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A DANCE TO A DIFFERENT DRUMMER By the mid-to-late 1930s jazz had become the defining music of the generation, the generation that was then coming into its teens. Jazz seemed to unleash forces and energies like rock 'n roll did twenty years later. Like rock 'n roll, too, jazz possessed a definite physicality; it released pent-up emotions; it was pure pleasure; it was a form of escape and it was entertainment. As jazz emerged so, too, did Baha'i Administration. In 1937 Baha'i Administration had developed from a small number of groups to possess and enjoy a national consciousness. This development led to a systematic teaching program entitled the Seven Year Plan. Between Benny Goodman becoming that generation's icon of popular music by playing at Times Square to a packed house of teenagers in the Paramount Theatre in March of 1937 and his band's contest with Chick Webb's band at the Savoy Ballroom in May of 1937, this Seven Year Plan began. -Ron Price with thanks to "Episode Five: Jazz: Pure Pleasure," ABC TV, 9:30-10:30 pm, 27/10/2001. It exploded, completely unknown, overnight, or so it seemed to the generation who began that Plan in '37. In reality, it had been slowly developing in theory and form for nearly a century.....if you go back to that magic year of 1844 when the first message went across that telegraph wire with" What hath God wrought?"...and He had wrought.... Jazz was becoming popular the way we would have liked to be popular, but our Plan was a slow-release model, an experimental disposition, a dance to a different drummer, with the light, lyrical, exquisite touch of an Eddy Wilson, often sad, slow pace of a Billy Holliday or a Glen Miller popular romantic- swing, yes, those were swing times. Men and women working together, composing on-the-spot, everyone in harmony, moving toward elegance and joy: that was one way of defining what our aim was too in those early Baha'i Groups and Assemblies beginning in those first-days-of-form, days of, that Administrative vision when we started our dreaming, dreaming, dreaming, yes, yes.(1) (1) When Duke Ellington was asked what he was doing when he was playing jazz on the piano, he said "I'm dreaming." Ron Price Updated for artfreaks.com On: 3/12/

"They must find it difficult, those who have taken authority as truth, rather than truth as authority." Gerald Massey. He was the author of a brilliant thesis in his, Ancient Egypt The Light of the World.

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” Kahlil Gibran. *** Para Mi Saudade. *** De las raíces de su brillante terciopelo negro, paulatinamente, la naturaleza reclamaba la belleza de su tierra natal. Brotaba de las ventanas de su alma, una inquietante madrugada, con un silencio prohibido. Niña, ciertamente, ya no era. Una flor en el correo del extranjero llegó a ser, con timbres de Méjico y España, en su pasado, y el mundo en su futuro… Pulsando un futuro indeciso e incierto, simplemente una sonrisa y murmullante, de esos labios, “hola…” Eduardo A. Cong Poeta y dramaturgo, Miercoles, 6 de Junio, 2017 San Diego, CA 92101

“In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” George Orwell, 1903-1950. English novelist, essayist, journalist and critic. “Until the Lions tell their tale, the story of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” African proverb.

PAALAM, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, J.D. (June 15, 1945- September 29, 2016) Another brilliant and courageous star in the Philippines contemporary history leaves an amazing exemplary legacy. “Footprints on the sands of time” came to mind as all of the onlookers were in waiting burst into applauses at her arrival to pay homage at the wake. At the funeral cortège preparation, were amongst those present applauding the vessel, once containing this great giant. “We will always miss her intelligent discourse;” proffered the astute Senator colleague, Richard Gordon on her brilliance. Her courage prompted the present president of the Philippines, to observe, “We lost one of the guy good guys.” Respectfully, in agreement with his observation, please, reread Rizal’s introduction, “Noli Me Tangere.” It may have been Spain then, you draw your own conclusions, today 2016. He was a physician bound to the sacred oath, emerging from ancient Kemet, the Greeks ‘Aiguptos.’ “Do not Harm, above all.” For Miriam Defensor-Santiago, These respectful reflections are an extension of those flowers at her dignified resting place. In the dawn of Rizal’s Dapitan, she rose. This was not the street behind that Pontifical University, but in Rizal’s (Ateneo) exile, in Mindanao. Long unrecognized and/or acknowledged by so many contemporary scholars, his blessings was in disguise while in Mindanao. From a pristine turquoise blue ocean, her pointed observation ruffled so many feathers, because integrity spoke for the love of the people she served. She did not compromise the constitutional legacy of the nation, and thus, her people. Eduardo A. Cong, Poet and playwright, San Diego, CA. USA. September 29th, 2016 C'est l'Afrique noire inspirant.

“…to be Young, Gifted, and Black.” Niña Simone. This singer, once a child prodigy in her life, was commemorating Lorraine Hansberry’s play, and her life. (See her you tube recording for a full appreciation of her natural born gift.) Tuesday April 27, 16 (V) For the Black Children of The Future. That is today, 2016. In her eyes, Transcending all biometrics before me, became puzzled, As the cognitive hearing and translating brain, interpreted: “I am genius.” The very cosmic, electro magnetic atom/molecular/cellular level of the universe, Arising an amazing awareness. As this humble seed reflected on the volumes covered over 5,0000 years, of “hue” man wisdom, before their Christian era, we are to ask, and seek truthful knowledge, so hidden by the Westerners, (in their sacred and profane) scholarship. The stars, and its constellations, wherein is the biochemical carbon base of the 9/10 earth’s ‘hue’ man. The very key to the universe was physiologically manifested. Eduardo A. Cong Poet and playwright, Tuesday April 27, 2016 Post Script: From those ‘shoulders of giants” we are to give thanks to, Dr. Cheikh Anta Diop, Dr. Frances Cress Welsing, Dr. Richard D. King, Dr. Bobby E. Wright, Dr. John H. Clarke, Dr. Josef ben-Jochannan, Dr. Ivan Van Sertima, Dr. Chancellor Williams, Dr. Carlos G. Wilson, George G. M. James, George Simmons, John G. Jackson, ad infinitum. Their absence leaves boundaries of immense sidereal constellations; they are amongst our elders’ immortals.

On January 2, 2016, one of the United States most courageous psychiatrist, scholar and author of “The Isis Papers: The Key to the Colors (Third World Press),” has died. She was 80 years old. Her intellectual depth and breadth, brings to me, reminders of another titan in the Philippines History, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, also a physician. As much as the Church back then, and still today, try to keep their light from blossoming on a universal level. It is systemic and thus, those who are in control of the institutions, then as well as now, control the unenlightened practices and behavior of the many, local and global. “ If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.” Read this many years ago, and forthcoming in poetic imagery is her legacy, as succinct as possible. HAVE A GREAT YEAR ALL OF THOSE CONTRIBUTING TO THIS FORUM.

The following is a revision of some thoughts on Herman Melville after watching Moby Dick on ABC1(8 and 15 May, 8:35 to 10:00 p.m.). Kerry Saunders, a Peabody Journalism Award winner, was interviewed by Alan Saunders back on 30 June 2007 and he stated in that interview that Moby Dick(1851) was a metaphor for the American ship of state which was driving toward destruction, the destruction seen a decade later in the Civil War(1861-1865). The book was also a metaphor for the emptiness of reality, part of what came to be called existentialist philosophy, a philosophy that was emerging and would emerge in the 19th century with the two philosophers Nietzsche(1844-1900) and Kierkegaard(1813-1855).-Ron Price, 15 May 2011. THE HEALING ROAD I first came across the ideas of sociologist Emile Durkheim while studying sociology at university from 1963 to 1967. Many of his ideas I have always thought were relevant to a Baha'i perspective, a perspective I have entertained and that has evolved since the 1950s. This French sociologist’s ideas certainly reflect my experience of intellectual, artistic and literary pursuits, what 'Abdu'l-Baha called "learning and the cultural attainments of the mind."[1] Just as Baha'i administration was taking its first form under the guidance of Shoghi Effendi in the 1920s, Durkheim wrote that "the love of art, the predilection for artistic joys, is accompanied by a certain aptitude for getting outside ourselves, a certain detachment or disinterestedness. We lose sight of our surroundings, our ordinary cares, our immediate interests. Indeed, this is the essence of the healing power of art. Art consoles us because it turns us away from ourselves."[2] After forty years of travelling- pioneering, I find here peace and supper, as if after a very long day's work. Yes, Herman, this is its own reward.[3] Just a simple artistry in these poems, part of my search for the right idiom and the best ways of meet life's lot. I do not feel like Frost, stricken as he was and intensely conscious, suspicious of my struggle……A healing came, to me, at last, Herman, at long last……And all that gloom, and obsession, temper, rage, depression—it softened with the years and at last an easy sleep without the pain—dulled it was, life's sharp-ragged edges…../ And my style could lighten and take an easier road without that heat and load; it could brighten, that road.[4] Ron Price 22 September 2002 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ONE HAD TINTED CRIMSON In the year after the Bab was martyred Herman Melville published Moby Dick. Some have regarded this book as the greatest work in American fiction. Melville began writing this book in the late 1840s, perhaps 1849 at the earliest. He said he loved all men who dived. Any fish could swim near the surface, but it took a great whale to go down five miles. Melville also thought that comfortable beliefs needed to be discarded. He could not himself believe and he was uncomfortable in his disbelief.-Ron Price, a summary of an essay and an encyclopaedia article on Melville. Melville must be henceforth numbered in the company of the incorrigibles who occasionally tantalize us with indications of genius.....Melville has succeeded in investing objects.....with an absorbing fascination...Moby Dick is not a mere tale of adventure, but a whole philosophy of life, that it unfolds.---Henry F. Chorley, in London Athenaeum, 25 October 1851; and London John Bull, 25 October 1851. My Revelation is indeed far more bewildering than that of Muhammad....how strange that a person brought up among the people of Persia should be empowered by God....and be enabled to spontaneously reveal verses far more rapidly than anyone….-The Bab in Selections from the Writings of the Bab, Haifa, 1976, p.139. They both went down deep into the ocean of mystery, a mystic intercourse had possessed them with some subtle-penetrating grandeurs, intensities, strangenesses, absorbing fascination, profound reflections, a whole way of life in their words, a certain eccentricity of style, an object of ridicule, a kind of old extravagance, bewildering, and that very transcendental tendency of the age, that 19th century age. But One had musk-scented breaths... written beyond the impenetrable veil of concealment...oceans of divine elixir, tinted crimson with the essence of existence…..Arks of ruby, tender.... wherein none shall sail but the people of Baha...1 Ron Price 18 February 1999 1 The Bab, Selections from the Writings of the Bab, Haifa, 1976, pp.57-8. [1] 'Abdu'l-Baha, The Secret of Divine Civilization, Wilmette, 1970, p.35. [2] Emile Durkheim, Moral Education, Free Press, 1961(1925), p.268. [3] Herman Melville, Letter to Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1851. Melville wrote that after a hard day's work it was enough of a reward to sit down in peace and enjoy one's supper. This could also be true of hardship, if some anxiety prevailed over something over which one did not seem to have any control. It was, indeed, reward enough just to sit and enjoy some peace and something to eat. Amen, Herman, amen. [4] While I wrote these last two stanzas I was thinking of: (a) the heat in Robert Frost's poetry and the inner battles he had to fight. See Selected Letters of Robert Frost, editor, Lawrence Thompson, Jonathan Cape, London, 1965, Introduction; and ( the healing I received in 1980 and 2002 from two different medications for my bi-polar tendency.

Apologies for those who found the above somewhat obscure. Poetry is often this way, especially when one is dealing with complex problems, especially when one is, as this thread indicates, dancing to a different drummer.-Ron Price, Australia

Just a final note: ----------------------- ROUTINIZATION OF CHARISMA The Romans all loved or hated Augustus didn't they? The same with kings and queens: there was a personality factor, something extraordinary, personal, often something divine. These authority figures elicited responses of awe, deference and devotion. They range from frenzy-creating preachers to quiet, meditating sages. An inherent instability was part of their authority, their charisma. -Ron Price with thanks to Douglas Barnes, "Charisma and Religious Leadership", Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 1978, 17(1), 1-18. We had our prophetic revelation, our charisma, our unified world view, our consciously integrated, meaningful attitude to life1, our perceived extra-ordinariness, our doctrine, mission, constructed beyond-the-human, a gift of grace, of history, of God, otherness, revolutionary and then, then: routinized, depersonalized, adhering not to persons, but to institutions, authority,1 central order-relating events, a legitimating force, the function of the need for order in what we could call: charismatic community with its collective excitement, transforming the inherently so precarious into a superhuman facticity that seems eternal, free of disenchantment---one. 1 In the Baha’i Faith authority is invested in institutions and power, a much more subtle and indefineable entity, is to be found in individuals. This power could be expressed in host of ways. It could be seen as energy. Man provides the energy and God provides the guidance. Ron Price 7 November 1997 1 Max Weber, some aspects of charisma.

Max Weber observes that both for sociology and for history the object of cognition is subjective meaning. This subjective meaning is both the basis for and the complex of action. The point here is not that "anything goes," but rather that "everything is contingent"; not that there are no rules, but that the rules that do exist are decidedly "historically and culturally situated." REENCHANTMENT The great sociologist, some say the greatest, Max Weber, wrote about the reenchantment of the world. The phrase has come to be used in many contexts by sociologists and philosophers, scholars and social scientist specialists in various disciplines. This writer, this poet, sees the reenchantment of the world as having its beginnings with the Enlightenment and the birth of Shaykh Ahmad in the middle of the 18th century. By that time all the traditional religions were well into the winter of their lives, although there were many cold and sunny, bright and often windy days to come. From my perspective or at least one way of expressing this perspective, this reenchantment has been underway for over 250 years. Reenchantment has a host of forms: industrialism, capitalism, socialism, liberalism, conservatism, democracy, communism, science and romanticism to choose but nine of its many manifestations. The core and centre of this reenchantment is to be found in the Baha’i Faith, although this will not be evident for some time. The process is similar to the way Christianity became the core of the reenchantment of the Greek and Roman world. The very nature of matter, new models of scientific knowledge, explosions in knowledge, in material goods and in population are all part of this reenchantment. To even begin to write about the transformation that has occurred in the last two and a half centuries when this reenchantment has been taking place would require a book.-Ron Price with thanks to Kate Rigby, Topographies of the Sacred: The Poetics of Place in European Romanticism, University of Virginia Press, London, 2004, p.17. They all got a slice of the action, all got a piece of the cake, as the essential revolution proceded quietly, obscurely, largely unnoticed, in the hearts of millions who dropped out of a socio-political world they long ago found meaningless. Some of the routines have gone on; some of the laws have been obeyed, but the roots of faith have been severed, unbeknownst, seductively, insinuated by revolutionary, spiritual, forces that are entirely out of human control. And here I am in this place in early adulthood amidst diverse living things and natural forms, beneath the sky, light’s alternations and rhythms of the seasons, in community worldwide now, open to the advent of the divine and beckoning the messengers of the godhead’s reenchantment.1 1 Kate Rigby, op.cit., p.84. Ron Price January 16th 2006

Belated apologies for taking 8 months to respond, Slightly art-freakish! So true: "Very few human beings are open to new ideas that conflict with their deep core of beliefs." Eventually, though, as the sociologist Max Weber theorized in his sociology of religion, a secular ethic becomes spiritualized and a new world religion becomes dominant.-Ron Price, Tasmania -----------------------------------------

Interesting post, jazz was a revolutionary movement that obviously took a long time to resonate with the mainstream. This speaks volume to the nature of human beings and thought. Very few human beings are open to new ideas that conflict with their deep core of beliefs. Even to this day people have a hard time accepting and comprehending Einstein's theory of relativity. The good thing is that new generation always come in to lay a new foundation in thought.