are channels of energy—unwaveringly believe that the crucifixion and resurrection occurred, their beliefs can override information in the transmissions they receive. The power of the mind affects every circumstance in one’s life—what a person believes is her or his reality, however far removed that may be from the facts.

 You said that when you were Matthew the apostle you didn’t consciously know the other things you wrote about in that message. Why didn’t you? How did you find out about them? 

 Let us compare what I consciously knew in that lifetime with all the memories in your brain’s memory bank—if all of those memories flooded into your mind simultaneously, it would be overwhelming. It would be the same if the combined knowledge of all my personages had flooded into my consciousness then.

 I—we—have a “growing reference library,” you could say, where all of the information is available whenever we choose to go there. Exercising that choice is the self-discovery I mentioned, remembering what the soul knows, and because each discovery comes with such a powerful sense of “rightness” without even a shred of doubt, you know with your entire being that it’s indisputably true.

 Although it is the very same with every person—at soul level, everyone has full knowledge from The Beginning—remembering comes more easily to people in advanced civilizations and in spirit worlds, where bodies are not encumbered by the density of lower vibrations. Especially in a civilization with third density consciousness, a body’s density blocks awareness of what the soul knows.

 Do you speak for souls at that station because they’re your personages?

 Some of the many millions of souls here are my personages, but most are not. Our “link” to this station is evolvement status. A few years ago I spoke about this in a message:

        “‘Station’ as we use it is not related to any specific ‘place’ or civilization, but rather is the level of spiritual growth a soul has attained regardless of its universal origin and number of experiencing lifetimes. When I speak of ‘souls at this station,’ I refer to a peer group whose spiritual clarity has evolved into attunement with the unconditional love and awareness of the Oneness of All. This could be called ‘group mind’ or ‘collective souls’ because of the shared enlightenment; but in a larger sense, it is a melding of innumerable personage soul-selves into one “higher soul.” [January 19/20, 2009]

 Appointment may not be the right word for how you became spokesperson for the other souls where you are, but how did you get that position? 

 If another soul there were spokesperson, would their information be exactly the same as yours?
“Choice” is more correct than “appointment,” and it isn’t by voting for “candidates,” but rather a unanimous thought that specific souls can best express certain aspects of the group knowledge.

 I am not the only one who speaks for all of us. It is only to my mother that I transmit messages for this group, others send information to their respective receivers. Only truth exists at this level, so never is there disagreement about what any of us transmits; however, we don’t send exactly the same information. It is a matter of differences in our collective experiencing. For instance, many of Kryon’s personages have extensive scientific expertise universally that many other souls’ personages, including mine, have to a lesser extent. Another factor is our receivers’ vocabularies. My mother has no education in the sciences, so she doesn’t know the words I would need to speak about matters of that nature.

 Did other souls where you are now know you when you were Matthew the apostle or don’t you know each other’s personages?

 We know about each other’s personages who are well-known on a universal scale, and that is relatively few. Collectively our personages are in numbers you cannot imagine, many in forms and appearances, including animals, which to your conscious mind are equally unimaginable.

 Some souls here had personages who lived during that time in your history, but they would have known me then only if our lives were closely connected. My valued friendship with Jesus and my satisfying experience as a teacher made my life as Matthew very gratifying, but in context of the countless numbers of lifetimes in this universe, it was not at all remarkable. It became known on Earth centuries later, when it was blown immensely out proportion because notes in my journals led to “Matthew the apostle.”

 However, now the souls here and their personages can know about that lifetime because of my message—information that any of us transmits becomes part of our group knowledge and adds to the storehouse that is accessible to all in our lineages. But this doesn’t mean that the Matthew lifetime itself has any more significance than before—the significance is that the truth of it now is available instead of only what is in the Bible. The effect is the same when the truth emerges about any souls whose lives have been misrepresented, those who have been unjustly maligned and those whose malicious deeds come to light.

 Telling you a bit about my personages other than “biblical” Matthew will answer a number of readers’ other questions. No, my combined lifetimes don’t enable me to consciously or at soul level know every event and every person on Earth or everything in your world’s future. Like other souls here, I see “the big picture,” but none of us knows every detail about all the circumstances of every soul there. Only God knows, because He is all of them, and His knowledge grows continuously with every one of the limitless numbers of changes happening constantly.

 Nevertheless, we do have sources of information in addition to our lifetimes, and God is one. We observe the momentum of activity in Earth’s energy field of potential; we communicate with persons in Nirvana who monitor the planet, souls at other stations like this, and members of advanced civilizations; and we can tap into the collective consciousness of Earth and the mass consciousness of the universe. 

Now then, as Archangel Michael’s first personage in this universe, I was “equipped,” you could say, for birth into a spiritually evolved civilization, and the one chosen for me lives in an exquisite water world at the edge of the Milky Way farthest from you. A number of my personages lived on Earth during the past 100,000 or so years in your timing, but all prior lifetimes and many during those millennia were in Sirius, the Pleiades and other parts of this galaxy and others.

 Living in antiquity let me glimpse formative stages of paradise Earth, then known as Terra or Shan, and to observe Gaia’s stress during the eons that her planetary body was spiraling from its origin in fifth density and eventually became deeply mired in third. I saw the progressive effects of stronger civilizations altering the DNA of weaker civilizations downward to only two strands, and I saw Earth’s ancient populations miss astral alignment opportunities to ascend out of third density. Some of my personages lived on the planet during those long dark ages, and one was there when all life was lost as Gaia rid her body of negativity so it wouldn’t perish. I know about those eras not only from the very narrow perspectives of my personages, but because that information is in the universal mass consciousness. You have the same information at soul level, and most likely it includes some, maybe many of your lifetimes.

 As one of the highest universal council’s designers of the master plan for Earth’s Golden Age, I could give you firsthand information about it and also tell you that because some souls reneged on their agreement to join the light forces, your society’s progress was delayed by a decade. The council knows the soul who was Gaia’s choice to come to Earth and embody as Barack Obama, and because we have observed him throughout his years there, we know he has been unswerving in his dedication to serving the light and about his powerful foes within and beyond the government.

 Some of my other personages in influential positions, like heading federations that were assisting civilizations that wanted to ascend out of darkness, accomplished admirable objectives; others fell short. Some personages were artisans, lawmakers, counselors, physicians, farmhands, administrators, musicians, merchants, teachers or traveling tradesmen with varying degrees of meaningful achievements. Others were in reconnaissance fleets, and the very few who were warriors necessitated quiet lives, including some with severe mental limitation, to permit recovery of the cumulative psyche. I have experienced lifetimes of health and great longevity, joyful lives with beloved families, loyal friends, endeavors with distinction and prosperity as well as very short lives, imprisonment, impoverishment, illness, betrayal, failure, loneliness and isolation. In short, a vast variety of experiencing over a very, very long time, just as you have. How can I know that? Because you are reading this message. You are following your intuition to seek spiritual enlightenment and more self-discovery.

 Every personage is valued equally by cumulative souls, which don’t measure any by wealth or power or fame, but by how closely free will choices adhered to choices in the soul contract. Regardless of where personages may be in this universe, their contracts are designed to balance cumulative experiencing because attaining the high vibrations within balance is the aim of every soul.

 All of us at this station are like you and every other soul—all of us are on our respective pathways toward our common destination, reintegration with God; and He has said, only when that occurs will He know what comes next.

 Our unconditional love and admiration for your light service to Earth and soul-selves is ever with you as you journey onward.

 LOVE and PEACE
 Suzanne Ward


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