18 JULY 2008
HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY NELSON MANDELA!
A few weeks ago I decided to stop worrying that my blog, SHIFT OF POWER, was not attracting tons of readers, and to stop being frustrated that no one who had read it felt compelled to make a comment. I determined to be patient and returned to the original purpose for creating SHIFT OF POWER, which is to introduce, define and explain Humanistic Equalism: Philosophy for Ethical Government of Common Sense, by Common People, for Common Good. A new political philosophy and concept of government I developed over the past thirty-odd years. I have completed work on the original manuscript and, after having several people read it and offer suggestions, am almost finished with my third re-write. It is my intention and hope that I will be able to offer it for sale in the very near future.
In the mean time, I am using this blog to bring it to your attention by explaining the principles, reasoning, and ideas of Humanistic Equalism: Philosophy for Ethical Government; what it is, how it works, and what it will mean to the United States of America. I firmly believe that our nation is at a point where Revolution, that is, removing our current corrupt and ineffectual government and replacing it with one that is better, more effective and humane is not only absolutely necessary, but that it is entirely possible to do. And that is essentially why I decided to return to my point of origin and patiently, methodically lay out the facts and purpose regarding Humanistic Equalism from the beginning.
So far I have explained the definition, philosophy and principles; what it means, the reasoning that it is based on, what the purpose and objective is, and the process that makes Humanistic Equalism: Philosophy for Ethical Government practicable. Let's review.
The philosophical foundation is HUMANISM, however, replacing the suffix "ism" with the suffix "istic" implies adherence to the active promotion and advancement of Human concerns regarding progress, prosperity, and happiness as the only reason and purpose of government. The principles it is based on are Human value and dignity, factual liberty, and absolutely equal status, privileges, and rights for ALL citizens by the ethical conduct of government. The process that makes Humanistic Equalism work is a Three-question Test process that I described (for the second time) in my last post (12 July 2008). I will now demonstrate how this process works as I promised to do.
Most everyone agrees the American system of politics is the so-called ‘Art’ of compromise. I concur. I would argue that the United States is the product of compromise. It is a point of pride among Americans. We are a reasonable people we are always willing to compromise.
I believe the growth and maturity of the United States; its industrialization, inestimable wealth, and nuclear domination of the planet are all the product of compromise. I believe just as strongly that our immediate and increasing plight of dysfunction, deterioration, and decline are the result of government by compromise. Compromise made the United States what it is, and what it is not.
Compromise is anathema to government function and policy. Compromise is legislative heroin distributed by elected representatives. It reinforces an addiction and feeds a dependency on the status quo among citizens. All this goes to the purpose and function of the Three-question Test process necessary to engage and utilize Humanistic Equalism. A process, by the way, that is applicable to any existing system of government that permits citizen involvement, uses representatives, or makes decision by committee.
It is a process that serves to make citizens the primary object and beneficiary of the eternal and unbreakable chain of cause and effect; and to determine a course that will cause the best effect for every living citizen. Vigorous debate and heated argument can and should remain integral to the process of legislating and policy making. When debate and argument are finished and the time to decide is at hand the Three-question Test process should be applied. Compromise is antithetical to the ends of human progress, prosperity, happiness, equality and ethics. Consequently, no compromise regarding such matters is acceptable.
To further illustrate how this process will change the manner in which government functions is an example of how a legislative proposal would be put to the test. I have chosen to use the issue of same-sex marriage. I chose it because it is one of the so-called "hot-button" issues used for years to keep us divided and therefore more easily manipulated. It is also an issue that reveals the ignorance of many in our country, as well as, the poisonous and deleterious influence that religion insinuates upon government.
It is proposed that same-sex marriage should be permitted.
The first question is asked: Will permitting same-sex marriage cause ruinous harm to the dignity, value, happiness, and progress of citizens’ lives?
We are all familiar with the arguments about the sanctity of the institution of marriage between a man and woman. An institution, by the way, that is so sacred it currently boasts a failure rate of more than fifty (50%) percent. It is also adamantly argued that same-sex marriage is unnatural; that it is an abomination; that marriage has always been between a man and woman (a claim that has no truth in fact). Or, if same-sex marriage is permitted it will not be long before people will want to marry members of their family, or in extreme cases, a beloved farm animal. This, and all "slippery slope" arguments, is the last refuge of ignorance. It is essentially an argument designed to create fear and division. I sincerely believe there is no possible way a person with even marginal intelligence and capacity to reason could, without pressure from some religious element, accept any of these arguments. Therefore, the answer to the first question must be, No.
What about the second question?
Will permitting same-sex marriage secure without exception absolutely equal status, privileges, and rights of every citizen? Since that is the reason for allowing same-sex marriage the only possible answer is, Yes.
Finally, the third question.
Will permitting same-sex marriage require and guarantee, without exception, equitable, impartial, and just application and enforcement to every citizen?
Again, since permitting same-sex marriage would include all those who choose that life-style and are currently excluded from equitable, impartial, and just application and enforcement with regard to marriage the only answer is, Yes.
Using this process to apply the principles of Humanistic Equalism: Philosophy for Ethical Government to the issue of same-sex marriage will mean that citizens who are now ostracized and excluded from living as our Constitution expressly intended will finally be permitted to experience living freely in the pursuit of happiness. Subsequently all those people will feel a greater affinity, take a greater interest, and be more likely to actively support and participate in the growth, maintenance, and prosperity of the nation. When citizens are happy and satisfied with our nation’s laws the United States of America reaps all the benefits of that happiness. One can clearly see from this example how the process of applying the philosophy, principles and process of Humanistic Equalism will work.
Give Peace a chance.
James B. Tinsley, B.A.
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