Recently I received an email from Carly Scott asking if I would be amenable to write about, take action on behalf of, and place a link to www.theelders.org here at Shift of Power. Ms. Scott explained that in 2007 Nelson Mandela convened a group of senior power players affectionately referred to as The Elders. Together they concluded to organize and carry out a campaign to recall and celebrate the 60th anniversary since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights called EVERY HUMAN HAS RIGHTS.
I am happy to do what little I can. The fact is this blog, created to introduce, define and explain Humanistic Equalism: Philosophy for Ethical Government is fundamentally about how to achieve and establish Human Rights. By experience, observation, and reason I have come to believe without any doubt that the United States, indeed the entire civilized world, has only one hope.
It is the hope that citizens of all nations will realize that they, not governments, are the sole source of all value and all power. Until now there has not been a well-reasoned workable philosophy, system or process to construct a Human Rights oriented government upon. However, with Humanistic Equalism: Philosophy for Ethical Government as the foundation, human value and dignity, as well as, improving the condition, prosperity, and happiness of all citizens through absolutely equal status, privileges, and rights with ethical government Universal Human Rights will be fully realized.
Humanistic Equalism will transform the purpose and function of government in a variety of ways. All of which will be addressed over time. For the moment, I want to begin with the way it will affect the manner of decision making, enacting legislation, and taking action. Within my own mind, at least, it is extremely clear that the so-called Art of Compromise, in so far as it concerns the function of government, is the first step leading to corruption and eventually Human Rights abuse.
Since I have devoted two postings (see 25 and 30 April 2008) exposing the fallacy and destructive nature of compromise within the context of government, I will only remark on it briefly. Compromise can be a useful strategy and tool when buying a vehicle, working out a divorce settlement, or closing a business deal. But, when the issue is whether children have adequate food and health care, starting or continuing to fund war, building fighter jets or nuclear submarines; when the issue is bailing out investment banks and hedge funds, giving tax breaks to the super rich while cutting funding for food stamps, or refusing to extend unemployment benefits for those that are unable to find work; when the issue is one of human need vs. property, profit, power, or position, compromise is an unacceptable solution.
Our government was conceived, formed, and has developed from compromise. The United States of America is the epitome of compromise, its best student and most avid supporter. For this reason it will be practically impossible for most Americans to even begin to imagine that government can function without it. How in the world could the United States Federal Government accomplish anything at all without relying on compromise? I readily admit it will be unnatural, frustrating, and excruciatingly difficult, at first. It is, however, within the realm of possibility to accomplish.
In Part II of my previous discussion regarding compromise (30 April 2008), I introduce and briefly describe a method that will, for the most part, eliminate it. The method is a Three-question Test process. This process is the most important element in putting Humanistic Equalism: Philosophy for Ethical Government into practice, for applying theory to real-world circumstances. It is the key process not found in any philosophy or system of government that exists today, or has ever existed in human civilization. The Three-question Test process makes Universal Human Rights the natural primary purpose of government.
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 status, privileges, 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 YES. Each answer must be unequivocal, unqualified, and unambiguous. If the answer to any of the three questions requires special circumstances, treatment, or has exceptions, then the action or function is to be rejected as presented. When any legislation, action, or function under consideration by our government is constructed, written, or undertaken so as to strictly comply with the requirements mandated by the Three-question Test process, only then can it be passed, acted on, or enforced.
So how exactly will this Three-question Test work; how will it succeed in altering the course and current decline of the United States? Why is it the ultimate guarantor of Universal Human Rights? Read my next post and find out. Give Peace a chance.
James B. Tinsley, B. A.
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