X-Message-Number: 1185 Date: 11 Sep 92 23:42:07 EDT From: Michael Paulle <> Subject: CRYONICS "Independence Day" Message-Id: <> INDEPENDENCE DAY Thanks to the vigilance of Charles Platt, Independence Day for cryonics has arrived. September 13, 1992 will be recognized in cryonics history as the day the member-citizens were freed from the ancient and failed tyranny of the few ruling the many. Finally, after 20 years, Alcor-ahead of the curve in so many ways- is no longer behind humanity's learning curve in how to govern itself. The "Wall" has come down in cryonics, just as it had to fall in Berlin. And the Alcor Board of Directors, like the Russian people I know so well, have been dragged "kicking and screaming" into modernity. The outcome of the vote, today, is less important than the event itself. The factions that "win" or "lose" are insignificant in comparison to the fact that, annually, open nominations for Board seats are to be made. Secret ballots of the free, equal, and anonymous Board members are then to be fairly counted and the results, honored. "Never Again" will self-perpetuation and intimidation humiliate the noble cause of cryonics. The door of ignorance has been slammed shut behind the Board, and like the Russians, they can't go back that way again. However, just as the Continental Congress 200 years ago, was open only to land-owning, white males and the Declaration of Indepedence was framed by a people-owning Virginian, so to, the ultimate freedom of thought and action for members in cryonics won't be secured by today's vote. Alcor, like Russia has joined the 20th Century only just in time to lurch blindly into the 21st. Crises undoubtedly await the new Alcor, some life-threatening and probably terrifying, but by empowering the individual cryonicists to give of themselves and receive the reward that giving gives, Alcor has assured that its own existence and cryonics in general will survive, grow and prosper. Only fear of the individual and the continued policy of excluding the many, if these would have been perpetuated today, they could have killed Alcor. With Independence Day, has come a new lease on the life we all adore for Alcor and ourselves. Today, the Board of Directors has shown the courage, compassion and intelligence that will give our heirs the moral authority, in their time, to bring us back. Congratulations to all cryonicists and especially to the Alcor Board of Directors for "Seizing the Day". Much love, as always, Michael Paulle Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=1185