POLITICS is meant primarily to reflect the best that human beings have to offer like love, caring, empathy, compassion, and familial closeness.
Our political machinations are tied inextricably with a moral code or an ethical system or a set of biases and myths (values in the broadest sense) with which we approach life, not only as individuals but as social creatures. Like it or not, we all approach life with some sort of moral content, often defined by somebody as “good” or “bad” or, by others as “lacking” or “amoral.”
Today’s post revolves around the question: just what moral standards are we -- as individuals, as members of a society, as citizens of a sovereign nation, as members of a diverse world and as members of a human race-- willing to accept as moral (and therefore desirable) or as immoral (thus undesirable)?
Much of life is devoted to this quest and yet POLITICS seems often to ignore its serious implications or imperatives.
Art, literature, music, journalism, religion and our legal system pay great attention to the life implications and outcomes that occur from the application of ethical principles. Determining right from wrong, the amelioration of sanctions or the application of punishment or the life-altering aspects of illegal or immoral acts are a few of the themes dealt with in works of art and literature. Generally, we seem to end up with renowned pieces of art or literature (like “TO KILL a MOCKINGBIRD”) but who ever heard of anything produced by congressional Committees on Ethics?
POLITICS as MORALITY is not a theme that sits well with politicians nor with some citizens, it appears. Thus, we end up with revealing but uninspiring phrases like:
ü “Oh, that’s just politics” or
ü “Politicians are all alike” or
ü “What can you expect from politicians” or maybe
ü “I’m from the government and I’m here to help you” and
too often
ü “I don’t wish to get involved in politics”
Given my subject today, here are my answers to such categorizations:
Ø It’s never “just politics” – more often than not morality or values are involved
Ø Politicians are not all alike; but some similarity most often comes into play when they embrace an ideology or value system that pushes them to act alike on certain values, good or bad
Ø We can expect so much more- like stricter qualifications and duties for elective offices- and yet we don’t.
Ø So often the government does come to our aid, making daily life more livable, easier or more meaningful, but we ignore or forget that fact (until a pandemic occurs and we gather to show appreciation to front-line workers)
Ø Involvement in politics is not merely a choice; it is a responsibility for every citizen or would-be citizen. After all, We the People are the crucial progenitors and protectors of our constitution and our system of governing. Without us taking responsibility, it does not function as it was meant to do.
Given my subject today, here are my answers to such categorizations:
Ø It’s never “just politics” – more often than not morality or values are involved
Ø Politicians are not all alike; but some similarity most often comes into play when they embrace an ideology or value system that pushes them to act alike on certain values, good or bad
Ø We can expect so much more- like stricter qualifications and duties for elective offices- and yet we don’t.
Ø So often the government does come to our aid, making daily life more livable, easier or more meaningful, but we ignore or forget that fact (until a pandemic occurs and we gather to show appreciation to front-line workers)
Ø Involvement in politics is not merely a choice; it is a responsibility for every citizen or would-be citizen. After all, We the People are the crucial progenitors and protectors of our constitution and our system of governing. Without us taking responsibility, it does not function as it was meant to do.
It is my contention that we
as a People have allowed POLITICS to become tarred with the feathers of
misnomer. POLITICS after all, has become a system of behavior that is not even mentioned in our
Constitution. We have tended to define
POLITICS by words that denote flaws, shortcomings, corruption, machinations,
manipulations, flawed results and unacceptable outcomes. As a result, we now have a cult of believers
who vociferously note that “government is the problem” and needs to be “de-constructed.”
That is how far we have come
from the founding of a government of the People, by the People and for the
People to one seemingly dedicated to the aggrandizement of a smaller and
smaller core. This is how far we have
come from the founding of a system meant to deliver a more perfect Union,
establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common Defense,
promote the general Welfare and secure the blessings of Liberty for ourselves
and our posterity.
Instead, we currently tend to
tolerate a system that promotes divisions among its own people, interprets
justice as controlling certain unwanted groups or ideas, turns defense into
belligerence, eschews the general welfare and ignores those with special needs,
and aims to secure the blessings of liberty for a certain “upper level” segment
of the population. Politics has become a
“dirty word” and nations that would like to see our form of governing
destroyed, are taking full advantage of our divisions, our disruptions,
injustices, and our political aberrations.
It has, in a sense, taken a
viral pandemic to make us aware of our need to look carefully at our system and
to ask: Who are we, and what are we doing? Why can’t we address this threat
adequately? What is the problem? The most direct answer seems to be we have
lost our way. But, what does that
mean?
I think it means that we have
forgotten, denigrated or even set-aside the values – the morality – of governing;
of POLITICS. We have lowered the
threshold of what it means to be a citizen, a politician, a servant of the
people or even a member of humankind. We
are at a crossroads of our history and we must begin to redefine our politics
-- and our system of governance -- in terms of democratic values and humane morality. Let it be clear that by "morality" I do not mean the adoption of a set of laws and rules promulgated by a certain
religion or philosophy. That direction
leads us into establishment of a national religion which is entirely
unacceptable.
No; I refer to the rejuvenation of tried and true best practices
and tenets common to many cultures and philosophies. For the most
part, we already know what they are – we just need to renovate and rejuvenate
them in terms of this time and this place.
Here are examples of the type of rejuvenation of which I speak; having
taken place in their own moments and space.
Instead of beginning with our
Bill of Rights, I have chosen to reach back to one of the documents that
influenced those first Ten Amendments to our Constitution, and remind ourselves
of the prevalent discussion of rights and values at that time in our history. I have taken the liberty of emphasizing some words and phrases that may well deserve some major attention toward rejuvenation:
Virginia Bill of Rights,
June 12, 1776 (excerpts):
1. That all men are
by nature equally free and independent and have certain inherent rights, namely
the enjoyment of life and liberty with the means (opportunities?) of acquiring and possessing
and obtaining happiness and safety
2. That all power is
vested in, and derived from, the people; that magistrates are their trustees
and servants, and at all times amenable to them.
3. That government
is…instituted for the common benefit, protection and security of the people,
nation or community; and…that is best which is capable of producing the
greatest degree of happiness and safety, and…effectually secured against the
danger of maladministration; and that any government …found inadequate or
contrary to these purposes…a majority of the community has an unalienable
right to reform, alter or abolish it in
a manner most conducive to the public weal.
4. That no man, or
set of men, are entitled to exclusive or separate emoluments or privileges from
the community, but in consideration of public services
5. That the
legislative and executive powers of the state…(representatives) may be
restrained from oppression by feeling and participating in the burdens of the
people …should at fixed periods be reduced to a private station….
6. That elections of
members to serve as representatives of the people…ought to be free and that all
men…have the right of suffrage, and cannot be taxed or deprived of their
property for public uses without their own consent…
7. That all power of
suspending laws, or the execution of laws…without consent of the
representatives of the people, is injurious to their rights, and ought not to
be exercised.
8. right to speedy
trial, confrontation of witnesses and impartial jury; and not to have to give
evidence against oneself
9. no excessive bail
or fines; no cruel or unusual punishment
10. general warrants or seizing persons not named or whose
offence is not supported by evidence ought not to be granted
11. civil trial by jury preferable
12. freedom of the press is “one of the great bulwarks of
liberty and can never be restrained but by despotic government
13. well-regulated militia trained in use of arms is
proper, natural and safe defense of a free state; standing army in time of
peace should be avoided as dangerous to liberty
14. people have the right to uniform government
15. “no free government, or the blessings of liberty, can
be preserved to any people, but by a firm adherence to justice, moderation,
temperance, frugality and virtue, and by frequent recurrence in fundamental
principles.”
16. free exercise of religion directed by reason and
conviction not by force or violence
The Fourteen Points speech of President Woodrow Wilson was an address delivered before a joint meeting of Congress on January
8, 1918, during which Wilson outlined his vision for a stable, long-lasting
peace in Europe, the Americas and the rest of the world following World War I. Wilson itemized 14 strategies to ensure
national security and world peace. Several points addressed specific
territorial issues in Europe, but the most significant sections set the tone
for postwar American diplomacy and the ideals that would form the backbone of
U.S. foreign policy as the nation achieved superpower status in the early 20th
century. The first five points and the last,
include:
1. Open covenants of
peace, openly arrived at, after which there shall be no private international understandings of any kind but diplomacy shall proceed always frankly
and in the public view.
2. Absolute freedom of
navigation upon the seas, outside
territorial waters, alike in peace and in war, except as the seas may be closed
in whole or in part by international action for the enforcement of
international covenants.
3. the removal, so
far as possible, of all economic barriers and the establishment of an equality of trade conditions among all the nations consenting to the peace and
associating themselves for its maintenance.
4. Adequate
guarantees given and taken that national armaments will be reduced to the lowest point consistent with domestic
safety.
5. A free,
open-minded, and absolutely impartial adjustment of
all colonial claims, based upon a
strict observance of the principle that in determining all such questions of
sovereignty the interests of the populations concerned must have equal weight
with the equitable government whose title is to be determined.
14. A
general association of nations must be formed under specific covenants for the
purpose of affording mutual guarantees of political independence and
territorial integrity to great and small states alike. (Wikipedia)
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In his 'Four Freedoms' speech,
delivered to a joint session of Congress on January 6, 1941, Franklin Roosevelt
proclaimed the following as essential attributes for mankind:
- Freedom of speech and expression
- Freedom of worship
- Freedom from want
- Freedom from fear
“This speech was significant
in that FDR went beyond the regular freedoms insured by our Constitution and
claimed these new rights as American values. They became symbols for Americans
to rally around during the turbulent times of World War II. To the citizens of
that time period, striving toward these freedoms distinguished the country from
fascist nations. The Four Freedoms have continued to act as inspiration for
citizens and political leaders to this day.” (https://rooseveltinstitute.org/four-freedoms/)
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The Universal Declaration
of Human Rights (UDHR) is an historic
document that was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly at its third
session on 10 December 1948 as Resolution 217 at the Palais de Chaillot in
Paris, France. The Declaration consists
of 30 articles affirming an individual's rights
which, although not legally binding in themselves, have been elaborated in
subsequent international treaties, economic transfers, regional human rights
instruments, national constitutions, and other laws.
The Declaration was the first
step in the process of formulating the International
Bill of Human Rights, which was
completed in 1966, and came into force in 1976, after a sufficient number of
countries had ratified them (including the U.S.A). (Wikipedia)
- Articles 1–2 established the basic concepts of
dignity, liberty, and equality.
- Articles 3–5 established other individual rights, such as the right to life and the prohibition of slavery and torture.
- Articles 6–11 refer to the fundamental legality
of human rights with specific remedies cited for their defense when
violated.
- Articles 12–17 established the rights of the individual towards the community (including such things as freedom of movement).
- Articles 18–21 sanctioned the so-called
"constitutional liberties", and with spiritual, public, and
political freedoms, such as freedom of thought, opinion, religion and conscience,
word, and peaceful
association of the individual.
- Articles 22–27 sanctioned an individual's economic, social and cultural rights, including healthcare. Article 25 states: "Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services." It also makes additional accommodations for security in case of physical debilitation or disability, and makes special mention of care given to those in motherhood or childhood.
- Articles 28–30 established the general ways of
using these rights, the areas in which these rights of the individual
cannot be applied, and that they cannot be overcome against the
individual.
History is replete with examples
of codes, commandments, laws, points, declarations, treatises and even morality
stories and fables, all attempting to speak to the need of human beings to
express freedoms, rights, liberties and entitlements. It is one strong indication that human beings understand that politics and governance have an integral relation to the
moral fiber of words and actions. Without
Morality, Virtue and Principles -- founded to enhance human life in general and political
governance in particular -- something is wrong, askew and dangerous to humankind.
We have an opportunity,
spawned by a horrendous experience, that does not come along that often (but do
note that such moments often come in the wake of catastrophes). It is time for a new deal, a reform movement,
a structural change in our flawed institutions and a rebirth of our democratic
virtues and principles. We have some
clues; we even have examples from our past.
Let us not ignore the possibilities, which include, the following, among
many:
- Putting people first and giving them greater direct voice in decision-making; voting is not enough. Advisory Councils, Citizen Commissions, Community Oversight Commissions; Amendments to the Constitution by Citizen petition and referendum and direct involvement in oversight and evaluation are needed
- “Representation” must be redefined (see posting on 2/26/17). That long ago Bill of Rights from Virginia mentions that public service can be enhanced when politicians are given a furlough period of at least 4 years from their duties to return to where they came to re-engage with those they served with before being eligible to serve again in public office. in other words: ‘term limits’ or ‘furloughs’ were seen as possibilities for enlivening the fundamental essence of representation which is that of acting “on behalf of” someone else as a servant, protector and benefactor, not acting on behalf of a Party, a Sponsor, a Mentor or personal Benefactor to enhance one’s own status or position.
- Justice must be redefined. 'Punishment’ and ‘revenge’ are inadequate definitions. Treatment; living skills training; performing community service and laboring to repay victims are possible choices for sentences that recognize the humanity of the offender and the necessity of second chances. Incarceration as a profit-making venture must be abolished.
- Certain vulnerable populations must be provided the necessities of life as a moral imperative, not as a ‘safety net’ or ‘welfare’ subsidy. The responsibility of government to care for the most vulnerable of society is something that can be traced back to many early religions. A list of some vulnerabilities might include persons caught in poverty; those who are homeless; those challenged by developmental disabilities, sickness physical or mental disorders; the aged and infirm and persons who suffer the indignities of discrimination and prejudice; especially children whose lives are affected by obstacles of any kind
- It is past time to recognize the moral and pragmatic necessity of providing affordable health care for all; but especially for those who cannot afford private insurance. Establishing a single payer system would guarantee health care to everyone but could leave supplemental choices to any who desire them. I happen to think that there should be absolutely no delay in taking a first step supported by Senators Sanders and Warren – to immediately enroll all persons aged 55 and older in the Medicare program. Maybe that age could be lowered to another generation by 2022.
- It is evident that our public health system is in disarray if not in tatters. Reserves must be adequately supplied; pipelines for getting supplies to sites unclogged and overflow beds identified; hospitals and clinics put under stricter protocols and inspections (perhaps given a rating to indicate its level of functioning); and protective supplies (PPEs) available from more manufacturers and vendors; monitoring programs and analytics are also crucial; software and hardware need upgrading along with Tech departments
- If we can build structures that house overflow patients, we can for sure build both temporary and permanent housing for homeless persons. There is no excuse for allowing a homeless population to grow and grow. Housing must be an essential government service, to be augmented by needed community services and a bureau of navigators who will match people with services they need or require
- it is past time to change our political machinery and to lessen the import of political ideology and influence. Eligibility for public office is one key – the mission and functions of each office must be made crystal clear and eligibility of potential candidates vetted to make sure that candidates are both eligible and qualified. Here is a sample of some of the skills needed for any presidential position, such as in a typical company:
o Innovative, with
a vision of the future of the company that they can plan, strategize and
execute.
o Good
communication skills, with the ability to communicate with board members,
executives and frontline employees.
o Financial and
operational knowledge, as well as knowledge of regulations, policy and
procedures that affect the company.
o Ability to
attract, develop and retain top talent.
o Have a high level
of emotional intelligence.
o Strong leadership
skills with the ability to inspire people to action through personal influence.
Should
we expect any less from the President of the United States? Then why not make our requirements plain for
every candidate to have to validate before they can be nominated? (A sample job
description -- somewhat tongue-in-cheek-- for POTUS is available at:
Moreover,
at the end of this posting, you can view my own version of a position
description for POTUS. This is something
that should be instituted for all government offices where it does not already
exist.
All candidates for federal office (elective or
appointed) should be thoroughly vetted by a non-partisan group such as the National (or
State) Board of Elections, to which candidates nominated by petition, by Party Convention
or by a non-profit organization, should, in addition to an oral examination, have
to submit their answers to the requirements of the job description, along with
appropriate documentation. Their subsequent
approval or disapproval would stand unless successfully challenged in a federal
court. This system could potentially increase the number of nominees, but
restrict the number of candidates on ballots because of needed approval of the
qualifications of all nominees based, not upon the whims and desires of Party or donors,
but on the judgment of non-partisan commissioners.
v In addition,
election processes and primary politics would have to be amended to reflect
this new method of approval based on qualifications and requirements of the
office.
v Congress must be streamlined in terms of how work is
done and how long legislation is allowed to linger before it is acted upon; time
limits must be imposed – no leader should have the power to schedule or to
delay legislative action
v It is a mistake for Congress to be able to make all of
its own rules, some of which thwart the will of the people, including member
privilege and the filibuster with its rule of cloture
v Paramount to such reform is the power of the majority
Political Party; this needs revision so that the primary aim and purpose of the
Congress can be freed from the clutches of politicians who put party above
their representation of the people.
v It is imperative to provide a third method for amending the Constitution which is initiated by grass-roots citizens; by-passes congressional approval (allowing only for their endorsement or non-endorsement) and is voted on in a general referendum (see postings at 6/20/10; 5/26/14).
v It is imperative to provide a third method for amending the Constitution which is initiated by grass-roots citizens; by-passes congressional approval (allowing only for their endorsement or non-endorsement) and is voted on in a general referendum (see postings at 6/20/10; 5/26/14).
v It is also imperative that impeachment be seen as a
measure of last resort among other methods for removing a malfunctioning president
(or lesser officeholder) from his/her position. Other procedures could
allow for recall elections, recall hearings by a non-partisan elective/ appointive commission, or a recall vote within the appropriate house of
Congress.
We have much work to do to prepare
for and to inaugurate a new era of politics defined by values of a responsible
democratic majority instead of the values (or lack thereof) of a chosen
few. Let us return to fundamental responsibilities
and actions based on what is Right rather than on the ideology of the Right Wing!
Let us realize that politics as morality is the lesson of the Good being demonstrated by people making familial togetherness real and available to the widest extent possible. Yes, we will get through this together, and hopefully take what we have learned to rejuvenate the focus of both our morality and our form of government, mending our brokeness by means of the compassionate acts of millions.
Let us realize that politics as morality is the lesson of the Good being demonstrated by people making familial togetherness real and available to the widest extent possible. Yes, we will get through this together, and hopefully take what we have learned to rejuvenate the focus of both our morality and our form of government, mending our brokeness by means of the compassionate acts of millions.
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For your careful consideration:
ëAttachment: Presidential
Job Description
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PRESIDENT
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Highest Office
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Executive Branch
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POTUS
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Washington, DC
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Travel Required
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$400,000
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Full Time (and more)
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OMB
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1789
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Website:
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Never
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JOB SUMMARY
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The president is tasked with providing strong leadership for this nation
by working closely with the Congress, Executive Department Directors and
other executives, e.g., State Governors, to establish short and long-term
goals, plans and strategies to unite and to benefit the people of this
nation; such benefits to include (but are not limited to):
·
protection of inalienable rights and freedoms,
·
protection of legitimate property rights
·
provide for the nation’s common defense and the personal safety of its
inhabitants; protection of the States from invasion;
·
establish equality of justice for all;
·
maintain domestic tranquility and promote peace among nations of the
world;
·
attend to the general welfare of the people with special consideration
given to the needs of the most vulnerable;
·
provide a broad range of opportunities to every citizen to encourage
their pursuit of happiness, sense of achievement and chance for a productive
life;
·
secure the blessings of Liberty to the people and to our posterity
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JOB DESCRIPTION: Roles and
Responsibilities
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GENERAL
RESPONSIBILITIES:
CONSTITUTIONAL
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Commander-in-chief of the Armed FORCES OF
the United States, and of the militia of the several states when they are called to service
of the federal government of the United States;
2. Grant reprieves and pardons of offences
against the United States;
3. Make treaties with other nations subject to
concurrence of 2/3s of the Senate;
4. Shall nominate and appoint (with advice and
consent of the Senate) Ambassadors and other public ministries and counsels,
Judges of the Supreme Court and all other Officers of the United States
established by law (latter may be proscribed by Congress); shall also receive
Ambassadors and other Public officials, and Commission all the Officers of
the United States;
5. May fill all vacancies during recess of the
Senate by providing temporary commissions;
6. Give information and recommendations to
Congress in a “State of the Union” report or address; and may, on
extraordinary occasions, convene both or just one House of Congress; or may
in case of disagreement for adjournment of either (or both) House of
Congress, adjourn them to an appropriate
date of his/her choosing;
7. shall take care that the laws be faithfully
executed; bound by oath to support and defend the Constitution
Qualifications
and Education Requirements
limited to two full terms of 4 years each.
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