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jallman said:Well here it is, folks...the first installment of the jallman manifesto on perfect government. This is a purely theoretical exercise meant to assist me in refining some of my personal beliefs concerning the role of government, religion, social responsibility, and ultimately to come to a conclusion about the human condition. Some of the assertions put forth will be highly offensive to some and totally logical to others. Remember, this is an exercise...a philosophical undertaking with few real applications. I invite all comments, but lets not turn this into a flame war, please. In this first thread, I will offer an overview of the governmental structure I am presenting. Subsequent threads will explore how to achieve that structure along with strengths and weaknesses of this political philosophy. This is an evolving process, so please feel free to chime in and help me out, even if it is to prove me wrong.
First and foremost we will begin with an assumption that national boundaries have become the reason for most global conflict. In this age of information, global communication, and the movement of resources easily and efficiently there is almost no need for these boundaries to exist. It is my belief that national boundaries are not needed anymore and that one government in the hands of one central body of governance and headed by one steward is the optimal direction for the future of the planet. It is the responsibility of the individual to look to the steward of the world, hereafter referred to as the Global Chancellor, and offer him/her dedicated loyalty born of the ideal that humanity has all potential to achieve Utopia. In this endeavor, the individual must sacrifice a little in the beginning in order to achieve greatness later.
The Global Chancellor is responsible for the welfare of the entire human race. As such, he is given all authority to decide the outcome of international conflict, all public policy, spending, global development, and any other powers needed to carry out his duties as the steward of humanity. As this is a massive responsibility, he will have the power to appoint a "cabinet" of viceroys who act as provincial governors of predetermined regions of the world. These viceroys answer directly to the Global Chancellor and are appointed or dismissed at his discretion. The viceroys of the regions will be given the power to initiate armed conflict in the pursuit of maintaining loyalty to the Chancellor. Eventually, such need for armed conflict will become obsolete and that power can be taken from the viceroys altogether.
The Utopian Global Community will have a total divorce of Church and State, except where social aid is influenced. All social aid shall come through a state endorsed Universal Church which retains autonomy of doctrine but its charity works will be subsidized by the Global Community. All other operations of the Universal Church shall be the responsibility of the Church and its congregations. It is imperative though, that initiatives be taken to ensure that the Universal Church does not require membership in order to take part in social aid programs.
It should be instilled in every human being that the Global Community is the responsibility of everyone. Each and every person should maximize his or her potential; that is showing loyalty to the Global Chancellor. The Global Community understands that everyone needs help sometimes, but no one will live off of a government check. To this end, every global citizen will be given the same access to education and training with some preference of choice being given to those who choose to train for service to the Global Chancellor and the Utopian administration. The Universal Church would also have its own career paths with the ability to wield influence socially as an advocate between the masses and the Utopian administration. As education is a social aid program, the administration of education will be given to the Universal Church.
It is not the interest of the Global Community to decide personal morality for its citizens. To this end, the Global Community will not interfere with the personal choices of its citizens. There shall be no laws governing the interactions of consenting adults, no laws governing entertainment, social custom, or religious affiliation. The only time the Global Chancellor or the Utopian administration will exert authority is when such practices directly bring harm to another citizen or when these practices undermine the authority of the Global Chancellor. As steward of humanity, it is the Global Chancellor's responsibility to create policies which protect the individual while forming a cohesive society on a global scale.
Kelzie said:I will agree that national boundaries are a social construct. However, I feel that the majority of disagreement in this day and age is caused by ethnic conflict. I don't see how eliminating national boundaries would solve this problem, or how appointing a single leader (who could not possibly know the full background of every conflict) would help either.
So the viceroys are in charge of regions. But are there also a team of advisors to the chancellor on different aspects of ruling? Agriculture, economics, education, etc...surely you can't expect him to be proffecient in all aspects needed to govern the world. One would imagine these viceroys would also need their own cabinet.
Which leads me to my second problem with viceroys. Having them serve at the sole discretion of the chancellor opens a pandora's box of problems. Corruption, all the -isms (appointing your family, friends, whatever). Not to mention the issues that a group of people would have when a viceroy from outside their area is assigned to govern them.
And how exactly would you ensure that the church isn't playing favorites? It certainly has every reason to do so. Establishing a favor system would gurantee the church a large following.
And why exactly is the aid funneled through the church? Do you not trust the government to do it?
Whoa, the church is in charge of education? I can promise their will be a large amount of people who do not want a church in charge of their children's education.
How exactly is this chancellor appointed? Or will you discuss that later?
If people are free to practice their own religion, why does the Universal Church have so much power? It will create conflict.
Interesting so far, although a tad optimistic of human nature. Suppose that's why you call it Utopia.
SSlightning said:Alright I find your idea of utopia quite interesting and actually not far off from what mine is. I agree with the idea that the less power is divided, the easier it is for progress to be made.
But a problem your utopia has is why does their need to be a "church" cant it just be a government department? I am not a religious person and the fact that the aid/education given to the world would be run by a church bothers me.
There's alot of information to soak in from your posts, and these are just my intial reactions to it.
I've spent more of my time thinking about how to fix our country because you need a starting point or an example, being young I have yet to work out alot of details about how I would change things, but I do have a rough idea. You can see it at the link in my signature.
jallman said:Well here it is, folks...the first installment of the jallman manifesto on perfect government. This is a purely theoretical exercise meant to assist me in refining some of my personal beliefs concerning the role of government, religion, social responsibility, and ultimately to come to a conclusion about the human condition. Some of the assertions put forth will be highly offensive to some and totally logical to others. Remember, this is an exercise...a philosophical undertaking with few real applications. I invite all comments, but lets not turn this into a flame war, please. In this first thread, I will offer an overview of the governmental structure I am presenting. Subsequent threads will explore how to achieve that structure along with strengths and weaknesses of this political philosophy. This is an evolving process, so please feel free to chime in and help me out, even if it is to prove me wrong.
First and foremost we will begin with an assumption that national boundaries have become the reason for most global conflict.
jallman said:In this age of information, global communication, and the movement of resources easily and efficiently there is almost no need for these boundaries to exist. It is my belief that national boundaries are not needed anymore and that one government in the hands of one central body of governance and headed by one steward is the optimal direction for the future of the planet. It is the responsibility of the individual to look to the steward of the world, hereafter referred to as the Global Chancellor, and offer him/her dedicated loyalty born of the ideal that humanity has all potential to achieve Utopia.
jallman said:In this endeavor, the individual must sacrifice a little in the beginning in order to achieve greatness later.
jallman said:The Global Chancellor is responsible for the welfare of the entire human race. As such, he is given all authority to decide the outcome of international conflict, all public policy, spending, global development, and any other powers needed to carry out his duties as the steward of humanity. As this is a massive responsibility, he will have the power to appoint a "cabinet" of viceroys who act as provincial governors of predetermined regions of the world. These viceroys answer directly to the Global Chancellor and are appointed or dismissed at his discretion. The viceroys of the regions will be given the power to initiate armed conflict in the pursuit of maintaining loyalty to the Chancellor. Eventually, such need for armed conflict will become obsolete and that power can be taken from the viceroys altogether.
jallman said:The Utopian Global Community will have a total divorce of Church and State, except where social aid is influenced. All social aid shall come through a state endorsed Universal Church which retains autonomy of doctrine but its charity works will be subsidized by the Global Community.
jallman said:It should be instilled in every human being that the Global Community is the responsibility of everyone. Each and every person should maximize his or her potential; that is showing loyalty to the Global Chancellor.
jallman said:The Global Community understands that everyone needs help sometimes, but no one will live off of a government check. To this end, every global citizen will be given the same access to education and training with some preference of choice being given to those who choose to train for service to the Global Chancellor and the Utopian administration. The Universal Church would also have its own career paths with the ability to wield influence socially as an advocate between the masses and the Utopian administration. As education is a social aid program, the administration of education will be given to the Universal Church.
It is not the interest of the Global Community to decide personal morality for its citizens. To this end, the Global Community will not interfere with the personal choices of its citizens. There shall be no laws governing the interactions of consenting adults, no laws governing entertainment, social custom, or religious affiliation. The only time the Global Chancellor or the Utopian administration will exert authority is when such practices directly bring harm to another citizen or when these practices undermine the authority of the Global Chancellor. As steward of humanity, it is the Global Chancellor's responsibility to create policies which protect the individual while forming a cohesive society on a global scale.
The Real McCoy said:I disagree. Seems to me that they play even less of a role in conflict than they historically have and that today's wars are clashes of ideologies.
I don't think any human being (or oligarchy) should ever be allowed to wield that type of global power. Technology has evolved exponentially faster than man's benevolance. While we've managed incredible feats such as splitting the atom, walking on the moon and manipulating the very code of life itself, we as a species have still yet to overcome our self-centered nature and corruption in such a government would become inevitable and unimaginably devastating.
Could you elaborate on this statement? Not sure I follow ya...
Are you serious? I mean, no offense or anything because from what I've seen in other threads, you seem like a very bright individual so it makes me wonder how you could possibly envision this government as something to strive toward.
Would this Church glorify the Chancellor?
Sounds far too much like communism... or some Orwellian nightmare.
How would these ideals be enforced? I envision forced labor camps and killing fields.
jallman said:Okay, so far we have arrived at national boundaries not being the problem, but ideologies and ethnic boundaries as being the problem. All the more reason to divide the territories of the viceroys among boundaries determined by ethnic majorities. This makes total sense now that you guys have pointed it out. I am thinking 7-10 territories should suffice. National boundaries within those territories that remain intact can be acceptable for a while, but over time, I would still like to see those national boundaries disperse as the Global Community solidifies its power.
Of course you dont because you have been indoctrinated from birth to believe that power should be dispersed among the people and you probably have a strong sense of nationalism and patriotism. You are not alone and that is why it would be neccessary for the Utopian Administration to break those ideas down, both in their physical manifestations and on a psychological level. However, I am of the contention that if you centralize power under one steward, you can achieve great progress. Those in positions of authority that report to the Global Chanclellor would have to be made to understand that any sign of corruption will be punishable up to death. These are to be men and women who are held to the highest of standards and ethics. Corruption undermines loyalty to the community.
Giving up small things like 25 choices of breakfast cereal in exchange for everyone being able to have breakfast cereal, even if it is only one or two kinds. Giving up SUVs in exchange for a standard vehicle assignment based on family size. Simple things like this that would make the world better for everyone.
I dont take any offense, as I said this is a purely philosophical exercise. Some of the ideas I promote will probably make Orwell shiver and Ayn Rand cringe. I know this, but trust that I am only thinking about how to achieve global harmony in the most efficient way.
Okay, you got me. In the beginning, surely this church would carrry the endorsement of the Utopian Administration. However, as the church gains the following of the society and weilds influence accordingly, it will be the responsibility to the church to lend divine right to the Utopian Administration and its head of state. Eventually, I see the pontiff of the Universal Church and the Global Chancellor working hand in hand, one lending poltical power to the Utopian Adminisration and the other lending its social/moral affirmations.
Communism didnt hold a candle to what I am thinking about. Communism was faulty from the start. It relied on a group to weild power together with no real steward to reign them in. It trivialized the need for spirituality and giving the masses somethingto hope for. Communism was bleak and drab with no benefit, only existence. I am talking about Utopia here...with every citizen working in harmony to glorify the human race and our potential. Reward those who serve the Global Community and quickly bring punishment to those who undermine it.
Labor camps and killing fields are not what I envision, but I can see how you would show some concern. Actually, I have a much better idea. Its time to introduce the global currency card. All currency will be tracked through a global banking system. No money would ever be put into print, but rather moved electronically. Every citizen would recieve a global currency card which is how they buy, trade and sell. Your paycheck goes directly into your global currency account where taxes are automatically deducted. The remainder stays as a credit to your account. When shopping, spending for entertainment, or making transactions between citizens, the global currency card is the only way to perform trade. No work, no credit to your global currency account. Plus, think of how easy it would be to track illegal activity...I mean, normally when some crime is committed, you can follow the money back to the perpetrator. It also makes it easy to track any person on the planet so that dissenters may be ferreted out with ease. No killing fields, no labor camps, just tight control on the resources.
The Real McCoy said:Sounds far too much like communism... or some Orwellian nightmare.
Che said:yeah what a nightmare... humans in harmony caring for one another :roll:
laska said:There are certain principles that I believe a perfect government would have to have:
*A leader with the kind of power you are wanting to give would have to have a knowledge of all things and would have to choose by his free agency to be bound by virtue in all things. Only God fits here and so the leader of a perfect government would have to be either God or a man or woman of the true and living God (I am not talking about priestcrafts where a man or woman sets themselves to be a light to the world but the real thing.)
Okay, I can agree with what I believe to be your initial assertion...that this man or woman would have to be a true steward of mankind. What I disagree with is your assertions that the secular man cannot achieve that kind of compassion. I will reveal something of my own thoughts here: I dont believe Jesus's sacrifice was that profound, in and of itself. Not to say I dont appreciate it, but I dont think it was all that monumental. Hear me out....who among us, if we KNEW that all of mankind (or even just our closest loved ones) were on a rail to eternal suffering, would not step up and sacrifice himself to avoid it, if we KNEW, that by doing so, we could save those most dear to us. Further strengthen that resolve with the knowledge that by doing so, we would not truly perish ourselves, but rather would be set up as the right hand of the governing authority who imposed that original damnation...not to mention the exaltation from the ones we saved....meaning the entire human race? Actions of virtue can be born of motivations of selfishness...what matter if the actions are born of selfish motivation if they achieve the same, selfless end?
Without this, then it is impossible to have a perfect government(becuse mortal human beings do not possess a perfect perspective because their are limits to human knowledge.)
I also agree that there are boundaries to human knowledge. I just dont agree that there are boundaries to human potential.
So without a TRUE theocracy then you can only try and get the best government possible (non perfect) which would have to have a structure in place that has a realistic understanding of human nature or else the kind of government you are giving will more likely end in despotism imo.
Despotic governments can still be benevolent, despite the selfish motivations of despots themselves. Look at Elizabeth who held her country together by an iron fist of political control...she achieved greatness for her people and is still revered to this day. I think the most important trait this Global Chancellor must have is mental stability and a genuine care for the direction of the planet.
*The power that this global chancellor has cannot have come from any kind of coersion or force but rather by people using their unfettered free agency to choose to follow this leader. Those who choose not to would have to have the freedom to create their own ideas of the perfect government.
I disagree in total to this statement. Even now, as a democracy, we spread our ideals that the people should choose...and we spread them by force. Think about how prevalent the term "peace keeping troops" is on our vocabulary today. Consider Iraq, which we are dragging kicking and screaming into a democratic way of governance. No, I say that Global Chancellor need only have the interest of the people at heart and those who dissent might just have to be ground beneath the wheels of progress.
*the charity or pure love of others without any selfish ulterior motives would have to be in the hearts of the people for a true "utopia" to exist. This spiritual attribute cannot by developed by force and coersion (such as government legislation that forces virtue.)
True; you cannot immediately enforce virtuous ideals upon the masses. However, with social/psychological manipulation backed by force, within a few generations you can develop a mindset of altruism in a society. Its that whole "fake it until you make it" concept that AMWAY and other business ventures use to arouse the passions of their constituency. Apply it globally with all the power of a global authority and just try to comprehend the progressive changes that can be made to the collective psyche.
Here are some cool verses from LDS(Mormon) scriptures that hint at how God has recieved His power and perfect kingdom(at least it seems to me):
"The rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon principles of righteousness. That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man."(D&C)
So, admit the sins of man and approach it from that angle. Admission of guilt is the first step toward correction the offense, correct? Let not the Utopian Administration be self righteous, but rather, let it admit the short comings of man and commit to changing the behaviors that make it fall short...through whatever means necessary. And let the proactive plan for making those corrections come by direct decree of the one Global Chancellor in charge with the spiritual credibility of the one Universal Church.
“We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.....No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile ...... and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever." (D&C 121:34-46)
And the key comes with "almost all men". Envision a Global Chancellor with centralized authority and the autonomy to decide the course of our moral evolution...but I see the unpredictable variable...would he be a true steward or would he be a self gratifying monster. I just dont think it is inherent in man to attempt the latter, though I do see it being difficult for the average man to achieve success at the former. Surely the Global Chancellor would have to be an extraordinary individual...I am not denying that.
The Real McCoy said:Not sure what reality you subscribe to but here on Earth, we humans are incapble of constructing such a utopian ideal.
I'm curious, what would your ideal (national and/or international) government be?
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