COPROMISE PART II: THE PROMISE OF CORRUPTION

30 April 2008

What is compromise? Is it a co-promise? Is it a promise to cooperate? Is it a commonly agreed upon promise? The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 3rd. Edition, indicates that compromise is a settlement of differences by concession; or combining the qualities of different things. Within the context of government and governing, I submit, that compromise is more about what is given up, rather than what is gained, that everyone loses, while only a limited few realize some degree of benefit; and, that compromise is the first act of corruption. How can this be?

Compromise, when all is said and done, can only occur between two people. Yes, more may be involved in the negotiations, but in the end the ultimate agreement is usually struck between two individuals that have enough power to enforce it. Conversely, two well-founded, well-developed ideas or plans cannot be compromised if either is to accomplish its purpose. For example, presidential hopefuls, Republican John McCain and Democrat, Hillary Clinton, are currently clamoring for a suspension of the federal tax on gasoline throughout the summer season; Senator Barrack OBama opposes the idea. He is against it for two basic reasons; it would not significantly effect the price of gasoline for average citizens, and the loss of revenue diminishes what can be allocated for infrastructure maintenance and repair.

I am not advocating for Mr. Obama, but he is right. If and when this issues comes before congress, some sort of compromise will be reached, and regardless of the final terms, average citizens will lose far more than we will gain, while a limited number of politicians and corporations will reap the greatest benefit. Think about it! Consider the compromises that have been reached about funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, for S-CHP (State Children's Health Program) funding, and for the so-called "economic stimulus" package passed earlier this year. Each of these actions by our government were passed, some have been vetoed by President Bush, but all are the product of compromise.

One may argue that, had it not been for compromise, nothing would have gotten done. That may be true, however, it does not make it right, honest or effective. Because of compromise thousands of soldiers and civilians have continued to die, children and entire families are being denied health care- some of them will die as a result, and as many as two million citizens still face foreclosure, economic ruin and homelessness.

Reader's can argue until they are blue in the face about the need for compromise in legislation and government, but the the evidence of its harmful consequences throughout the course of our nation's history is undeniable and overwhelming. The growth and maturity of the United States; its industrialization, our inestimable wealth and nuclear domination of the planet is the product of compromise. By the same token, our increasing and immediate dysfunction, deterioration and decline are also the result of compromise. Compromise has made the United States of America what it is, and what it is not. Now, the question is, "How can government function without compromise?"

There must be a process. A process that makes all citizens the primary objective and beneficiaries, that will bring about the best results and effects for everyone. Humanistic Equalism: Philosophy for Ethical Government contains such a process. It is a Three-question Test process. When considering final passage of any policy, legislation, or action lawmakers must ask and answer three questions:

1. Will this action or function cause ruinous harm to the dignity, value, happiness and progress of citizens' lives?
2. Will this action or function secure, without exception, absolutely equal privileges, status and rights of every citizen?
3. Will this action or function require and guarantee without exception, equitable, impartial application and enforcement to every citizen?

The answer to the first question must be No; questions two and three must be answered in the affirmative. If the response to any of the questions is qualified in any manner, is unclear or ambiguous, the action or function must be rejected as it is and debate resumed until it complies with the rules of the process. The objective of the three questions is to eliminate self-interest, special interest, greed and compromise; this would all but do away with the opportunity for acts of corruption and collusion. I will discuss this in greater detail at a later time. For now I ask only that readers think about it and consider the possibilities such a process could produce.

Throughout the coming days, weeks and months pay attention and make note of when you read, hear or see something about compromises, deals or agreements reached by congress or the president. When you do look into it, see who is gaining and who is losing. I will bet all the money I could make for the remainder of my life that in all instances average working people, common citizens, will always be the biggest losers and that politicians and the wealthy will always gain the most benefit.

I will communicate with you again on 4 May 2008, until then please be safe, let me know what you think and give Peace a chance.

James Tinsley, B.A.

"CONGRESS REACHES COMPROMISE-CONSTITUTION READY FOR RATIFICATION!"

25 April 2008

I have a question or two. Did it ever occur to anyone that our nation only became a nation as the result of compromise? Has anyone ever taken a few moments and thought about it or seriously considered it? What the implications are? Remember, one must always include the law of unintended consequences when engaging in contemplation, reasoning, or just plain old thinking about stuff.

So, has it ever occurred to anyone, have you given any amount of thought to the fact that if not for compromise the United States of America may never have existed? What do you think were the two key compromises that facilitated the completion of the Constitution and its subsequent submission to the people of the various states for ratification (or rejection)?

I encourage everyone to give it some thought and let me know. In my estimate the two compromises that, if not made, would have set the colonists occupying this continent off on a completely different time-line, a different historical revelation, is the compromise concerning slavery and the compromise to immediately address the issue of individual and human rights through amendments upon ratification of the Constitution. We got lucky with that one. Although, those amendments, known to most citizens as "The Bill of Rights," have kept the police, the lawyers and the courts in business and very well fed.

I am sure that most readers, when prompted, do in fact instinctively know that the United States is the product of compromise. Truthfully, there is a certain sense of pride about it. It is fair to say that most everyone agrees that successful politics in the American system is synonymous with the so-called " Art of Compromise." I concur. After all, we are a reasonable people. We are willing to compromise, to take what we can get, to settle for what is possible right now.

How many times have you heard on a newscast, or read in the news paper a story or headline telling how Senator McGreedy and Senior Senator Stickyfingers reached a compromise agreement today clearing the way for... ? I will tell you something; every time citizens hear or see that scenerio, or some variation, average Americans are in the process of being diminished and devalued, deceived and discounted. Compromise is the cornerstone and the curse of our nation.

Some may say, "But wait, there is no way you could have a government, especially our kind of government, without compromise." That belief, that firm and uncompromising mind-set is an element, a rhetorical device crafted into the mythological marketing presented in the story, or tale, as it were, of American history and education. Our nation's historical record, until recently, and to my mind, recounted most eloquently and accurately by Professor Howard Zinn in his, A People's History of The United States, has always been told as a glorious and triumphant emergence of greatness. Lots of struggle, overcoming tremendous hardship, the fountainhead of invention and creative genius, humane and caring- a protective Uncle, a nation concerned with the security and well-being of the oppressed and those less fortunate. Does that sound about right?

I am fully aware that what I am about to commit to writing is offensive to many and a call to arms for more than a few of my fellow citizens. However, it is my obligation as a human being, and my responsibility as an American citizen to always express my honest thoughts. Although, because I am sensitive to the power and effect of words and understand that readers will most likely infer something that I did not imply, I strive to chose and organize my words and thoughts carefully. My objective in bringing unpleasant subjects to the ether for comment, discussion and debate is to stimulate thinking, reflection, and introspection. I have no desire to attack, offend, or make any reader angry or defensive. Unfortunately, honesty, and the expression of one's honest thoughts, often achieves those very results. So, all I can ask is please do not take my honesty personally; and to implore that readers extend to me every right that they claim for themselves.

It is my honest conclusion that the observable, documented and knowable evidence that is the actual history of the United States of America, reveals a shameful, inhumane, uncaring, overbearing and murderous nation. A nation, pious and arrogant, owned and dominated by Caucasian Anglo Protestants.

There is no conceivable argument that will disprove this reality. From the establishment of Jamestown, through the intolerance of the Puritans, the industrialization of slavery, the Imperialism of the "White Man's Burden," the extermination of Native American culture, or the exploitation of immigrant labor in order to create the world's greatest amount of wealth for the least number of people; from our very beginning through this very moment, the Elite Minority Faction that is served and protected by America's pseudo-Aristocracy and the Status Quo, have taken what ever they wanted. In other words, what America wants, America gets. Our hubris and our wrath, like the God of Christians knows no bounds; they are infinite and we are supreme.

This is an honest description of the actual day-to-day events upon which the mythological tales of America's history are woven, written and reprinted as texts used to educate future generations. All of it, the brilliant and heroic mythology, and the honest shameful truth was, and continues to be made possible by practicing the [Black] Art of Compromise. Compromise, within the context of government and governing, is the first act of corruption.

I had planned to delve deeper into compromise, but I believe that this is a good place to stop. I have the distinct feeling that some readers need time to digest this honesty and think, to let any anger or defensiveness that may have surfaced to dissipate. I sincerely hope readers will bare in mind that I do not attack persons I attack beliefs and ideas, perception and lies. In this instance it is the idea and lies of compromise. When a degree of calm is regained, and thinking is somewhat more reasoned and rational, I wish that you would share your thoughts and tell me about them. We will continue with this discussion on or before 30 April 2008. Give Peace a chance.
P.S. For anyone interested Cambridge University has put the Complete Works of Charles Darwin on-line at
http://darwin-online.org.uk/

THE UNITED STATES, A NATION OF FREE MARKETS NOT FREE PEOPLE

22 April 2008

Today, 22 April 2008, is the day of the much anticipated Pennsylvania primary. Barrack, Hillary, all their supporters and detractors, along with the rest of us are obliged to pay attention.Why? In the end, when this year's presidential and congressional elections are over and decided, regardless of who wins, everything and every issue that concerns or matters to you and I - average citizens and common struggling working people - will remain the same as it ever was. The only true and consistent winner in American elections is the Status Quo. Status Quo is the promoter, protector and vicious defender for Elite Minority Faction rule. Consequently, I wish to begin this post with several questions for readers to ponder.

Is military power and dominance a greater achievement than productive, prosperous and happy citizens?
Is profit and property more important than people?
Are unfettered so-called "Free Markets" more valuable than improving the conditions and lives of all our citizens?
Are they the intent and purpose of our United States Constitution?
Is it really better to live in a nation that is, for the most part, poor, sick, and stupid, such as the United States is?
Do we truly believe that a nation of more than 300 million citizens where 90% of all wealth and benefit is owned and controlled by approximately 400-450 families and corporations is the "greatest nation" in history?
Is the United States of America really any different than the former Soviet Russia, than present day Iran, or than the known world was when it was dictated by some corrupt Vicar of Christ, some Pope in Rome?

The obvious and intellectually honest answer to all these questions is a resounding, NO!

As I have watched and listened to the current political productions being staged at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars, and in the name of democracy, freedom, security and equality I have laughed and I have wept. My laughter is at the ignorance and credulity of our citizens; my tears flow freely for the same reasons. I wish to make a prediction, and I ask that you hold me to it.

My prediction is this: The course of our nation and the condition of average working citizens in America will not improve or substantially change no matter who is elected. Things might get worse, but there is absolutely no chance our daily lives will see any benefit as a result of the upcoming election process.

Neither Republicans nor Democrats have any desire, will, motivation or the intelligence to initiate or engage in real changes to make our nation and our citizen's lives better or different than they are now. Just as it was in the beginning when King George of Great Britain was our lord and master, our only hope lies with and in the people. We are the only true source of power and the only chance Americans have to to actually change the United States and the lives of our citizens.

We must carry out a second American Revolution. It is our Constitutional duty and the obligation of our citizenship to overthrow the Status Quo power structure and remove a corrupt harmful government of Elite Minority Faction rule. Like our Fore-fathers and mothers did, we must re-declare our independence by establishing a new system and process of government. A government whose sole function, purpose and focus is empowering and improving the daily lives of it's living citizens. We must rise up and cause a radical and lasting shift of power.

I call for Revolution - not with guns and violence - but by using the arsenal of weapons embedded within our United States Constitution for this very reason. Revolution by Constitution!

In my post of 18 April 2008 I briefly described a method and means of taxation that is equal and gives primary control of our nation's revenue to the people. This is only one of four major and revolutionary changes arising from Humanistic Equalism: Philosophy for Ethical Government. A unique and new philosophy, system and process for politics and government.

In addition to Equal Taxation we must require a brief period of National Service for all citizens that are not too physically or mentally impaired to function without constant care. We must amend the Constitution to make "free" health care and "free" education a guaranteed right of citizenship available to all citizens beginning in the womb and continuing throughout their life until death.

In the coming weeks and months I will discuss in detail why we must do these things. I will tell you how they can be done. In the meantime, think about the questions posed at the start of this communication and please let me know your thoughts and opinions. I look forward to our next encounter on or about 25 April 2008. Give Peace a chance.

EQUALITY-ABSOLUTE EQUALITY, AMERICA'S GREATEST FAILURE

18 April 2008

Now that our initial encounter with the tax man is past it may be somewhat easier to take in new ideas, to focus on some possibilities. To begin, let me say that the attitudes, ideas and conclusions I intend to introduce and hopefully, generate discussion and debate about in the coming months, are not the ultimate answers or solutions; they are not exceptionally ingenious or brilliant, nor are they 'new,' in-so-far-as unheard of.

What they are is common sense; well reasoned, logical and thoughtful common sense. They are the result of more than thirty years of experience, growth, development and serious inquiry; and these attitudes, ideas and conclusions are my honest thoughts.

For example, our United States Internal Revenue Tax Code is the primary instrument and the machinery used by the proponents of the Status Quo to sustain the position, power, and wealth of Elite Minority Faction rule. Unless our system of taxation radically and completely changes, and unless the purpose and functions of our government institutions does the same, the United States, as we now perceive and recognize it, will fail.

It will fail in the sense that the geographical area- the place - known as the United States may remain, but the idea, the concept, the mythology, and most likely our original Constitution, will be replaced by something akin to the same kind of tyranny, despotism and oppressive government we revolted and fought a war against to gain our nation's independence. In other words, we, as a nation, will have completed the circle and cycle.
Once the cycle is completed, once the circle is closed, the United States and its government will have become the tyrant and oppressor. Either revolution from below, or invasion from without will signify the end of the original United States, and the beginning of something else.

Our current tax code and system of taxation is the most obvious process of government symbolizing America's failure. Its failure to live up to and enforce the terms of its legally binding Constitutional contract with citizens; failure to establish the ideals, purpose and function as described in that contract. Our tax code is the most convincing evidence that from the very start our nation- of the people, by the people, and for the people- is in fact, and in practice no different than any other in the history of the world.

All known government systems that have existed thus far in civilized human history have been controlled by an Elite Minority Faction consisting of those with position, with power, and with land and wealth. All government systems define the Status Quo and function to secure and sustain this relatively small and limited group.

It does not matter whether the government system is theocracy, authoritarian tyrant, revolutionary despot, fascist, socialist, monarchy, democracy, communist, or republic. Or, as in our case, representative democracy. Neither does it matter how they begin, or why. All known government has been ,and is, the product and tool of an Elite Minority Faction designed and implemented to protect those with power and wealth on the backs and with the lives of average common citizens.

The next logical adaptation in the evolution of government systems is a system of government that is based exclusively on human progress and happiness, on absolute equality of status, privileges, and rights for ALL citizens, and on the unqualified ethical conduct of government in all its functions and activities. These are the cornerstones of the foundation upon which Humanistic Equalism: Philosophy for Ethical Government is built. How does this tie in with our tax code discussion?

Out of the system and process contained in the philosophy of Humanistic Equalism I have developed the framework for a method of taxation designated as, "Equal Taxation." The complete and detailed explanation of Equal Taxation is recorded in a manuscript introducing Humanistic Equalism that I recently completed. For the moment it is only necessary to lay out the general idea and key points.

Equal Taxation's primary purpose and fundamental uniqueness is absolute equality. Equal Taxation's most radical and revolutionary features are that EVERY CITIZEN-PRIVATE AND CORPORATE- who makes more money or earns profits greater than the minimum tax-free threshold amount WILL PAY TAXES; and, that citizens filing personal income tax will be able to direct their president and representatives as to how they are to spend our nation's tax revenue.

After years of research and thought I determined two things regarding citizens' general hatred of government and taxes. First, our tax system is excruciatingly unfair; second, unwise and ineffective spending of tax collected by government. So, the challenge was how can taxes be made equal (because by default equal is fair), and how to give citizens first say-so in how tax dollars are spent.

To meet the first challenge it was determined that every citizen who qualifies to pay taxes will pay the same rate, or percentage. Also, that it is necessary to eliminate and prohibit all exemptions, tax credits, deductions, deferments and tax-free status- such as religious, non-profit, foundations, etc. THE LAW IS THAT IF YOU OWE YOU PAY.

To meet the challenge of giving citizens first control over how presidents and congress spend our money I have devised a means wherein our annual personal income tax form will consist of a brief section to figure out if any taxes are owed. (Since there will no longer be any itemized deductions, tax credits, etc., calculating one's taxes will be easy, straightforward, and simple.) The calculation section will be followed by a longer one containing a relatively detailed breakdown of the previous years' spending by the federal government.

Under three main headings representing the three branches of our government, spending by each branch will be further broken down by department, agency, and program. Citizens will then have the option of checking a box at the beginning of this section of the tax form that essentially tells the president and Congress to spend that citizen's tax payment however they see fit. Or, they may go through the entire spending section, maybe to one particular branch or agency, and check off those items that they wish their federal tax dollars to support. Citizens may also indicate what they DO NOT want their money spent for.

Once all citizens have filed their income tax forms and analyses are completed a final report with a well defined broad outline will be issued to the president, to congress, and to the public indicating what citizens want their tax money used for; what they do not want it used for, and how much on any particular item. If the president and congress do not agree they will have to convince citizens to allow them to do otherwise.

With this system lobbyists will no longer have any influence. Congress, presidents and those running for office will no longer be able to sell our tax code and regulations for campaign contributions or to secure employment after leaving government work. Those who now manipulate tax law or create schemes to reduce or avoid taxes will have to find an honest job. Our federal treasury will have more than enough cash. But most importantly, for the first time in history citizens will have real and substantive control of how and why a nation's money is used.

As I stated above the full description and explanation of Equal Taxation is more detailed and deals with most of the issues that readers might be thinking have not been taken into account. I will share more of those details at a later time. For now I will ask you to just consider the possibilities. If we implemented this system as it is basically outlined here, the United States of America could soon achieve a level and degree of economic and social equality that, in all of human history has never been accomplished.

Please let me know what you think and I will communicate with you again on, or before, 22 April 2008. Give Peace a chance.

BECAUSE LIFE IS NOT FAIR, GOVERNMENT MUST BE EQUAL

14 April 2008

The title of this post sums up the big-picture premise upon which Humanistic Equalism: Philosophy for Ethical Government is constructed; albeit somewhat over-simplified. "Fair," and "equal," are not the same thing. "Fair" is a concept, or idea that flows from the principle of "equal," or "absolute equal" within the context of Humanistic Equalism.

By their very nature people are not fair. The result is a society that is not fair. So far, as a general rule of history, government is neither fair nor equal. Fairness is a subjective judgement that may lead to an action, and is facilitated by the condition of equality. And even though one may choose to act fairly absent the condition of equality, if the principle of equality is the required condition then fair conduct or action must be result. Therefore, since people most often act fairly only when it is in their own self-interest, or advantage, I submit that it is the duty and responsibility of institutional government to establish and maintain the condition of absolute equality concerning its activities, functions, and conduct. That is to say that if our government is predicated on the condition of absolute equality it will be fair.

For example, tomorrow (15 April) is the deadline for filing individual income tax information. By the way, HAPPY TAX DAY! I do not believe that in 55 years I have ever met or known, or known of, anyone that likes anything about income tax -whether private citizen or corporate citizen. If there is any element or aspect about which I might concede that citizens of the United States are in fact and practice "united" it is the issue of taxes. Why is that?

There are certainly as many answers as there are people; some hate the idea of so-called 'wealth redistribution,' most people feel that they are over-taxed (even the super-wealthy), and some simply hate the idea of government. I have concluded that the most common and fundamental reason Americans hate income tax and our tax system is two-fold. Our tax system is unfair and it is complicated beyond description. Our income tax is unfair, it is believed, because it is too high and because it is not spent wisely. It is complicated in order to benefit politicians and the wealthy donor class.

But what if it was possible to have a system of taxation that is equal, fair, and gives citizens first say in how government must spend the revenues? There is.

Next time I will tell you more about the system of taxation developed from the principles and process proposed by Humanistic Equalism: Philosophy for Ethical Government, and I will delve a little deeper into its philosophical construction and reasoning. I look forward to your comments and opinions and to our next encounter. I will communicate with you again in four days on Friday 18 April 2008.
Until then, give peace a chance.

REVOLUTION...EVOLUTION...DEVOLUTION

10 April 2008

I do not know how it was or is for others when they first begin to participate and create in this medium, but for one who is computer competent and technically ignorant, such as I am, starting something, putting a thing in motion is time consuming, challenging and, at times, frustratingly difficult. In addition to this blog site I am also building a googlepages web page (site).

Shift of Power, this adventure, is one of the means I am employing to introduce and share what I believe to be a genuinely new political philosophy construct. The website is the beginning of a long term multi-faceted project regarding history.

Like most average people in our nation I am, in all candor, a materially 'poor' individual. But I have made an effort to really live my 55 years, tried to pay attention, to learn from my own ignorance, immaturity, impatience and indiscretion - and from that of others. Like most common citizens I have a sharp mind, I am curious and I adapt and learn quickly. Unlike many in America, however, I was fortunate in that I learned to read at a very early age, more importantly, I was apparently taught, and subsequently developed, excellent comprehension skills. Until I was offered an opportunity to attend college when I was forty-nine years old, the ability to read well, to understand and later to critically analyze and reason, to actually apply logic enables me to do essentially whatever I choose to do. Enough about days gone by and what I may or may not have done. It is 2008, April in America.

Amidst the vernal reawakening and rebirth over half our planet, the changing of weather, longer days, planting, marriage, reproduction. In the midst of the progress of nature the United States of America cowers and defensively postures, boasting of its "only remaining super-power" status while the corruption and profit of war create perpetual fear and darkness over the nation and throughout the world. Milton Friedman's Chicago School Free Market terrorism, with its sanctification and worship of unfettered privatization and profit, plunder and privilege, like an approaching super cell or hurricane, having reached our horizon. Its thick swirling all-encompassing black clouds hang menacing and low smothering our economy, fostering depression.

Friedman economics and religious terrorism -Christian and Muslim, domestic and foreign- combine to complete the dark shadow inundating America and blocking the life giving sunshine of liberty, hope, and prosperity. In the United States it is more like late December than April. Why? I submit it is because our nation, our government, our culture and society, as a product of Christian orthodoxy- Christianity's moral values and principles- considers piety, privilege, profit, property and power to be more important and valuable than the progress and happiness of living human beings.

This fact is what led me to create, develop and now present for edification and debate this new philosophy, system, and process of government, Humanistic Equalism: Philosophy for Ethical Government. Next time I will lay out the premise and the principles upon which it is organized and constructed. I am sincerely looking forward to your comments, opinions, and an extended and spirited exchange as this conversation moves forward. I will communicate with you again in four days, that is on 14 April 2008.

STATUS QUO OR SHIFT OF POWER?

1 April 2008...

What I would like to know from you is why you overwhelmingly continue to support the status quo?

Hello. My name is James B. Tinsley, I am glad to make your acquaintance and look forward to an extended and provocative discussion about the need for a second American Revolution. A Revolution that can be carried out using the weapons and ammunition found within the 'four-corners' of our United States Constitution and provided by those who constructed the framework of our nation expressly for the purpose of getting rid of bad government. A Revolution in our government structure; its function, purpose and conduct. A Revoultion to break the shackles of manipulation, suppression and control exerted and maintained by the status quo of elite minority faction rule. A revolution to cause and sustain a true shift of power in the United States of America.

I have recently completed work on what I believe to be a new political philosophy: Humanistic Equalism: Philosophy for Ethical Government of Common Sense, by Common People, for Common Good. I hope to stimulate vigorous debate, along with serious consideration and analysis. I am convinced that Humanistic Equalism: Philosophy for Ethical Government is the first new approach and process regarding the execution of government in more than five thousand years. Yes, that is a bold and heady claim, but so far as I can discern it is as true as it is justified. It is a claim that I want you to assist in refuting, or verifying, with your comments and criticisms. Next time I will begin laying out the specifics for edification.

For now, and to put the matter in motion, I am interested to know why it is that American citizens fight so hard to keep the status quo and resist, with the tenacity of a snapping turtle the undeniable need for, and the inexorable inevitability of change? It is going to happen, we all know it happens, generally, we expect it to happen. Yet, the advance of time, the unstoppable development of human understanding and intellect; and natural advances regarding the processes of civilization resulting from technological and scientific progress all continue to be vilified and feared by the average citizen. Our status quo today is the legacy of our nation's history. If that legacy, our current status quo, is broken as most citizens believe that it is, why do we fight tooth and nail to keep doing that which is failing; maintain a system, a process and a belief that has thus far yielded our nation's present state of decline? So, if you will please think about it and give me some feedback on why you think this is so, or not, I really appreciate your thoughts. More soon......James B. Tinsley, B.A.; contact: jtinsley01@gmail.com.